James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Add To Collection

Other Projects by Venn Studio

Add To Collection

James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Firm

Venn Studio

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2023

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

$100K - 500K

It’s 2021 and the James family found their new home in Manhattan Beach. The location was ideal, a nice corner lot with plenty of outdoor space just down the street from a park, the size right with enough rooms to grow into. But settling into this new-to-them house proved to be a bit more challenging as the realities of work from home hybrid schedules and two young children home from school revealed some much needed changes.

That’s when the James family came to us with a prompt; help them create a home that reflects a sense of calm and ease, has enough openness to accommodate their growing family, but with a sense of intimacy and scale to make it feel like a home.

For starters the main living space on the first floor felt dark, cramped and chopped up. Previous renovations dating back to the 1950’s left the existing kitchen nestled into a small windowless nook flanked by two awkwardly shaped living rooms and a cramped dining room. A mix of materials and varying styles from previous generations didn’t help either. Far from the airy, open flow they desired.

Our goal for the design was to simplify and reimagine an “open concept” floor plan so that it actually works. A plan that provides a smooth procession into the open family spaces but still has the functionality of distinct rooms for moments when more privacy is needed. We considered each space as a functional block that should flow into one another.

With some reworking, the new layout of the house did just that. Starting a few steps up from the entry vestibule the great room starts as a tv-free living room facing the kitchen and family room beyond. Windows on all sides bring the gardens into the room as the newly opened up kitchen draws you into the heart of the home. An island big enough to fit the whole family and plenty of storage space.

Longevity and quality were key in selecting the use of natural and durable materials. Custom white oak cabinets, handmade Japanese tiles and a sustainable composite countertop give the kitchen a timeless look that will age well.

Farther back in the great room sits the family room. A cozy space with doors to the side garden and a bit more privacy for TV watching. Given the lack of furniture inventory and global shipping lead times, we had the opportunity to custom design some of the furniture as well. A solid oak table anchors the dining room and a deep lounge chair and coffee table sit nicely next to a custom entertainment wall unit.

All of the pieces were locally crafted from white oak which is utilized throughout the home to create continuity between the spaces. The stripped back material palette and custom furniture provide the family with a light and airy sanctuary and an unexpected connection to local craftsmen, a welcome human connection in the post-pandemic virtual age.

Product Spec Sheet

Were your products used?

Join as a manufacturer to add your products.

Collaborating Firms

Was your firm involved? Add it now.

Team

Were you involved? Add yourself.

James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Other Projects by Venn Studio

Keogh Residence

Ramos Residence

James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team

Keep Exploring Architizer by Creating a Free Account or Logging in.

James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Other Projects by Venn Studio

Keogh Residence

Ramos Residence

James Residence

Manhattan Beach, CA, United States

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team