Warren & Mimi’s Highly Personal Architectural Home
Name: Warren Techentin and Mimi Techentin
Location: Los Feliz, California
Size: 3600 Square Feet
Years lived in: 4 years
When I visit an architect’s home, I sometimes find it to be an untouchable piece of art. However, Warren and Mimi’s lovely home was very welcoming and showed signs of life and children really enjoying the space. I asked Warren how he kept the twin babies from not pulling all the books off the shelves or trying to climb the library ladder. He just shrugged it off to the notion of “that’s just what kids do.” Nothing in the home is too precious or fragile to restrict living and enjoying the home to the fullest.
The unexpected elements and furnishings in Warren and Mimi’s space make it playful and unique. Warren decided to use rock climbing holds in lieu of a railing for the narrow staircase up to his office. We made light of the ax on the dining room table and just hoped that dinner party guests enjoy their meal. There definitely isn’t a lack of color, which continues with bubblegum pink kitchen cabinetry inner shelving. Warren and Mimi’s home is typical or ordinary – I wouldn’t say so – it is the epitome of personal!
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: I do not subscribe to any particular concept of style. Our work embraces new forms, geometries, materials, and technologies. However, I also believe in the simultaneity of all styles. A Louis XIV chair is an amazing chair and does not need to be reinvented. I enjoy how cities, buildings, and even spaces in a house change over time and I find myself appreciating the disjuncture and the effects of bricolage between the different periods and sensibilities. I have been greatly inspired by the city of Los Angeles which is famously eclectic, design-forward, and under-pinned by a rich history of creating strong inside-outside spatial relationships which incorporate landscape elements. We try to nurture a casual, easy flowing relationship between spaces and parts – giving each specific characters, while playing up subtle difference and contrast through colors and material palettes defined by both rough and refined surfaces.
Inspiration: The trees surrounding the site
Favorite Element: The library – more bookshelves than I’ve ever had
Biggest Challenge: Designing a house for kids before my wife and I had kids
What Friends Say: They say they like the flow, that it’s a great party house, and they like the arrangement of windows that allow for good breezes.
Biggest Embarrassment: I haven’t bought a new mailbox yet.
Proudest DIY: I made all of the shelves and the stairway with a table saw that I set up in the living room. It was really fulfilling.
Biggest Indulgence: Asking artists to design a dining room table and a chandelier
Best advice: Do not attempt to live in the house as you remodel it.
Dream source: My wife on the internet
Resources of Note:
APPLIANCES
- GE Monogram Oven: Serv-Well Appliances in Glendale, Calfornia
- Bosch Dishwasher: Serv-Well Appliances in Glendale, Calfornia
- Kitchen Aid Refrigerator: Serv-Well Appliances in Glendale, Calfornia
HARDWARE
FURNITURE
ACCESSORIES
RUGS & CARPETS
TILES AND STONE
LIGHTING
PAINT
WINDOW TREATMENTS
BEDS
- Custom designed by myself built by Artistic Concepts
- Oeuf
- Fawn and Forest
- West Elm
ARTWORK
FLOORING
- Hernandez Brothers for wood & bamboo flooring
OTHER
Thanks Warren and Mimi!
Images: Bethany Nauert
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