Thi Nguyen

Brian describes the location as a combination of a retro neighborhood with desert amenities. The home’s backyard opens to a pristine desertscape that is protected under California State Law.

The converted garage feels airy and private despite its 576 square feet. In fact, Brian recently hosted his friends, a family of five, in the casita.

The garage turned casita/pool house features a custom plywood bed, bench, and cabinetry.

The previous owners used the residence as a vacation home. The husband was an avid painter and photographer who used the garage as a dark room, which meant there was already plumbing installed when Brian decided to convert the space into a casita.

A Hans Wagner Rope Chair, West Elm credenza, and Noguchi Akari UF3-DL Standing Lamp round out the primary bedroom.

In the primary bedroom, SchoolHouse Electric Reading Lamps, custom Sisal rugs, and tousled linen bedding create warmth and neutral texture.

An H.D. Buttercup Lounge Chair, George Nelson Bench, and Noguchi 1A Table Lamp sit just off the kitchen.

The dining space features the Gather Table and Salt Chairs, both by Design Within Reach, a Noguchi Akari 75A ceiling lamp, and a framed Raf Simons blanket that doubles as unexpected artwork.

The revamped kitchen includes custom oak cabinets, quartz countertops and an H.D. Buttercup Lounge Chair as an accent.

The white sectional is by ABC Carpet & Home. It’s surrounded by a custom Sisal rug, a concrete coffee table by CB2, and a vintage wooden bench sourced from Found Object.

Brian pulled out the wall-to-wall carpeting that was installed throughout much of the home to reveal the original concrete floors underneath, which had rampant cracks. He grinded the floors down and sealed them as matte as possible.

Brian selected Private Black by Behr for the exterior's dark brown paint.

The renovation took 2.5 years, in part due to common Covid-related delays, and was officially completed in June 2023.

Tucked away from the street, this historic residence has graceful archways, a chic black kitchen, and a backyard oasis.

Large French doors open up to capture panoramic views of the Seine.