Houzz Tours
Modern Architecture
My Houzz: They’re Right at Home in Their Schindler House
Chance brought a couple to their Inglewood home designed by the L.A. midcentury architect. It will be part of a June design tour
“The description simply read ‘Modern Architecture — Great Neighborhood,’” says Kali Nikitas about the Craigslist posting she was curious enough to click on. Luckily, it was an ad for a Rudolph M. Schindler pre–World War II speculative home, for sale by the owner in the Inglewood neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Nikitas and her husband, Richard Shelton, both academic administrators at Otis College of Art and Design, were in the market for a new house near the campus. After months of unsuccessfully searching through the MLS, Nikitas looked at Craigslist on a whim. “It must have been fate, since I spoke with the owner at 2 p.m. and we had a viewing at 4 p.m. that same day. In three short weeks, we had the keys to our new home,” she says. Despite the ease and brevity of the transaction, the real treasure was that it was designed by the Los Angeles architectural pioneer, one of only three in the area. “I simply couldn’t believe it,” says Shelton. “We’ve always been admirers of Schindler but never dreamed of owning one of his houses.”
Nikitas and her husband, Richard Shelton, both academic administrators at Otis College of Art and Design, were in the market for a new house near the campus. After months of unsuccessfully searching through the MLS, Nikitas looked at Craigslist on a whim. “It must have been fate, since I spoke with the owner at 2 p.m. and we had a viewing at 4 p.m. that same day. In three short weeks, we had the keys to our new home,” she says. Despite the ease and brevity of the transaction, the real treasure was that it was designed by the Los Angeles architectural pioneer, one of only three in the area. “I simply couldn’t believe it,” says Shelton. “We’ve always been admirers of Schindler but never dreamed of owning one of his houses.”
The front yard is shared by a coordinating Schindler house to the right. Fashion designer Onna Ehrlich-Bell and product designer Joel Bell have meticulously restored the home with the help of Ehrlich-Bell’s father, architect Steven Ehrlich. Landscape designer Stefan Hammerschmidt helped create a drought-tolerant California garden shared by both houses.
Channeling the spirit of Schindler, who was a true bohemian of his time and had a communal living space with another couple in his iconic Kings Road home, the two families have formed a close bond. “Due to the design and layout of the houses, we constantly see and interact with each other,” Nikitas says. “The communal space connects us, and we are like one big family. We can honestly say the architecture is a main contributing factor.”
Photo by David Roy
Channeling the spirit of Schindler, who was a true bohemian of his time and had a communal living space with another couple in his iconic Kings Road home, the two families have formed a close bond. “Due to the design and layout of the houses, we constantly see and interact with each other,” Nikitas says. “The communal space connects us, and we are like one big family. We can honestly say the architecture is a main contributing factor.”
Photo by David Roy
When the couple took possession of the house, it mainly needed just cosmetic fixing. They enlisted the help of architects Scott Walters and Ross Yerian, whose knowledge of Schindler’s work enabled them to return the house to its original design. “The first thing we did was paint the house white inside. Schindler believed in seamlessly blending the exterior with the interior. Using the same color allows the ceilings and walls to extend continuously through the windows,” Nikitas says. “We also stripped the maroon paint from the custom Douglas fir built-ins and left the wood unvarnished. Thankfully, the wood floors were intact and in good condition.”
The couple’s minimalist design sense allows the clean lines and open feel of the house to take center stage. “Like most people, our furniture is a mix of collected and custom-made pieces as wells as pieces acquired online, at flea markets or chain stores,” says Nikitas.
Shelton is an avid collector of vinyl records. The stereo system is housed in a Jens Risom midcentury console. “We added a marble top and took out one shelf to accommodate the system,” Shelton says. “It’s a beautiful vintage piece we acquired in Minneapolis.”
Dining table: vintage school table from Chicago; dining chairs: Amsterdam Modern
Shelton is an avid collector of vinyl records. The stereo system is housed in a Jens Risom midcentury console. “We added a marble top and took out one shelf to accommodate the system,” Shelton says. “It’s a beautiful vintage piece we acquired in Minneapolis.”
Dining table: vintage school table from Chicago; dining chairs: Amsterdam Modern
The opposing view from the living area shows how the two custom-built closets add architectural interest and minimally divide the space without the need for walls. To the left is the closet for the master bedroom that lies behind the left wall. To the right in front of the doorway is the coat closet.
A fan of Russian propaganda art, Shelton acquired the three allegorical lithographs from a friend who had brought them from Russia in the ’80s. From left to right, the three portraits represent agriculture, science and construction.
A fan of Russian propaganda art, Shelton acquired the three allegorical lithographs from a friend who had brought them from Russia in the ’80s. From left to right, the three portraits represent agriculture, science and construction.
