Step Inside This Organic-Modern Los Angeles Home Renovation

When Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, the duo behind Los Angeles-based design-build studio Ome Dezin, first came across this mid-century modern home in Brentwood (and partnered with Claire and Sam O’Connor of O’Connor Estates), it was a moment of faith. Built in 1956, it had fallen into disrepair over the past few decades, with a crumbling roof, outdated electrical and plumbing systems, an ineffective floor plan, and worn fixtures. Still, the character of the home called for them—and the result is a wonderful tribute to the simplicity of light and form.

Despite the home’s clean lines and ample space, there is a unique feel and personality that characterizes each room. Corners are sloped with natural elements and the intended color choice seems to balance both words—interior and exterior—creating a grounded sense of harmony that seems to have been there for a long time. That’s what good design does, no matter how repetitive it is or how much it is challenged to be seen, it combines beauty with everyday life like breathing, as a reminder to take care of it wherever we can.

With restraint and playfulness, creativity can revitalize any environment. And after talking to Joelle and Jesse, it’s clear that’s a process they’re expertly familiar with.

Photo by Ethan Jones

Where did your inspiration for this fix come from?

Our goal was to honor the original design and architectural integrity of this mid-1950s modern (MCM) home while thoughtfully incorporating modern functionality and updating its overall aesthetic. For this project, we looked to the Bauhaus movement and like-minded architects as our guiding inspiration. Based on the principle that form follows function, the Bauhaus philosophy influenced every aspect of our design process—ensuring that every decision is focused on usability, human experience, and simplicity. We then used pops of color such as blue, red, and yellow to encourage human creativity.

What guidelines do you use when restoring space thoughtfully?

Renovating and updating mid-century modern (MCM) homes comes with a unique set of challenges. Unlike traditional buildings, these houses offer little opportunity to hide structural elements or mechanical systems behind walls or ceilings that fall down. For example, without a ceiling light fixture, we accepted the challenge by using only adjustable fixtures, pendants, and sconces—turning a limitation into an opportunity for creativity.

Often, when restoring a home we look to preserve the character features of the home, reusable windows, or things like hardwood flooring. This maintains the integrity of the home while reducing our impact on the environment.

Talk about how you got the integrated sense of presence—every detail feels meticulous, but not overwhelming. It feels free.

We have embraced nature-inspired materials, celebrating the green energy of the home and the reliability of the architecture. Stripping the space down to these basic structures brings a sense of warmth, authenticity, and lasting character. Color played an equally important role in shaping the home environment. Drawing on Bauhaus principles, we explored bold contrasts to create emotional resonance. The iconic Bauhaus palette—red, blue, yellow, black, white, and gray—guided our approach.

While we focus our designs on natural tones like whites, greige, and browns, we introduce bold color names to define individual spaces and evoke visual interest. This philosophy is especially evident in the guest and powder rooms, where earthy materials like terrazzo, cork, and wood provide a basic foundation, while bright blues and reds inject energy and personality.

There is so much internal and external flow here. What is important when designing a composite structure?

With mid-century homes, the task of integrating the inside-outside is not too difficult with fixed sliding windows and sliding glass doors. The design of this home thoughtfully blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, creating a fluid connection that enhances both function and atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, an open interior, and well-placed courtyards allow for an easy transition between indoors and outdoors.

In Los Angeles, where the weather invites living outside all year round, this design approach is very attractive. It allows homeowners to expand their living and entertaining spaces into well-considered gardens, tranquil courtyards, or lakeside living spaces, enhancing both lifestyle and home value.

What advice would you give to someone who doesn’t have that sense of flow (and can’t fix), but still wants to incorporate the outdoors into their home?

Indoor trees, plants, and landscaping are great ways to increase the sense of flow and integrate the outdoors into one’s home.

This home really lends itself to the theme of “simply speaking.” How do you go about finding those statement pieces that aren’t overwhelming, but instead add just the right amount of personality?

Statement pieces should reflect your story, something you have a personal connection to. Handmade things are always with us. Jesse and his life partner love to make pottery together and we often put them in our homes. Lighting is another great place for special vintage or found objects that serve a function but also create a good atmosphere and a place to talk.

Does designing this project have any new takeaways?

Every project teaches us something new. It reminds us to embrace the unexpected—to remain flexible when obstacles arise. Often, those very challenges drive us to find creative solutions, leading to better results than we originally imagined.