The Robert House

Tucked just below the street line, half-hidden and half-revealed, stands The Robert House, a classic mid-century residence built in 1952. With its timeless architectural bones and abundant character, the home was ready for a thoughtful revival that honored its heritage while ushering in a new era of style.

Upon arrival, the refreshed exterior sets the tone. A new front door in a bright orange hue punctuates the façade, complemented by a moss-green exterior inspired by the home’s birth decade. The combination feels at once rooted and renewed, nostalgic yet unmistakably modern.

LOCATION

Altadena, CA

COMPLETED

2024

AREA

1,700 SQFT

Living room with large windows, wood-paneled ceiling, stone fireplace, beige curved sofa with green cushions, two mustard-colored armchairs around a round coffee table, and outdoor patio visible through sliding glass doors.

The living room, bathed in natural light, centers around the original stone-clad fireplace. Organic seating arrangements invite conversation and connection, all while framing views of the expansive backyard beyond.

A wooden grand piano in a cozy room with a stone wall, near a large window showing outdoor greenery, with a black piano bench underneath, and a lamp and potted plant nearby.
Living room with a round wooden coffee table, yellow flowers in a vase, a stack of magazines, a woven bowl, a beige armchair, a side table with a small speaker, and wooden floors.

In the guest bath we wanted to go retro without slipping into parody, so we leaned fully into that classic mid-century avocado-and-orange palette.

Avocado terrazzo tile walls by Mutina and salmon colored concrete tiles and countertops by Concrete Collaborative. A handmade ceramic pendant by Virginia Sin is the perfect finishing touch.

Modern bathroom countertop with a built-in sink, a small dark vase with dried flowers, a tissue box, a soap dispenser, large mirror, and minimalist hanging lights.
A modern bathroom with a green wall, a shower area with a frosted glass partition, a toilet, a towel hanging on a hook, a small stool with a towel on it, and a beige bath mat on the pink-tiled floor.

We wanted to modernize this mid-century home by honoring its retro roots and infusing it with the clients’ playful personality — creating quirky, joyful moments that feel sophisticated rather than kitschy.

The client needed an inspiring and fun place to work from home, so we embraced retro mid-century soul with walnut wood, bold patterned walls, and a little bit of whimsy to make the space energizing and full of personality. Graphic wallpaper by Jupiter 10.

A second guest bathroom was introduced off the back bedroom, where a softer palette of cream tones evokes quiet sophistication. Arched motifs flow through the bespoke vanity and tub enclosure, unifying the space with a subtle rhythm. Handcrafted terracotta tiles by Cle meet white travertine stone and mustard terrazzo by Cemento underfoot.

A bathroom vanity with a white countertop, a round sink, and a three-hole faucet. There is a decorative sculpture and a checkered box on the counter, with a towel ring and towel on the wall. A large window or door with vertical ridges is to the right. A mirror hangs above the vanity, reflecting an interior hallway.
Small bathroom with a bathtub, a toilet, and a vanity with a mirror, decorated in a light beige and cream color scheme.

A cheerful playroom wrapped in soft peach walls and plush wall-to-wall pink carpet creates a warm, joyful space that sparks creativity and endless imaginative play.

Poolside scene with three white lounge chairs under pink and white umbrellas, surrounded by lush greenery and trees.
Outdoor patio with modern rattan furniture including a curved sofa with yellow and white pillows, a matching armchair, and a wooden coffee table with a tray of snacks. There are drinks, a plant, and some glasses on the table, and lush green bushes in the background.

COLLABORATORS

General Contractor, Streamline Construction Group

Photographer, Justin Chung

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