A close-up of the entryway closet reveals a built-in console for the dining area. The small pulls created by the back-cut faces on the cabinet doors are a typical Schindler design. Nikitas, whose favorite color is orange, loves the warm tones of the unfinished wood and has accented them with a simple ceramic platter and mangoes.
Ceramic platter: vintage, from Pasadena City College Flea Market
Ceramic platter: vintage, from Pasadena City College Flea Market
A close-up of the closet for the master bedroom shows a built-in desk featuring the same back-cut detailing. The glass brick allows light to flow between the living room and the bedroom.
The desk is accented by whimsical pieces, such as this vintage ceramic statue of the RCA dog Nipper found by Shelton. “Growing up, my father had record stores and we also had a Nipper, only papier-mâché. That dog is following me,” says Nikitas.
White ceramic vase: Madrona, Mirena Kim Ceramics; Eames lounge chair: gift from Nikitas’ mother
The desk is accented by whimsical pieces, such as this vintage ceramic statue of the RCA dog Nipper found by Shelton. “Growing up, my father had record stores and we also had a Nipper, only papier-mâché. That dog is following me,” says Nikitas.
White ceramic vase: Madrona, Mirena Kim Ceramics; Eames lounge chair: gift from Nikitas’ mother
The shelves house an ever-changing display of cherished items that represent the homeowners’ lives both together and apart. “The pieces are very special to us. They represent travel, friendships, gifts, family heirlooms, art we bought, art friends made and mementos from special evenings with friends,” says Nikitas. “We often entertain, and sometimes if the party is around 15, we ask each guest to bring a small token of something that has meaning around the theme of the evening, such as Christmas or Valentine’s Day, and to be sure to bring enough for each guest. For example, there are beads made by a 4-year-old guest, a string of peanuts with glitter eyes and cardboard boxes with the message ‘Free Kiss’ on them.”
In the seating area, one can enjoy the light and view of the front balcony without being seen from the street level below. “One of our favorite Schindler design elements is having maximum unobstructed views to the outside without having to compromise privacy,” says Shelton. “It’s all due to the high windows. There’s simply no need for curtains or blinds in this house, so we always have great light.”
Chair: Antony by Jean Prouvé
Chair: Antony by Jean Prouvé
Outside, the front balcony is accented with simple potted succulents and two Oh chairs for Umbra designed by Karim Rashid.
The white iron fence was added by the previous owner. “It had a very traditional design, but we cut the ornamental pieces in between the rails to make it more in line with Schindler’s modern aesthetic,” says Nikitas. The couple also stripped down the panel by the front door to its original Douglas fir wood to mimic the interior wood accents.
The white iron fence was added by the previous owner. “It had a very traditional design, but we cut the ornamental pieces in between the rails to make it more in line with Schindler’s modern aesthetic,” says Nikitas. The couple also stripped down the panel by the front door to its original Douglas fir wood to mimic the interior wood accents.
The asymmetrical mantel, the brick and cement fireplace, and the kindling box used to hold firewood are all classic Schindler elements. “When we first bought the house, it had the same tiles found in the kitchen covering part of the cement flooring and the remains of the kindling box,” says Shelton. Yerian removed the ceramic tile and discovered the original cement underneath (seen at the Kings Road house). He then built a kindling box after he, Shelton and Walters researched the fireplace treatment of the third Schindler home on West Ellis.
Glass table: vintage Barcelona, Mies van de Rohe; white vase: Jonathan Adler; orange platter: vintage from Pasadena City College Flea Market; beige ceramics: Mirena Kim Ceramics
Glass table: vintage Barcelona, Mies van de Rohe; white vase: Jonathan Adler; orange platter: vintage from Pasadena City College Flea Market; beige ceramics: Mirena Kim Ceramics
The living area connects to the outside with a large glass wall. The clerestory window on top was painted white by the previous owner. “We thought it was wood for the longest time,” says Shelton. “Then we noticed the slight crack to the left, which tipped us off that it was probably glass underneath, and so we stripped it down.”
Leather sofa: Theatre Sofa, Design Within Reach
Leather sofa: Theatre Sofa, Design Within Reach
The master bedroom connects to the outside through large wood casement windows. “These are original, but the sliding metal windows are more recent alterations,” says Shelton.
Shelton, a multimedia conceptual artist, created the two paintings that mimic the Suprematist art of Kasimir Malevich and make up the headboard. The platform bed was built by their friend, Dutch architect Addy Deboer of Nexit.
