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From Historic Built-Ins to an Eye-Catching Arched Doorway, This Remodeled Cottage Is Filled with Charm

Plus, don't miss the amazing collections displayed in those 1920's-era built-ins

Nena Farrell

When designer Amy Sklar of Sklar Design came on to remodel this Los Angeles cottage, the goal was to create better flow for the home and more room for the growing family. Renovating this nearly 100-year-old property was no easy task. “The home was built in 1926 and had many additions, so when we were in the demo phase, we found that there needed to be quite a bit more structural work than anticipated,” says Sklar.

Some of the additions were funky, ranging from reimagining a playroom as a dining room, all the way to finding a bathroom located inside of a closet. After a year of work, the remodeled cottage now features extra square footage (around 140 total), the return of a dining room, a completely redesigned kitchen, and a brand-new master suite.

But Sklar made sure to keep the original built-ins, which were one of her favorite features in the home. The home features beautiful built-in cabinets and shelving throughout, including in the living room.

Amy Bartlam

Another set of built-ins feature one of the homeowner’s many beautiful collections, seen throughout the home. “This was a perfect place to display the homeowner’s collection of jadeite,” says Sklar.

Amy Bartlam

One of the major aspects of the renovation involved turning the playroom the previous owners created back into the dining room. Full of natural light, it’s easy to see why it was a great choice for both dining and growing kids.

Amy Bartlam

The kitchen was also a major part of the project. “This part of the kitchen was previously a hallway and closet,” says Sklar. The kitchen is now majorly expanded, with a bigger window, new built-ins on both sides, and a beautifully muted backsplash that features pearl gray zellige tile.

Amy Bartlam

On the other side of the kitchen’s previous hallway is a surprising addition under the new kitchen window. “We added a German beer garden table for additional prep space,” says Sklar. The piece adds both extra room along with a kick of character in the soothing kitchen.

Amy Bartlam

Attached to the kitchen is a small breakfast nook—but that’s not what it always was. “This seating area used to be a guest bedroom!” exclaims Sklar. Now, the space is added onto the kitchen for additional dining space, making it an area the homeowners can really enjoy. “I love that we were able to expand the kitchen, as the homeowners love to cook and entertain,” she says.

Amy Bartlam

The cottage also features a cozy music room, featuring a collection of string instruments. “I love how the color of the velvet chairs bring out the soft teal in the original floor,” says Sklar.

Amy Bartlam

But, by far, the best feature of the music room is the incredible arched door. It’s one of the original features of the home, and one of Sklar’s overall favorite parts of the cottage.

Amy Bartlam

The cottage doesn’t lack in original built-in storage. “This one was perfect for the client’s tea set collection,” says Sklar.

Amy Bartlam

The final major part of the cottage’s remodel was the master bedroom. Sklar and her team created a brand-new master bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. “I love that we were able to give the client a new master oasis,” she says.

Amy Bartlam

The master bath includes a clawfoot tub, glass shower, and powder room with custom cabinetry. The master bath was a major find. “We found the vintage tub at a salvage yard and had it restored,” says Sklar.

Amy Bartlam