Built in 1952

2674 square feet on a 7474 square foot lot

Built for one of the founders of Los Angeles’ newer Chinatown

Architect: Schwen Wei Ma

Wei Ma was among the group of founders of the “new” Chinatown

Remodeled by Architect, Gilbert Leong in 1964 (added a bedroom and family room)Leong was the architect of many of Chinatown’s public and commercial buildings

Leong was the first Chinese-American to graduate from USC with a degree in architecture.

Leong remodeled the house as a single family residence but the home is still zoned as a duplex (the two units are separated by one large 12’ walnut pocket door)Matt Helders purchased a 2700 square foot home built in 1952. The property is a beautiful example of classic mid century architecture and has charming, original details throughout. It is in need of renovations dictated by the inspection reports so that it becomes the low maintenance residence that Matt desires.

Beyond the necessary renovations, Matt wants to update the interior and exterior of the property so that it is in line with his vision for his home/studio and focuses on preserving the charming architectural features of the property. Matt hired Corinne Mathern Studios to recognize the unique details of the property and bring his vision for it to life.

William Eggleston Photography

http://egglestonartfoundation.org

Referencing his work led to chasing the natural light and creating a feeling of a filter throughout the house

Even with all the color used throughout the house, there is a chalky filter on all so the colors remain muted and feel like they have always been there

Jacques Tati films

Especially the subject and architecture in his film, Mon Oncle

Referencing Jacques Tati’s films created a context for the original details in the house like the fold down ironing tables and the indoor/outdoor milk delivery doors in the kitchen and laundry room. His films were also an excellent reference for color story throughout the home.

Valentine Recording Studios

1956 (old dentists office converted to studio in 1963)Stevie Nicks, Jackson Browne, Frank Zappa

Le Corbusier, Schindler, Neutra, Lautner

architectureJean Prouve

Shapes, colors, wood grains and stains

Joan Miro

Colors and shapes

Galerie 54Color

Landmark Building (contractor)Heath Ceramic Tiles

PSS Design custom steel countertops

Cle Tiles terrazzo peninsula tiles

Vase from Garde, Los Angeles

Drapery fabric from Pierre Frey

Stools by Summer Studio

Lamp by Ron Rezek from Den, Los Angeles

Lighting from Atelier de Troupe

Vintage hardware from Liz’ Antique Hardware

We used D Tile systems to create a tile coffee table as a sculptural centerpiece to the living room. We refurbished a chrome and linen sofa from Midcentury LA. Woven Studios rug. Zak and Fox ball pillow. The wall of draperies is from Designs of the Time from Una Malan. Blue vase is Victoria Morris. Chair is from Counter Space, Los Angeles. Record holder is by Arthur Umanoff, from Den Los Angeles. Chrome and leather Bruno Rey stools from Morentz Gallery and reupholstered them in black leather. White oak Summer Studio bar tables and placed in the dark blue bar. Linen window coverings by Designs of the Time from Una Malan. Custom drum set (Matt’s own) by Masters of Maple. Photos by Matt Helders. Vintage lighting.

We paired a vintage Friso Kramer desk chair with a Peter Lovig desk in the office (both purchased at Amsterdam Modern in LA). Peter Pepper paper tray from Den, Los Angeles. Rug by Armadillo. Photos by Matt Helders. We worked with PSS Design to custom make a yellow powder coated metal and fumed oak dining table inspired by a reference to a Jean Prouve table. We paired it with raw oak Guillerme et Chambron chairs from Objet Vagabond in France. Vintage jute and teak pendant that we sourced on Etsy. Photo by Matt Helders. Vintage lighting.

We collaborated with PSS Design to custom fabricate a walnut screen that defines the entry to the home since the original entry was previously a large, open space into the living room. Woven Rush Bench by Mel Smilow. Rust colored vessel by Bari Ziperstein. Blue vase by Victoria Morris. Vintage lighting. We collaborated with PSS Design to fabricate a tambour oak screen to create a private space for the toilet. Concrete Collaborative floor tiles. Heath Ceramics shower tiles. Summer Studio Stool. Woven Studios Rug. Vintage Hardware from Liz’ Antique Hardware. Lighting from Triple Seven Home. Towels from Onsen.

We worked with Christopher Norman, a local wood worker to create a custom walnut piece above the bed. Victoria Morris Vase. Blue rug from Empire Rugs. Max Lamb Yellow Vase. Custom stool by Christopher Norman. Drapery Fabric from Designs of the Time. Towels from Onsen. Vintage lighting. Side Table from Amsterdam Modern. Drapery fabric from Pierre Frey. Photo by Matt helders. Vase by Victoria Morris. Pillows from Lawson Fenning.