Light on platform bed: Sticky Lamp, Droog
Shelton, a multimedia conceptual artist, created the two paintings that mimic the Suprematist art of Kasimir Malevich and make up the headboard. The platform bed was built by their friend, Dutch architect Addy Deboer of Nexit.
Light on platform bed: Sticky Lamp, Droog
A closer look at the casement windows and the view to the backyard garden.
On top of the dresser are portraits of the couple taken by Katherine Turczan and a photograph by Julius Shulman, photographer of midcentury architecture. “It was a gift from our great friend, renowned architect Steven Erhlich,” says Nikitas. The white painting on the wall is by Shelton and has faint lettering saying “Everything or nothing at all.”
Dresser: vintage from Boston
Dresser: vintage from Boston
A view of the custom closet and glass brick wall that distributes light from the living room.
The closets and drawers are all original and built with superior craftsmanship. The drawers operate smoothly, like modern cabinets without hardware. “Carpentry at its finest,” says Nikitas.
The second bedroom, currently used to house Shelton’s impressive vinyl collection, also connects to the sculptural succulent garden through a wall of glass.
The bathroom has yet to be redesigned and has a few original elements, including the tub and linoleum floor. “Schindler was really big on modern interior materials and often let the interior dictate the design of the space. Linoleum was a modern material at the time, so we intend to use linoleum, or more sustainable marmoleum, as well,” says Nikitas. “We also intend to keep the square tub.” The rest is still up for debate by the couple. Some ideas include replacing the sink with a custom-built wood vanity made in the same style of the living room desk and replacing the tiles with wood.
The kitchen has also yet to be redesigned. Nothing is original except the clerestory window and the recessed light, which had previously been covered up. “We discovered it when we took out the track lighting,” says Nikitas.
A simple display of modern ceramics, colorful fruit and orange tulips brightens the space.
Ceramics: Mirena Kim Ceramics and Hasami Porcelain
A simple display of modern ceramics, colorful fruit and orange tulips brightens the space.
Ceramics: Mirena Kim Ceramics and Hasami Porcelain
The only other original design element in the kitchen is the corner placement of the sink, which the couple also intends to keep.
“Similar to the bathroom, we plan to update the flooring with linoleum or marmoleum and build cabinetry similar to the original built-ins,” says Shelton.
“Similar to the bathroom, we plan to update the flooring with linoleum or marmoleum and build cabinetry similar to the original built-ins,” says Shelton.
A larger view of the backyard including the succulent garden designed by Nikitas.
“We inherited a grass yard with some fruit trees and the brick platform to the right,” says Nikitas. “We wanted to replace it with a drought-tolerant garden and so let the grass die and created two sections: a square and a rectangle. The square became a succulent garden, and the rectangle became a large outdoor dining room with a custom-made reclaimed-alder-wood table and benches.” The side platform was filled with more succulents, herbs and Mexican weeping bamboo.
Like Schindler, whose house and garden were revolving doors for free-spirited artists and intellectuals, Nikitas says they entertain often and truly inhabit the outdoor space.
Like Schindler, whose house and garden were revolving doors for free-spirited artists and intellectuals, Nikitas says they entertain often and truly inhabit the outdoor space.
Nikitas, Ravi, Lucky Scout and Shelton enjoy a relaxing afternoon in their light-filled living room.
“We are passionate admirers of Schindler but not purists or scholars. Our home is a work in progress, and sometimes we feel the pressure to do everything right,” says Nikitas. “But at the end of the day, we are typical of the families for whom Schindler built — progressive thinkers on a budget — so hopefully that means we can’t go wrong.”
More: This home will be part of the 2015 Los Angeles Design Festival’s Inglewood City Design Tour on June 6, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. More info
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
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“We are passionate admirers of Schindler but not purists or scholars. Our home is a work in progress, and sometimes we feel the pressure to do everything right,” says Nikitas. “But at the end of the day, we are typical of the families for whom Schindler built — progressive thinkers on a budget — so hopefully that means we can’t go wrong.”
More: This home will be part of the 2015 Los Angeles Design Festival’s Inglewood City Design Tour on June 6, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. More info
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes | Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Barn Homes | Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Kali Nikitas and Richard Shelton and their poodles, Ravi and Lucky Scout
Location: Inglewood neighborhood of Los Angeles
Size: 1,040 square feet (97 square meters); 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Year built: 1937
That’s interesting: This home will be part of the 2015 Los Angeles Design Festival’s Inglewood City Design Tour on June 6, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. More info
From the outside you can see core elements of Schindler’s seven-point “Frame” thesis, including large overhangs and broad horizontal openings. The ability to manipulate and build into the slope rather than leveling it is also evident. “We did not paint the outside of the house,” Nikitas says. “We wanted to, but we were advised to maintain the stucco that we inherited.”