Name: Gregory McKinney
Location: Granada Hills CA
Type: 1960s Contemporary Modern
Size: 3bdr 2 bath 1731 sq ft, one story
Years lived in: since June 2005
Gregory only needed to send a single photo of his Granada Hill's home interior for us to decide that we needed to get out to his pad pronto. Tucked far back in the hills of suburbia, Gregory renovated a typical San Fernando Valley home into a livable homage to the Palm Spring aesthetic, its stylish spirit immediately apparent from first sight of the promising robin's egg blue door with starburst door knobs. It only got better once we stepped through the doors...
Do you have an idea for a house tour? Let us know!: la (at) apartmenttherapy (dot) com
My/our Style: 1960s Contemporary Modern, Palm Springs-inspired.
The Inspiration for my home: Architecturally, it was its own inspiration, and wanted to make it as proper to its era as possible. The style was not intended to be hard-core “Modern,” but a livable version of a desert home from the early 60’s. Lots of lava rock and agave distinguish the yard from others on the street.
Favorite element: Architecturally, the front ‘flagcrete’ wall, or the tall windows in the living room/dining room areas.
Biggest challenge in designing my home: Redesigning and rehabbing the yards after 45 years of neglect.
What friends say about my home: “I feel like at my aunt and uncle’s house!”
Biggest embarrassment in my home: The asphalt driveway… the only bad original element.
Proudest DIY: The grass cloth wallpaper. It took a lot of work to select it and install it.
Biggest Indulgence with respect to my home: The landscaping, as it took hundreds of hours of labor and thousands of dollars (and it’s still not done).
Best Advice given or received: Do the hardest/priciest work sooner than later, save the details for last.
Dream Source for stuff: Other homes from the tract. But eBay has been the biggest source.
Resources:
Appliances
Has original Wedgewood & Holly stove and oven (fortunately), but new refrigerator and dishwasher (unfortunately). I want a refurbished refrigerator, which can be found at “Savon Appliances” in Burbank CA.
Hardware
All original cabinet hardware was tossed with a quickie “update” done by former owner, requiring searching for appropriate vintage replacements. This took about a year to accomplish, and is one of my proudest aspects. I know a good ebay seller for this.
Furniture
Makers such as Selig (sofa and two Poulsen “Z” chairs), Overman (swivel chairs), Gunlocke (living room slipper chairs), Lane and Vista (bedroom pieces), and two large console stereos by Zenith and Braun. I refinished virtually all the wooden pieces.
Accessories
A wide assortment of comical owls, fish, ashtrays and candle holders, but mostly vintage wall clocks, and many of them. I restore the clocks and sell them to designers and collectors. I am a restorer of Howard Miller wall clocks from the 1940s-60s.
Lighting
All the sconces and pendant lighting had been trashed before we bought, so I had free reign to do what I wanted. All Home Depot junk was pitched and interesting vintage lighting took its place. I have added some great lighting by Progress, Thomas-Moe and Lightolier with several tension pole lamps ranging from mild to wild. All received new wiring and a new paint or stain when necessary. The lights make the house, inside and out.
Also installed low-volt lighting out front for nice night appeal.
Paint
The entire house got an off-white cover-over before it was sold, so we had a blank slate moving in. The current dominant interior colors are light to dark taupe, with green and gray-blue in two bedrooms. More accent painting is slated.
Flooring
All the flooring was stripped out before moving in, and an interesting linoleum look-alike laminate was installed in the entry and family/dining room. It was largely real linoleum tile previously. I had both baths floored with a wonderful vinyl sheet in taupe squares, and it looks quite vintage.
Rugs and Carpets
Generic tan-taupe carpet was installed by previous owner for sale-appeal. It’s a so-so quality, and will stay as long as it holds up.
Tiles and Stone
The original kitchen tile and bathroom marble counters are all intact, and in decent condition. Kitchen backsplash has wonderful funky blue polka dots all around the perimeter.
Window Treatments
All windows have matching off-white wood blinds in 2” wide strips. Living room and dining room sliding glass doors have simple hand-drawn rod-hung off-white linen curtains.
Beds
Two queen beds; Selig Z chairs in third bedroom which functions as a TV room.
Artwork
Various prints and sculptures, but nothing really expensive or all that collectible… only what works for the space given to it.
