Restoration STORY

Given the task of updating every room in this historic home, designer Mollie Ranize has accentuated all the period details to instil a sense of character and charm that is both timeless and elegant

- ABBY WILSON

When designer Mollie Ranize of Dmar Interiors was asked to renovate this family home, one of the first things she noticed was how many of the original features had been overlooked in favour of modernisation. 'During the previous updates of this English Revival house, much of its traditional charm and grandeur had been lost, which made focusing on the heritage of the property a priority.'

Built in 1928, the house is situated in Los Angeles' Hancock Park Historic Preservation Overlay Zone. This area is particularly interesting because outstanding architects of the era developed the neighbourhood for prominent residents. Even today, every exterior decision has to be approved by the historic preservation committee, in addition to the standard building permitting process,' says Mollie.

Inside the house, Mollie has restored the feel of period splendour with the wrapped wooden staircase and an original stained-glass window in the hallway. A statement light fitting was also added, along with a simple yet sculptural table and an artwork in an ornate golden frame.