Summit House in Los Angeles by Patrick Bernatz Ward.

Patrick Bernatz Ward has respectfully reinterpreted the heritage vernacular of Summit House in Los Angeles, creating a home that fuses the arts & crafts style with contemporary finishes. Originally built in 1907, the home has undergone several different renovations, each one adding to the overgrowing story that is now permanently woven into its structure. “Flexible programming, local finishes, and considered detailing lend themselves to a home that is both respectful of the past and conducive to the present,” says Bernatz Ward.

Summit House sits on a corner lot within LA’s historic Lincoln Heights. Resting among a series of foothills and mesas above the Arroyo Seco and Los Angeles River, this neighbourhood was once home to many of the city’s OG pioneer families who used local river stone, wood, and clay in the construction of their homes.

A palette of earthy tones used throughout the property references this historical narrative, creating a scheme that sits in harmony within its surroundings. Oak flooring, lime-washed plaster, and moody, green-toned shutters combine to create a character-filled space that feels warm and welcoming.

The kitchen is lined with painted groove panelling, walnut slab counters, and locally made black terracotta tile. A unique copper lantern sits above the custom banquette designed by Bernatz Ward. Arched doorways create gentle distinctions between spaces, softening the robust scheme while still allowing for seamless movement throughout the floor plan.

“Primarily dressed in neutrals, the living room is lined by moody, green-toned shutters and is anchored by an oiled, red Gum Eucalyptus built-in sofa made especially for the space,” explains the designer. “Tying the spaces together, the adjacent office utilizes the same dark green shutters. An antique Mexican desk, copper Lindsay Adelman table lamp, and repurposed Greta Grossman chair flank the westward view of the downtown skyline.”

Despite being a reinterpretation of past styles, Summit House is a refreshing take on the contemporary home. In a landscape where clean black lines and glass-clad facades reign supreme, this humble house feels very special indeed.

[Images courtesy of Patrick Bernatz Ward. Photography by John Daniel Powers.]