By Laura Eckstein Jones By Laura Eckstein Jones | October 15, 2024 | Home & Real Estate, HBCA Home Tours,
Shelton Wilder gives her historic midcentury home in Brentwood a much-needed glow-up, preserving the original charm while adding fresh, thoughtful touches.
Black paint, sandblasted wooden beams, a blond marble sandstone porch and a front door made in Texas add warmth and texture to the exterior of this remodeled home in Brentwood’s Kenter Canyon. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE PROJECT
Shelton Wilder, luxury realtor and CEO of the Shelton Wilder Group, believes that good design takes time, something evident in the meticulous renovation she recently completed on her family home in Brentwood’s tranquil Kenter Canyon neighborhood. Originally built in 1962, the 4-story home was renovated in the ‘90s and hadn’t been touched since. “We aimed to preserve the clean lines and simplicity characteristic of midcentury style while incorporating contemporary elements that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal,” says Wilder, who tackled one floor at a time before transforming the home’s exterior. “The goal was to achieve a design that seamlessly combines the timeless elegance of midcentury architecture with a fresh, modern flair.”
The living room features furnishings found at vintage stores throughout L.A. including MidcenturyLA, Pop Up Home, Sunbeam Vintage in Pasadena and Urban Americana in Long Beach. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE HISTORY
The Elfman family was the prior owner. “Blossom Elfman was a writer, and her sons Danny and Rick are well-known artists,” she explains. “Danny is a world-renowned composer, singer, songwriter and musician. We like to think his 1980s band, Oingo Boingo, was started in the basement. Rick Elfman is a talented screenwriter and director. We imagined our own boys growing up in the creative pedigree,” adds Wilder, who lives with her husband, Clark McCutchen, sons Beau and Lane, and Buster, their 110-pound golden retriever.
The sleek office space inspires creativity and productivity alike. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE INSPIRATION
With its tranquil canyon setting, scenic views and lush surroundings, Kenter Canyon inspired the home’s look and feel, as did its midcentury roots. “The house sits on a hill, surrounded by trees,” says Wilder, who installed Vermont white oak throughout the home. “The emphasis on wood made it feel like a tree house.”
In the dining room, a refinished vintage table takes center stage next to a cozy fireplace, blending style and warmth effortlessly. Art by Shawna Ankenbrandt lines the walls. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE PLAN
“The design plan was simply a face-lift—of every inch of the house,” Wilder shares. “We replaced what existed with something beautiful and functional; for example, the basement floor, lovingly referred to as ‘The Dungeon,’ was upgraded into a gym with a Pilates machine, Smith rack, treadmill and yoga space. We used the same philosophy on every floor in the house, upgrading what existed and matching it throughout.”
The kitchen’s La Cornue stove blends beautifully with the white oak cabinetry and textured kitchen island for a welcoming, sophisticated ambiance. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE DETAILS
Designed for relaxation and entertaining, the living room is the heart of the home. Wilder wanted an open, airy space, so she kept the large windows in place to let in natural light. Furnishings are a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, including finds from MidcenturyLA, Pop Up Home and more. The ivory checkered rug from Modern Rugs LA ties the room together. “We took care to ensure that the layout promotes easy flow between the kitchen, dining room and living room,” she says.
The dining room—an extension of the living room—features a dining table that came with the house, which Wilder had refurbished and the seats recovered. “We opted for a large dining table that can comfortably accommodate family dinners and gatherings,” she shares.
Featuring linens from Tumbleweed & Dandelion, a rug from Modern Rugs LA, artwork by Gray Malin and decor from Jenni Kayne, the peaceful primary bedroom is the homeowners’ sanctuary. Photographed by NILS TIMM
The kitchen is Wilder’s favorite room in the house, and for good reason. Grounded by 11-inch rift white oak floors, the space features Taj Mahal Quartzite countertops, a La Cornue stove, custom cabinetry and more. “Every element, from the custom cabinetry to the Sub- Zero appliances, was chosen to create a high-end yet welcoming atmosphere.”
Designed to be a serene retreat, the primary bedroom is an oasis of calm for Wilder and McCutchen. “We created a space that is luxurious yet comfortable, emphasizing clean lines and natural material,” she says. “The white oak herringbone floors bring warmth and texture, while custom millwork adds a refined touch,” she adds. “Furnished with a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces that reflect a timeless aesthetic, the room’s neutral color palette enhances the sense of calm. Clark’s collection of vintage French movie posters from his travels to Cannes, along with other curated art pieces, adds a personal and artistic flair to the space.”
The moody powder room exudes sophistication with its bold contrasts and luxurious finishes. Photographed by NILS TIMM
THE OUTCOME
Covid—and all the associated delays— stretched the project timeline to five years from start to finish. But it was worth the wait. “Despite the high-end materials and attention to detail,” says Wilder, “the home remains approachable and livable, radiating a welcoming and creative atmosphere perfect for family life.”
Design Details
Type
Single-family home
Location
Brentwood
Designers
Shelton Wilder with
Clark McCutchen and
Mandana Sisco
Architect
Rebecca Freise, Station-F
Builder
Carlos Sandoval, Carlos
Sandoval Construction
Landscape Architects
Adrian Sharp, Sharp Landscape
Design Studio
Emily Weber, Balanced
Ground Design
Carpenter
Alex Sarmiento,
Cabinet Gallery
RESOURCES
3 Day Blinds
Window coverings throughout
Dunn-Edwards
Paint throughout
La Cornue
Kitchen stove
MidcenturyLA
Vintage furnishings throughout
Modern Rugs LA
Rugs throughout
Pop Up Home
Vintage furnishings throughout
Sunbeam Vintage
Vintage furnishings throughout
Tumbleweed & Dandelion
Decor throughout
Urban Americana
Vintage furnishings throughout
Vermont Plank Flooring
Flooring throughout
Photography by: