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My Houzz: Colorful Midcentury Modern by the Ocean
Retro furniture, spirited colors and a backyard teahouse create a personal coastal retreat for a family of three
I'm a Southern California-based writer, editor, photographer and web content producer specializing in home and garden topics, landscape design, architecture, design history and the environment. Since 2008, I've been the Pool and Patio Guide for About.com, and am a home tour contributor for Houzz. I've also written for The Los Angeles Times, Westways, Emmy, KCET and PBS. I have a B.A. in Art from Cal Poly, Pomona; a certificate in fine and decorative arts appraisal from UCI and am a certified landscape designer. My house is a mid-century modern needing repairs, updates and tweaks. Luckily, my ancestors were artists and DIYers: they were making/building things way before the term do-it-yourself was coined.
I'm a Southern California-based writer, editor, photographer and web content... More »
Los Angeles area residents Robert and Petra Wirsching were hesitant about leaving the culture and vibe of big-city life for the suburbs of Orange County, California. But one unbearable triple-digit August afternoon, the couple went for a cruise south from their home in Encino in their 1969 Cadillac convertible to visit a friend in Laguna Beach.
"As we neared the coast, we noticed the outside temperature got cooler and cooler," recalls Robert. "We thought, this is something we could get used to." As they approached Pacific Coast Highway in south Laguna Beach, they were awestruck by the view of the Pacific — so awestruck, they missed the turn to their friend's house.
Heading back around, they passed a tract of homes that looked like a midcentury modern utopia. "Petra went nuts," says Robert. A few months later, the couple left their familiar digs and friends in L.A. and bought a fixer-upper in that same Laguna Niguel neighborhood.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Petra Wirsching; their son, Marco; and their cats, Rocky and Zucchini
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
Size: About 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, studio apartment downstairs
That's interesting: A Mark Bennett print designed for Wirsching, a fan of the TV series I Dream of Jeannie, hangs on the fireplace wall.
"As we neared the coast, we noticed the outside temperature got cooler and cooler," recalls Robert. "We thought, this is something we could get used to." As they approached Pacific Coast Highway in south Laguna Beach, they were awestruck by the view of the Pacific — so awestruck, they missed the turn to their friend's house.
Heading back around, they passed a tract of homes that looked like a midcentury modern utopia. "Petra went nuts," says Robert. A few months later, the couple left their familiar digs and friends in L.A. and bought a fixer-upper in that same Laguna Niguel neighborhood.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Robert and Petra Wirsching; their son, Marco; and their cats, Rocky and Zucchini
Location: Laguna Niguel, California
Size: About 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, studio apartment downstairs
That's interesting: A Mark Bennett print designed for Wirsching, a fan of the TV series I Dream of Jeannie, hangs on the fireplace wall.
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The main living area is really one large room. A low, thick-walled mustard yellow divider separates the kitchen from the living room and provides one of the few actual walls in the main areas of the house.
Designed by the late architect George Bissell in the early 1960s, the house integrates the indoors with the outdoors, making the transition almost seamless. The surrounding land was mostly undeveloped when the homes in the tract were built, allowing for ocean views from most. In place of walls, Bissell designed floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. As a result, there is very little wall space on which to hang artwork.
Designed by the late architect George Bissell in the early 1960s, the house integrates the indoors with the outdoors, making the transition almost seamless. The surrounding land was mostly undeveloped when the homes in the tract were built, allowing for ocean views from most. In place of walls, Bissell designed floor-to-ceiling glass windows and sliding doors. As a result, there is very little wall space on which to hang artwork.
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| Before the Wirschings could inhabit the house, some heavy remodeling needed to happen. Luckily, Robert is a general contractor specializing in wood finishing, cabinetry, flooring, tile setting and high-end painting. One of the first things he did was replace the faded burgundy carpeting. In its place went ash hardwood flooring, extending into the kitchen. Shiny, embossed 1970s-era wallpaper was removed, and walls were painted white, except for the panel separating the kitchen from the living room. One of the cats, Rocky, rests on the Design Within Reach couch here. The granite coffee table was bought at a consignment shop, and the blue glass bowl is Murano. |
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The Wirschings' house is two stories. The main living space, including the backyard, is on the second level, built against an embankment. When you enter the house, the door to the right opens to the garage, and to the left is a large studio that Robert uses as an office.
The entryway is a landing pad for the family's comings and goings. Jackets get hung on the Henry Miller Hang-It-All, while a white IKEA locker under the stairs holds shoes. Balls and athletic equipment are corralled in large black wire floor containers. The horizontal shelves are also IKEA.
The entryway is a landing pad for the family's comings and goings. Jackets get hung on the Henry Miller Hang-It-All, while a white IKEA locker under the stairs holds shoes. Balls and athletic equipment are corralled in large black wire floor containers. The horizontal shelves are also IKEA.
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Once the new flooring and improvements were in place, the Wirschings moved in, adding their collection of various Eames and other midcentury chairs and tables, lamps, accessories and paintings.
The fiberglass-shell rocker is an original Eames chair, as are the bent plywood Eames Herman Miller chairs.
