Situated in a gated community near Palos Verdes in the South Bay area of Los Angeles, this home was pretty much in its original form when Safura Salek, founder of Mass Studio, first saw it. “There was an old magazine article that had a few images of the space after it was built in the 50s. The space had not changed hands or had any alterations since its original construction,” Salek recalls. Her clients, a couple made up of a businessman and a ceramicist, wanted to create their forever home — honoring the original midcentury modern architecture of Robert Byrd, but with better flow.

At the start of the project, the house was old and dated. “The clients say it was a disaster,” Salek laughs. “It had a very weird and obstructive flow to it, appliances from the 50s, and linoleum flooring.” Fortunately, the previous owners left the original sofa. “For some reason it was too complicated to move,” the designer shares. “It was such a gift. It was an amazing midcentury 12’ round sofa that needed to be reupholstered and updated a bit but fit the space perfectly.”

In the home, there are plenty of other custom pieces, including a unique room divider that displays the couple’s prized ceramics collection, and a bold bar that fits the curvature of a large window. “I love creating custom designed built in pieces in my spaces. For me it’s architecture in a microcosmic form,” Salek reflects.

The interiors are where most of the design happened, since the neighborhood has a strict HOA that regulates the redesign of the exterior of the houses, from finishes to window design. However, when outside, the exterior is a moot point — it’s the sweeping views that steal the show. Inside too, Salek made sure to highlight the majestic panoramic vista. The project took roughly three years but is now an ideal oasis. “Especially being homebound during the pandemic, the couple realizes how well it was built and designed,” Salek says. “It feels like living in a resort with the pool and outdoor space. They love spending evenings having a cocktail around the fire pit and looking at the view before dinner.”

See more in the slideshow.