The Venice Walnut House

When Cándida Wohlgemuth, the founder of Venice-based interior design studio, WHLF studio, received a call from her brother, Roberto, saying he was buying a Spanish home from the 1920's in Venice, CA she was ecstatic. “I’ve always wanted to have full reign of a Spanish project,” she notes.

The home was in a state of disarray for years and badly in need of help — from the sinking foundation and cracked ceilings to the mold growing on the walls behind layers of old furniture.

The home went through a full renovation to the studs, but the perimeter and archways were kept intact. Cándida's vision was to highlight the original Spanish style in both the interior and exterior, from the clay tile roof to the interior archways, while bringing a fresh, minimal, and more functional finish.

Every aspect of the home was to embody the serenity of the Mediterranean. Smooth stucco exterior walls added airiness and light toward the large walnut front door into the front living area. Roman clay walls inside were finished in a light grey custom color from Portola Paints, named after WHLF studio founder's daughter Vélo. The kitchen was opened up from an enclosed room to flow into the main living area, including a custom slatted wood island by Swiss Woodworking, Inc and black porcelain countertops.

Not only was the renovation done through the year 2020 which had a slew of ups and downs, but Cándida was pregnant during the project. She met with an electrician on the way to the hospital to give birth.