Houzz Tour: Color and personality in an apartment in Los Angeles

Houzz Tour: Color and personality in an apartment in Los Angeles - The interior designer Frances Merrill believes houses may have their own personality. When she and her husband, Chris, found this house, the structure was old and saggy, dirty siding with cream-colored aluminum, plastic faux wood trim and very little space to work with.

But with a small footprint and simple unique opportunities to expand the area, Merrills were more than willing to take the project. Besides, t he attached garage had been converted into a bedroom, and Chris and a friend could build a guest room in a small independent shed. "He gave us enough breathing room until we could make a proper renovation," says Frances, who has Reath Design .

Regarding still living in a compact space, Merrills be creative in entertainment. "One Christmas, we moved our bed in the yard to make room for a table that could seat 12. We love to entertain, and we never let the lack of space prevents us, she said.

Houzz at a glance
Who lives here Frances Merrill; husband Chris, the director of production at the American Film Institute; and their children, honor and Rex
Location Los Angeles, United States
Size 2 bedrooms more autonomous guesthouse 1 bathroom
built 1928
This is interesting the house was once used as crew quarters for Western films Tom Mix.

Photos by Teri Lyn Fisher

When the Merrills bought the house, the aluminum siding and plastic fittings were almost a deal breaker. Frances had to remember that a simple coat of paint cool outside - and hide its flaws. "We painted our dark house to hide all his faults, she said.

But this presented its own challenge. "It's hard to get a color of the door to go with a black house that does not seem weird or like Halloween, she said. He was his assistant who suggested pink, inspired by a favorite entrance, she had seen in New Orleans. "I loved it immediately," Frances said.

Frances eventually promote the aluminum coating because of the way it is easy to clean; good water is all it takes.

paint the door Wildflower; exterior painting: Midnight, both by Benjamin Moore

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Frances and Chris spotted this pink velvet couch in front of a junk shop on Sunset Boulevard. With layers of mismatched pillows, sheepskin throws and colorful blankets, he has a great personality. "One day I would like to design a line of cushion covers sofa made as fitted sheets in all different styles and colors, Frances said. "It is a great way to freshen up an old sofa.

Line Books above the shelves and window vertical shelf economy space. The Barcelona president, once used as a stage prop, had red wine spilled on so many times, he needed to be reupholstered. Frances chose a large floral print for something unexpected.

The living area is the heart of the house. This vintage red chair is a jumble sale find. Frances grandmother does needlepoint cushion when Frances was born.

A painting of Owls Head Light, a lighthouse in Maine where Merrills spend a lot of time hanging over the chair. Frances It was a birthday gift to Chris.

mural: Chelsea Grey, Benjamin Moore

the philosophy of

Frances on open shelves in the kitchen is simple. "I guess if I fed my family [junk] food, I might want to hide behind cabinets, she said. "I would see the cookbooks, beautiful dishes and things I've collected over the years. It adds warmth and meaning "

mural :. Chelsea Grey, Benjamin Moore

an old box with brass bread, containers storage, utensils and other kitchen items align a table near the window. S-hooks hold spices and cooking utensils.

Chris and his friend turned a shed in this guesthouse. It opens onto the garden.

An oversized Christmas Card Town, where Frances was working, and a large poster decorate the plywood walls. Frances upholstered chaise integrated with the fabric awning band. Above the shelves hold Merrills the collection of LA black tp

Displays :. Etsy

a woolen blanket, which dates back to Boy Scouts days Chris weighs on a vintage leather chair, creating a favorite reading spot.

A custom leather pouf is in the master bedroom, which was once the garage. Frances made the curtains arc tapestries, she picked up at Urban Outfitters. A textured jute carpet covers the painted floor.

A large shelving unit displays various collections of books, including "great books "and" L'Atelier de creation of the family, 'as well as paintings, prints and photographs.

Discover helpful tips for organizing your shelves

Chris's grandmother gave him the greatest painting George Washington here. Thomas Voorhies, a painter friend, gave the smallest portrait Merrills.

Frances covered the headboard with cowhide she picked from a dealer in leather lA simple clip lights from Home Depot are attached.

bedside tables in the bedroom are made from marble slabs Frances was cut to size and mounted on top of wooden crates. The poster is framed Chris grandmother, who was once the mayor of Rockland, Maine.

a simple manger, Ikea, a wall full of art and mobile Frances made during what she called "a moment of unusual nesting DIY" create a cheerful atmosphere in the room of honor.

a tepee full of blankets and comfortable cushions made a garden getaway for Honor and Rex.

Get ideas for magical hideaways your children will love

I like to be surrounded by things that have meaning, they feel like they should be there in a design sense or not, "said Frances, shown here. "All these things together usually create a very personal sensitivity.

Do you like this house? Tell us why in the comments below.

Houzz Tour: Color and personality in an apartment in Los Angeles Houzz Tour: Color and personality in an apartment in Los Angeles

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