Midcentury home, Los Angeles | Corinne Mathern Studio

Property History

Built in 1952
2674 square feet on a 7474 square foot lot
Built for one of the founders of Los Angeles’ newer Chinatown
Architect: Schwen Wei Ma
Wei Ma was among the group of founders of the “new” Chinatown
Remodeled by Architect, Gilbert Leong in 1964 (added a bedroom and family room)
Leong was the architect of many of Chinatown’s public and commercial buildings
Leong was the first Chinese-American to graduate from USC with a degree in architecture.
Leong remodeled the house as a single family residence but the home is still zoned as a duplex (the two units are separated by one large 12’ walnut pocket door)

Design Brief

Matt Helders purchased a 2700 square foot home built in 1952. The property is a beautiful example of classic mid century architecture and has charming, original details throughout. It is in need of renovations dictated by the inspection reports so that it becomes the low maintenance residence that Matt desires.
Beyond the necessary renovations, Matt wants to update the interior and exterior of the property so that it is in line with his vision for his home/studio and focuses on preserving the charming architectural features of the property. Matt hired Corinne Mathern Studios to recognize the unique details of the property and bring his vision for it to life.

References

From Matt:

William Eggleston Photography
http://egglestonartfoundation.org
Referencing his work led to chasing the natural light and creating a feeling of a filter throughout the house
Even with all the color used throughout the house, there is a chalky filter on all so the colors remain muted and feel like they have always been there
Jacques Tati films
Especially the subject and architecture in his film, Mon Oncle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mon_Oncle
Referencing Jacques Tati’s films created a context for the original details in the house like the fold down ironing tables and the indoor/outdoor milk delivery doors in the kitchen and laundry room
His films were also an excellent reference for color story throughout the home
Valentine Recording Studios
1956 (old dentists office converted to studio in 1963)
Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Frank Zappa,

Corinne Mathern Studio References:

Le Corbusier, Schindler, Neutra, Lautner
architecture
Jean Prouve
Shapes, colors, wood grains and stains
Joan Miro
Colors and shapes
Galerie 54
Color

COLLABORATORS

Landmark Building (contractor)

*

KITCHEN

Heath Ceramic Tiles
PSS Design custom steel countertops
Cle Tiles terrazzo peninsula tiles
Vase from Garde, Los Angeles
Drapery fabric from Pierre Frey
Stools by Summer Studio
Lamp by Ron Rezek from Den, Los Angeles
Lighting from Atelier de Troupe
Vintage hardware from Liz’ Antique Hardware

LIVING ROOM
We used D Tile systems to create a tile coffee table as a sculptural centerpiece to the living room.
We refurbished a chrome and linen sofa from Midcentury LA
Woven Studios rug
Zak and Fox ball pillow
The wall of draperies is from Designs of the Time from Una Malan
Blue vase is Victoria Morris.
Chair is from Counter Space, Los Angeles
Record holder is by Arthur Umanoff, from Den Los Angeles

BAR

Chrome and leather Bruno Rey stools from Morentz Gallery and reupholstered them in black leather.
White oak Summer Studio bar tables and placed in the dark blue bar.
Linen window coverings by Designs of the Time from Una Malan.
Custom drum set (Matt’s own) by Masters of Maple
Photos by Matt Helders
Vintage lighting

OFFICE

We paired a vintage Friso Kramer desk chair with a Peter Lovig desk in the office (both purchased at Amsterdam Modern in LA)
Peter Pepper paper tray from Den, Los Angeles.
Rug by Armadillo
Photos by Matt Helders

DINING ROOM

We worked with PSS Design to custom make a yellow powder coated metal and fumed oak dining table inspired by a reference to a Jean Prouve table.
We paired it with raw oak Guillerme et Chambron chairs from Objet Vagabond in France
Vintage jute and teak pendant that we sourced on Etsy.
Photo by Matt Helders
Vintage lighting

ENTRY

We collaborated with PSS Design to custom fabricate a walnut screen that defines the entry to the home since the original entry was previously a large, open space into the living room.
Woven Rush Bench by Mel Smilow
Rust colored vessel by Bari Ziperstein
Blue vase by Victoria Morris
Vintage lighting

PRIMARY BATH

We collaborated with PSS Design to fabricate a tambour oak screen to create a private space for the toilet.
Concrete Collaborative floor tiles
Heath Ceramics shower tiles
Summer Studio Stool
Woven Studios Rug
Vintage Hardware from Liz’ Antique Hardware
Lighting from Triple Seven Home
Towels from Onsen

PRIMARY BED:

We worked with Christopher Norman, a local wood worker to create a custom walnut piece above the bed.
Victoria Morris Vase
Blue rug from Empire Rugs
Max Lamb Yellow Vase

KIDS BATH

Custom stool by Christopher Norman
Drapery Fabric from Designs of the Time
Towels from Onsen
Vintage lighting

KIDS BED

Side Table from Amsterdam Modern
Drapery fabric from Pierre Frey
Photo by Matt helders
Vase by Victoria Morris
Pillows from Lawson Fenning