Steven’s Relocated Beach Cottage
Name: Steven Shortridge
Location: Venice, California
Size: 800 Square Feet
Years lived in: 14
Steven Shortridge’s home was part of a larger house, which was relocated to Venice in 1937. He kept many of the original architectural details and built-ins and also added modern elements to fit his lifestyle. Choosing a bright bright orange for his dining room and kitchen was definitely a bold move, but Steven felt it was just the right color for the space. The vibrant hue is balanced by the neutrals throughout the rest of the home.
With only 800 square feet to work with, the challenge was to give the illusion of spacious living. Something I noticed right away and guests often ask about is the opening behind the Eames La Chaise in the living room. Steven created the opening to allow energy to flow between the rooms without the restrictions of a solid wall. The outdoor living area provides a continuation of the interior space, which is important because Steven often entertains as many as 50 guests at a time.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
My Style: Modern, but the house was originally Spanish, so it is a mix of old and new giving it a greater depth of time.
Inspiration: Japanese way of making the most use of every square inch of space, inside and out
Favorite Element: The fire pit with a steel wall and built-in seating
Biggest Challenge: How to arrange the space in a house that was originally part of a larger house moved to the site in 1937. They only brought a piece of the house along, without a proper bedroom. So I reoriented the entrance to the adjacent alley instead of the front. One enters into an outside living space then into what was once the back of the house. Now the bedroom faces the street front and is more private now that it isn’t so close to the entryway.
What Friends Say: Their favorite little house in Venice
Biggest Embarrassment: My Kagan sofa with a fabric tear from my dog, Tucker
Proudest DIY: The bathroom stool with a built-in toilet paper holder
Biggest Indulgence: Very well crafted and detailed cabinetry throughout
Best advice: How a small house can be made to feel much larger than its square foot size
Dream source: Ralph Pucci
Resources of Note:
FURNITURE
- Kagan Swan Back Sofa: Ralph Pucci
- Saarinen Pedestal Tables
- Eames “La Chaise”
- Eames Desk Leather Padded Desk Chair
- Vico Magistretti “Gaudi” Chairs 1970 by Artemide
- Poltrona Frau Swivel Lounge Chair
- Walter Lamb Outside Rocker Chair
- Built-in Upholstery by Classicdesign.com
ACCESSORIES
- Swedish Glass
ARTWORK
- Sam Messer
- Darren Waterston
- Aircraft Artwork: Jeffrey Milstein
LIGHTING
- David Weeks 3-Arm Floor Lamp
- Alison Berger Pendant Light: Plug Lighting
APPLIANCES
- Sub-Zero Fully Integrated Refrigerator
- Gaggenau Cooktop
- Dacor Oven
- Miele Dishwasher
HARDWARE
- Baldwin Door Lever Hardware
- Hafele Sliding Door Track
- Chicago Faucet in Bath
- Dornbracht in Kitchen and Shower
FLOORING
RUGS & CARPET
- 100-year-old Turkish Area Rug in Living Room
TILES & STONE
- Daltile 1×1 Ceramic
WINDOW TREATMENTS
- Bottom-up Blinds: Aero Shade
OTHER
- California Cooperage Hot Tub: California Cooperage Santa Monica
Thanks Steven!
Images: Bethany Nauert
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