A 1920s Spanish-style home in Brentwood has been beautifully transformed through careful reconfiguration and restoration, proving that thoughtful design can enhance space without the need for expansion.
- Retained original footprint, no added square footage
- Balanced historic Spanish elements with modern design
- Created intimate, connected living spaces for family living
What happened
The design collaboration between AAHA Studio and Nickey Kehoe took on the challenge of revitalizing this expansive 1920s Spanish-style home without increasing its size. By rethinking the layout and flow, the team was able to make the 5,200-plus square feet work more efficiently and harmoniously for the family who had lived there for over a decade. This involved carefully repositioning doorways and windows, reconfiguring millwork, and enhancing connections between rooms to improve everyday function.
The renovation was described by the designers as ‘highly surgical,’ it preserved the home's original architectural identity while upgrading it for modern living. The focus was not on creating one large open space but on establishing a welcoming series of rooms with intimate atmospheres. Traditional elements such as terracotta floors, arched openings, and vaulted ceilings were restored or thoughtfully updated to refresh the character without erasing its history.
Why it feels good
This home feels carefully balanced between old and new, offering a sense of warmth and history alongside everyday comfort. The design avoids stark modernism and instead embraces a layered, timeless look that respects the original Spanish style. Key details, like some arched openings made cleaner and squared off, add a contemporary touch that doesn’t overshadow the building’s heritage.
The design team also crafted moments of surprise and delight, such as a green wallpaper-backed home bar tucked under the staircase, turning what could have been an awkward corner into a practical and inviting social spot. Every adjustment was guided by restraint and intention, ensuring that the house not only reflects its past but also feels like a natural, evolved home for today's family.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and enthusiasts of historic homes can appreciate how this project highlights a thoughtful approach to preservation and modernization without resorting to expansion. The revival of original Spanish architectural details alongside contemporary comforts offers inspiration for anyone looking to refresh a cherished older home with respect and creativity.
Looking ahead, fans of Nickey Kehoe and AAHA Studio may anticipate more projects focusing on similarly elegant solutions that honor a property's history while making it beautifully livable for today’s needs. Meanwhile, enjoying the blend of terracotta floors, textured furnishings, and carefully curated accents like the sculptural fireplace and stone tables can inspire fresh ideas for home design that celebrates character and comfort.