Other:
The overall theme is Palm Springs inspired contemporary with California desert landscaping. The front yard is dominated by a monstrous green agave, which is about 20 feet wide and 8 feet tall. It determined the “look” as it was not going anywhere—it is deadly! I have grown to love it and worked around it.
Wow, such commitment to an era/style . . . I'd never have the discipline. It feels like a movie set.
view ChrisToronto's profile
I was going to list the things I loved, but then decided it was just easier to say it's all super-gorgeous.
But I do extra-love the pendant above the dining table. And the doorknobs.
view small clever rooms's profile
Sweet Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Not only do you use my fav colors (the green and orange) but it's just plain delicious. When can I move in?
view Monica's profile
I am so in love and am lusting over those green chairs in the living room.
view twenty twenty-one's profile
looooooove
LOVE...
Show us the landscaping!
view DWF's profile
Sorry -- just realized that the landscaping is in the slideshow!
view DWF's profile
I had that hanging lamp in your living room (the one that looks like a big ball of clear spaghetti) hanging in my childhood bedroom. My parents sold it in a garage sale years ago. I still miss it.
I really, really like your house.
view jyw's profile
Eeeee, I love your house. It's so much fun!
view chiffonade's profile
Wow.
view reiskid's profile
Gorgeous! I am in lurve with your house. Can you tell us what the textured-looking wall is? Wallpaper, or some kind of ingenous paint?
view Jenny in DC's profile
Wow, I love it! And I really love the Mondrian-esque clocks in the bath and family room. What manufacturer/style are they?
view als1's profile
I love your home (and your panda cat, too)! Your dining room table is beautiful. The landscaping is awesome! The wallpaper was a great touch.
Quick question.... do you actually use your vintage TVs?
view BrookeinBoston's profile
you could probably list your place as set location for movies/commercials. very sweet!
view saudoso's profile
When was the last time a popcorn ceiling looked so good?
view bepsf's profile
So fun! You have so much great furniture!! And I am also very impressed by your commitment.
view mollybb's profile
awesome! Did I notice a David Weidman print in the bedroom?
view susie b's profile
The craftsman-like love and work shows in every detail. This is a truly lovely house.
view JoanneM's profile
Fantastic! Seems like a good place to knock back a martini and a platter of Rumaki... So good it makes my teeth hurt.
view Enrique's profile
As a lover of all things mid-century, this is my dream house. Your collection of clocks alone is making me drool.
view nazrd's profile
I have a Z-chair and I've never seen a Z-sofa before. Fantastic house and furnishings. And the photography is stunning. Tell us a little about the equipment used and settings please!
view spinsLPs's profile
We also moved to Granada Hills in the last 2 years and because of the architecture and relative affordability. Hopefully many of you readers will join those of us living up here in the northern hills. It's a mecca of mid-century enthusiasts from the film/tv/music industries.
view Gigi818's profile
I really love your place. Everything is awesome. The details and hardware are great. The colors really pop it and it all blends so beautifully. The lighting is key and it is a very fun space. Congratulations, it was worth the work!
view weezerad79's profile
Wow, I wish I had the discipline to stay so faithful to a a single era. It's lovely.
view ehat's profile
Holy Atomic Ranch, Batman! You had me at the front-door tiki.
Does Shag ( www.shag.com ) visit your house for inspiration?
view AlmostAD's profile
Oh where oh where did you get that fantastic grass wallpaper?
view joesky's profile
I was wondering why I haven't stopped by a-t.com in a while. Now I do and the first article is about a house in the suburbs. sheesh!!
view wvillage's profile
Incredible home. Is the flat screen tv in the closet?
view right angle's profile
I LOVE IT. JUST LOVE IT.
Can I come over?
view umeboshi's profile
Really well done. I am a clock man as well......
view Wigorama's profile
It's truly wonderful.
I love the bright green accent color, it keeps it from being too "period" but accents the m/c mod look nicely.
Still...I can almost hear Sammy Davis Jr. and Dean Martin singing on the tv....
view Beej's profile
This is a very swank and happening pad; it has mythic resonance.
view Marc Anthony's profile
super stylized! doesn't really look lived in though...
view plasticransom's profile
unbeatable tribute to the era...your dedication shows in every single detail, just astounding....very nostalgic for me personally . reminds of my parents home, i just can see my mom with cat eye liner and in shift dress and teased bob cut. i'm almost speechless over the impact!
view Astrid Vladi's profile
So clean! Absolutely gorgeous.
