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Tucked away in the verdant hills of Topanga Canyon, California, is our dream house. Well, technically, the redwood-clad bungalow is General Store cofounder Serena Mitnik-Miller and architect Mason St. Peter’s dream house, but the fixer-upper the couple made their passion project is now for sale—and we want it.
In case you missed their cabin in our Winter 2016 issue, here’s a refresher: Built in 1927, the place boasts white painted floors and ceilings, sustainably harvested cypress wood shelves, and natural light galore thanks to all the skylights and clerestory windows (framed by wood-beamed trusses). All that to say, the retreat is ideal for anyone seeking calm and quiet. “I love the character it has collected over its almost 100 years, the garden we planted, the hawks flying above, and the coyotes talking to the moon at night,” says Mitnik-Miller. St. Peter, on the other hand, will miss the light. “No matter what time of day or night, it’s always magical there,” he says. Get in touch with Tori Horowitz of Canyon Haus to take a tour, or hold onto your checkbook and bring these three serene design ideas home.
The Utilitarian Kitchen
Instead of splurging on fancy cherry- or oakwood, the couple opted for plain plywood cabinetry (a material that captures their minimalist aesthetic). A half fridge like the one tucked under the marble counter will really encourage you to pare down your leftovers and hit the farmers’ market more often (there’s only so much food you can keep in there).
The Plant Nook
In the warmest months, there’s no need to get the heat going, so why not spotlight your fireplace with plants on plants? Mitnik-Miller treats her greenery like sculptural works of art, filling the hearth with leaves in all different sizes and shapes. To streamline the jungle-inspired alcove, she put them in simple clay pots in similar shades.
The Breezy Bedroom
There are no bulky built-in closets or fussy pieces of furniture in the master bedroom—just the bed, a four-drawer dresser, and a hamper. Everything that doesn’t belong in one of these places—throw blankets, towels, jeans—gets hung up on the row of hooks on the wall. When you save square footage, minimizing your wardrobe is a lot more enticing.
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