The fiberglass-shell rocker is an original Eames chair, as are the bent plywood Eames Herman Miller chairs.
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A 1960s mahogany game table serves as the dining table. "Most dining tables are 30 inches high," Robert says. "This one is 27.5. It was definitely custom built for someone who liked to gather 'round the table and play cards, maybe have a few drinks." The table and leather captain's chairs came from a consignment store in West Los Angeles.
The couple added thick glass to cover the top, allowing for a view of the beautiful, rich wood without the anxiety of scratches or water stains. The silver platter is a retired Nambé piece; it holds orange and royal blue Kosta Boda votives.
The couple added thick glass to cover the top, allowing for a view of the beautiful, rich wood without the anxiety of scratches or water stains. The silver platter is a retired Nambé piece; it holds orange and royal blue Kosta Boda votives.
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The open layout blends the living room, dining area and kitchen altogether. To break up the space, the couple grouped an original Wassily chair (designed by Marcel Breuer) and Barcelona chair (designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe) and an Eames tulip table make an intimate setting next to the fireplace.
Hanging on the fireplace wall is a Mark Bennett print designed for Wirsching, who is a fan of the old TV series I Dream of Jeannie.
Hanging on the fireplace wall is a Mark Bennett print designed for Wirsching, who is a fan of the old TV series I Dream of Jeannie.
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| Robert designed and remodeled the kitchen about five years ago. The kitchen includes cherry wood cabinetry with a horizontally positioned grain, Caesarstone countertops, and Fisher & Paykel appliances, including a drawer-style dishwasher. |
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The dining room space provides a view of the Wirschings' backyard.
Petra's proudest moments as a homeowner are when she's entertaining guests. And who would she like sitting at her dining table these days? "President Obama, Frank Gehry, Brad Pitt and Adele," says Petra, adding, "Of course, Adele would have to sing!"
Petra's proudest moments as a homeowner are when she's entertaining guests. And who would she like sitting at her dining table these days? "President Obama, Frank Gehry, Brad Pitt and Adele," says Petra, adding, "Of course, Adele would have to sing!"
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| Artwork by Mark Bennett decorates the hallway. |
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Son Marco's room is small, but space is economized by using an IKEA bookcase as a headboard and storage. A bright red accent space pulls together the youthful space, and a floating shelf provides additional storage.
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Because Marco's room is small, Robert and Petra capitalized on the vertical space in the room, adding a loft space above the built-in closet. They installed carpeting, a railing and a ladder so Marco can have easy access to the nook.
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| While the in-ground swimming pool takes up much of the backyard, areas are established with specific activities in mind. Wood decking was placed over the concrete to make an outdoor living room and a location where Marco and his friends can be watched by an adult while in the pool. Other "rooms" and outdoor spaces in back include a raised vegetable garden, a koi pond, a dining room, a barbecue, and Petra's prized teahouse retreat. Petra and Robert oil and sand their teak garden furniture with linseed oil every few months to help maintain its warm, rich brown color. Petra's collection of blue and white porcelain purchased while traveling or at estate sales or antique stores makes for a lovely centerpiece. |
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Japanese and Far East decorations and accessories were added to Petra's teahouse. Petra is a nurse who often works long shifts and wakes up for work around 4:30 a.m., so she often escapes for a restorative afternoon nap on her Futon inside.
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| More than 100 dead rosebushes were removed from the yards in front and back. The landscaping was made more indigenous to the region and easier to maintain. Ever the vintage furniture shoppers, the Wirschings found this pair of pool lounges at a garage sale in L.A. They were made around the 1950s or 1960s out of fiberglass. |
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The exterior features a yellow-green painted door. The same hue is carried up to the second level. Two small children's chairs and a Japanese-style fountain at the side of the door welcome all to this eclectic home.
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Comments
Madison Modern Home Love the vibe in this house. Very LA, laid-back, Mid Century Modern cool family home
15 months ago · Like
Becky Harris I love that they've gone mid-century, but not been too precious or depressingly spare about it (as today's interpretations of the style can sometime be),layering their own personalities all over the house. Oh, and now I want a teahouse of my own - I am very jealous of that little naptime getaway!
15 months ago · Like
koolbeanzzzz Such a beautiful home. Feels happy inside :)
15 months ago · Like
Lisa Hallett Taylor I agree --that tea house is very inviting. If I had it in my backyard, a nap might be a daily routine for me!
15 months ago · Like
linbar I lived in Laguna Niguel for many years and must say it is the perfect family community. This home reflects the ecclectic architectural syle found in many of the neighborhoods. Some mid century modern and some large oversized Tudor styles. Whatever you may be looking for.
15 months ago · Like
Charles Seyferth Ugh. Eames Shell Chair with Eiffel base. Eames Molded Plywood Chair. Wassily Chair. Barcelona Chair. Bertoia. Nelson. Etc. Original or replica, it's getting too cliche....
15 months ago · Like
andrewo I notice Obama's portrait in the room. Do they really think people will have homes like that if Obama's vision succeeds? Or does it even matter so long as THEY have a home like that?
15 months ago · Like
debgt The Bama pic ruined the whole thing for me!
14 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on March 2, 2012.
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