Nostalgic charm meets modern-day living at a newly renovated Santa Monica home by designer Meghan Eisenberg.
The dining room’s checkerboard floor draws the eye in; PHOTO BY HARIS KENJAR
Initially built in 1928 as one of the first homes in Santa Monica north of Montana Ave., then renovated again in 1935 and the 1970s, this historic Spanish Colonial abode needed a significant glow-up. “They wanted to bring back the home’s original charm,” says designer Meghan Eisenberg of her clients, a young family of four and their dog. “They were willing to go the distance and do a full renovation with all new furnishings,” she adds. Equally important was creating a more sustainable and healthier home.
Abstract floral exterior tiles inspired by the garden were custom-designed by the homeowner; PHOTO BY HARIS KENJAR
“Being that the home is a quintessential California Spanish, the history of the house really inspired the direction of the project,” Eisenberg explains. “It was important for us to maintain the original Spanish details, such as the vaulted wood ceilings and the sculptural fireplace, and enhance these elements with a renovation that honors its past. Because of its lush surroundings, we felt inspired by botanical prints.”
Eisenberg and her team preserved the home’s historical elements—the living room’s vaulted ceilings and sculptural wood fireplace, for instance—through rehabilitation, reconstruction and restoration. They also reworked the floor plan, removing some of the 1970s elements. “With [those] remodeled elements removed, the floor plan was enlivened with openness and clarity,” says Eisenberg. “Arched opening motifs typical of the style were brought into the home to mark the passage from one space to the next.” The designer leaned into a relaxed, warm aesthetic for the furnishings that matched the family’s vibe and the Spanish architecture. “To achieve this, we layered in earth tones and antiques with midcentury fixtures and decor,” she says, noting that timeless upholstery with a botanical theme was woven throughout. The client’s paintings and family heirlooms were placed beside playful art pieces, including an Addison Wooley vessel and works by Mexico City artist Romgo.
‘Ultimately the beauty of the interiors is the way in which the original architectural details... enhance the period updates, allowing the home’s more modern elements to shine.’– MEGHAN EISENBERG
The design team preserved the entryway’s original wood ceilings; PHOTO BY HARIS KENJAR
“We created an arched niche at the entrance [where] four sconces at each corner give the ultimate feeling of arrival and symmetry,” says the designer. The original wood ceilings were preserved, and a custom wrought iron railing—made to look original—finished the look.
The living room’s built-in bookshelves were made to look original; PHOTO BY HARIS KENJAR
“With the original ceiling, fireplace and hearth, it is hard not to be a beautiful room,” Eisenberg says. “We opened up the wall into the dining room and added built-in shelving on either side of the opening,” she adds. “I love how the built-ins feel original.” Furnishings include Nickey Kehoe’s Tuxedo sofa upholstered in Rose Uniacke’s Artichoke linen, French carved armchairs from Panoplie with the client’s grandmother’s needlepoint pillow and an antique Aubusson rug. “Although the furniture is from all different eras and countries, it feels perfectly assimilated into the space,” adds Eisenberg.
With a marble checkerboard floor, a custom expandable oak table and vintage Henning Kjaernulf chairs sourced from Europe in Rose Uniacke’s hemp fabric, the dining room is a highlight of the home. “We wanted the dining room to be a jewel that shines as you pass by,” Eisenberg shares. “The checkerboard floor adds an exciting pattern to the space, and the furniture is fun but does not compete. The wood ceilings are new but built to match the original ceilings in style and finish.”
“The clients wanted a modern kitchen,” says the designer, who incorporated Calacatta Capria marble, custom oak with fluted glass and Crate and Barrel counter stools into the space. “We chose finishes that are fresh but did not feel disconnected from the rest of the home.”
After two years of restorations and renovations, the home is complete. “The interiors feel timeless and completely natural with the interior architecture,” says Eisenberg. “I would say it is a spin on tradition with a youthful edge. Ultimately, the beauty of the interiors is the way in which the original architectural details, such as the carved beams and stunning fireplace, enhance the period updates, allowing the home’s more modern elements to shine.”
Although the kitchen is more modern, the finishes feel connected to the rest of the home; PHOTO BY HARIS KENJAR
Type:
Single-Family Home
Location:
Santa Monica, North of Montana
Designer:
Studio Meghan Eisenberg
meghaneisenberg.com
Architect:
PIE
@pie.losangeles
Landscape Architect:
Green Landscape Design
greenlandscapedesigns.com
1stdibs
Living room pendant light by Josef Hoffman
1stdibs.com
Crate & Barrel
Kitchen counter stools
crateandbarrel.com
deVol
Kitchen pendant light
devolkitchens.com
Farrow & Ball
Paint throughout
farrow-ball.com
Nickey Kehoe
Entryway console, living room sofa and pillows, dining room glassware
nickeykehoe.com
Panoplie
Living room accent chairs and iron stool
panoplie.com
Pierce & Ward
Living room pillows
pierceandward.com
Rose Uniacke
Fabric throughout
roseuniacke.com
Photography by:
