Originally built in 1937 as a Southern California neoclassical residence, this home offered a formal architectural framework ready for reinterpretation. The owner — interior designer Sean Leffers, an avid collector of historic textiles and antiques — envisioned interiors shaped by his travels, with influences from the Caribbean, West Indies, and Asia. Working within the home’s traditional structure, our renovation introduced new ceilings, windows, doors, and architectural details that bring greater light, height, and character to each space. The result, highlighted below by Job Captain Ben Jensen, is a layered and highly personal transformation.
Foyer
A large elliptical skylight was installed over the double-height curved staircase. The skylight floods the space with natural light, illuminating walls covered in cream-colored plaster – along with the newly painted checkerboard floors and vintage sconces – transforming the entryway in a way that feels both dramatic and serene.
Library
Adding reverse board and batten ceilings, along with a large built-in bookshelf flanked with tall double-hung windows, converts this space into a cozy and inviting library. New french doors and large windows on the adjacent wall allow for extra natural light and views out to the terrace and pool beyond.
Breakfast Room
The existing built-in millwork in this space was adapted by closing off the pass-through window to the family room. The existing wood floors are painted with a checkerboard pattern, and plaster mouldings were added to the ceiling with an antique chandelier sourced by Sean.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, the removal of the trendy range niche, marble backsplash, marble-topped island, and wall cabinets makes way for open shelves, warm-stained base cabinetry, painted wood tongue and groove wall wainscot, and reverse board and batten ceilings. Sean’s spectacular wallpaper completes the design.
Dining Room
In the dining room, the existing wall wainscot was removed and the door to the butler’s pantry was replaced with a pair of louvered french doors and new fanlight above. The existing wood floors are painted in a checkerboard pattern, plus reclaimed decorative beams add depth to the ceiling.
Guest Bedroom
Vaulting the ceiling and adding a round dormer window to this rear bedroom enhanced natural light and new french doors with a juliet balcony facing the backyard create an indoor/outdoor connection.
Primary Bedroom
The primary bedroom is transformed by removing the existing carpet and white-washing the wood floors, vaulting the ceiling with new decorative beams, and adding a fireplace and hearth with an antique wood mantel sourced by Sean.
Primary Bathroom
The primary bathroom was reinvented with matching antique vanities, a freestanding tub, wood paneling at the walls, reverse board and batten at the ceiling, white-washed wood floors, and a grand glass-enclosed shower.
Kids’ Bedroom
Newly vaulted ceilings with tongue and groove paneling and a round dormer window (located out of frame) help open up this children’s bedroom. New millwork anchors the space with a new window and central desk niche flanked by bookcases, all topped with ogee arches.
Guest Bedroom
This guest bedroom features a new cathedral ceiling with decorative beams, adding soaring height to the space. The closet was removed and replaced with a painted antique armoire sourced by Sean.
Rear Terrace
At the rear of the house, a large bay window in the breakfast room was replaced with french doors, allowing natural air to flow into the space. This theme continued at the second floor, where bedroom windows were replaced by french doors with juliet balconies.
Today, the home reads as a cohesive “Caribbean Colonial” residence — where traditional architecture is enriched with global influences, antique materials, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Through carefully considered architectural interventions and Sean’s distinctive collections, the renovation transforms a once conventional home into a warm, transportive space. See more of this house in The New York Times Style Magazine.