Shame we didn't get to see more of the bathroom and kitchen though.
view sodapresents's profile
Gregory, you should be a set designer. Having lived through this period I have to say you have arranged things far more tastefully than I remember rooms being set out in reality. Thanks for the tour.
view hrhprincessfiona's profile
What a fun pad! I'd love to sip a martini in that living room.
view Mimi's profile
I feel like I'm looking at the place Hef had Miss August (1967) do her centerfold
view Ramstone's profile
Personally, I love 'good design in general' too much to commit to 'good design from a single era' -- which can end up looking too set-design-ish (for me). That said, if that is the plan from the start, then one may as well go all the way! The period-authenticity and attention to detail is jaw-dropping... you're obviously a perfectionist (said as a compliment).
view lightspeed's profile
The only thing missing is Rob and Laura Petrie, bravo!
view snowflake's profile
I am in awe. What an amazing house. It is absolutely wonderful. Is that a real cat on the chair?
view kuroneko's profile
Absolutely amazing, Gregory!
Impeccable attention to detail.
LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
view KathinCO's profile
Love it. Saved it. Gonna copy it.
view birdseyechili's profile
OHHH MYYYY GODDDD..........
I am SPEECHLESS. "Fabulous" isn't even the right word.
And I must say that your photos are probably the best I've ever seen here. I LOVE the evening shots (which help contrast so well with the daylight shots, and the shots from across rooms, etc. They really help me get a sense of dimension.
Your home should be in a magazine.
Your home needs it's own TELEVISION SHOW! LOL
view ohjodi's profile
wow....more 60s than the 60s!
view polkadot's profile
FABU!!!!
view Eve in Hochelaga's profile
2 die 4!
view Stephvixen's profile
FROM THE HOME OWNER:
Please email me directly at modspell@hotmail.com
I'll attempt to answer the current comments and questions:
1) After this shoot lighting got rearranged. The dining room pendant has come down-- it's available. I refurbish clocks and lighting and sell directly or occasionally on ebay, under "modspell."
2) True-- it is a lot more "60s" than the 60s! Most home owners from the time had a mish-mash of things, just like we all do now. I attempted to keep it disciplined to the decade, with a few exceptions, like the 1975 Zenith TV (which I do use, thank you), a few '50's lamps and art pieces. I do keep a home office PC in the closet, but there are no secret big screen TVs or home theater systems.
3) The wall paper is a currently-available grass cloth from ebay seller "bestwalls14." At least she had plenty when I bought this last year. It transformed the rooms where I used it. I have used grass cloth in every property we've had. It's a great cover-up!
4) The Mondrian wall clocks are circa 1960 from Sunbeam. They are getting hard to find, and often bring upwards of $300-500 on ebay. I may have one available soon.
5) Shag was an early inspiration for me. But he has never accepted my party invitations... money has made a diva out of him ;') But yes, the front door tiki is a treasure, my favorite item here. It's from Oceanic Arts in Whittier, with my brand of finish.
6) That cat is a fraud/fake/set piece. You really think I'd let an animal on those Seligs? :) OK, I would for the right cat.
7) The green bedroom color is "Luminaria" by Martha Stewart... a fantastic shade.
8) Rob and Laura live next door-- we're that other couple on the show, you know, the dentist?
view modspell's profile
OH My! I am swooning! No sleep for me tonight - I am too giddy. Plus I need to spend at least 10 minutes on each picture.
view peacelily's profile
truly inspiring.
view /m's profile
To me this is the perfect balance of period piece and livable.
Bravo!
view paulmuscat's profile
OWNER OF PALM SPRINGS WATERFALL HOUSE AGREES TO TOURS
The owner of the Palm Springs Waterfall House, designed by modern architect James Cioffi, after repeated refusals to open the residence for tours, has agreed to accept applications from charitable organizations only for non-profit events. "In these difficult times, when our most needy are suffering, perhaps a worthy organization might benefit from using it for their event," said owner Craig Baskin.
view fortescue's profile