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My Houzz: 1950s Rebound for a Cliff May House
Loving restoration brings a midcentury gem back to life and its owners to the kind of life they love
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(Note: The ideabooks you see here are homes I have covered for Houzz, not homes I have designed.)
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Josh and Jen Amstone had just bought a house in Long Beach, California, when they became enamored of a nearby tract of midcentury homes built by famed midcentury architect Cliff May. Josh, his heart set on one of these homes, known for their indoor and outdoor connections, would often drive through the neighborhood on his way home from work, looking for available properties. He eventually connected with Doug and Rochelle Kramer, Realtors at SoCal Modern, who told them about a home they were in the process of rehabbing. What began as a dilapidated house in total disrepair slowly transformed into the couple's dream house.
With precise curation and vintage finds from local stores like Xcape and Inretrospect, the house has been restored to its original midcentury perfection. In fact, the home recently received a Preservation Award from The Long Beach Heritage Coalition.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Josh and Jen Amstone, high school special education teachers
Location: Cliff May Rancho tract, Long Beach, California
Size: 1,130 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
That's interesting: Cliff May built a handful of models in this tract and made each one unique in its orientation on the lot and the location of the garage.
With precise curation and vintage finds from local stores like Xcape and Inretrospect, the house has been restored to its original midcentury perfection. In fact, the home recently received a Preservation Award from The Long Beach Heritage Coalition.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Josh and Jen Amstone, high school special education teachers
Location: Cliff May Rancho tract, Long Beach, California
Size: 1,130 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
That's interesting: Cliff May built a handful of models in this tract and made each one unique in its orientation on the lot and the location of the garage.
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by Tara Bussema
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| The open floor plan and abundance of windows make the 1,130-square-foot living area feel spacious. The Amstones are inspired by the notion that things were simpler in the '50s and '60s. To them, life back then was slower and more balanced; communities were tighter; family and friends were the priority. Embracing the decor and architecture of the era, they hope a less-is-more mindset radiates through their home. In decorating their great room, they wanted to create an inviting space where friends and family can gather. Flooring: Dorado by Celestial Cork; wall paint: Waterby, Vista Paint; sofa: vintage gondola style possibly by Adrian Pearsall, Xcape; coffee table: vintage Acclaim table in Walnut, Lane Furniture Company, Craigslist; bar stools: 1960s Erik Buck for O.D. Mobler Denmark, Xcape |
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by Tara Bussema
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| Realtors Doug and Rochelle Kramer had started the landscaping outside, and it is still a work in progress. Josh's garden design aesthetic is drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants with ample spacing. The couple recently created a raised planter box next to some foxtail ferns to grow their own veggies and herbs in. The couple would like to add a pool, spa and fire pit in the far corner, as well as paint the interior of the garage. They want to make the garage an extension of the home to house their workout space and laundry room. Patio set: vintage Brown-Jordan dining set, Xcape; tiki torches: Costco |
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| BEFORE: The house had been neglected when the Kramers found it. The windows were yellow from cigarette smoke, and one window wall was even covered with boards. The Kramers spotted the potential, however, and had started the restoration process before it caught Josh's and Jen's eyes. |
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AFTER: A city ordinance allows owners in this tract to build 6-foot-tall solid fences all the way out to the curb. Enhancing Cliff May's concept of true indoor-outdoor living, the new redwood fence encloses the yard, creating a private outdoor space wrapping around the home.
Although most of the home's reconstruction stayed true to midcentury roots, the Kramers had added a low and lean modern-style fence and gate during the restoration. Modern address numbers and a low-maintenance rock garden with succulents accent the front of the home.
Contractor: Gilbert Scales
Although most of the home's reconstruction stayed true to midcentury roots, the Kramers had added a low and lean modern-style fence and gate during the restoration. Modern address numbers and a low-maintenance rock garden with succulents accent the front of the home.
Contractor: Gilbert Scales
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| Inside the gate a peaceful outdoor living space begins. With five French doors around the property, there is no "proper" front door on this home. Rather, multiple entrances contribute to the unified feeling and indoor-outdoor connection. Simple modern landscaping and concrete pavers maintain a sense of order and simplicity in the outdoor space. Concrete work: Seasiders Concrete, Anaheim; landscaping: Doug and Rochelle Kramer, SoCal Modern |
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| Many details here are in character with a Cliff May design:
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| This view of the back side of the home also illustrates the five characteristic features of a Cliff May design, which drew the couple to the home. Amazingly, all of the doors and windows in this home are original. The many windows on every side of the home connect every area of the house and yard together. |
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| The front privacy fence gives the homeowners ample outdoor entertaining space, allowing all of the outdoor living spaces to flow continuously. When the Kramers found this home, the backyard was an overgrown jungle of bushes and weeds. Clearing away the mess, they discovered an amazing large yucca tree that has been there for probably 60 years. It now serves as a centerpiece in the landscape. Lounge chairs, table: Alfresco Grey, Crate & Barrel |
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Jen and Josh curated every outdoor item. A vintage Brown Jordan chair found from local store Xcape is set against retro bullet planters filled with succulents. The pale green chair complements the pale gray-blue board and batten siding.
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| The great room inside welcomes in plenty of Southern California sunshine, putting the spotlight on some of the couple's vintage furniture, including a pair of original 1950s Z Chairs by Poul Jensen for Selig of Denmark, bought at Xcape. Fireplace paint: Night Horizon, Vista Paint; wall clock: Nelson clock replica, eBay; art: original midcentury abstract by Ralph Hasenbein, Inretrospect |
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| This corner is the couple's favorite spot. Sitting in this 1960s rocking chair designed by Kofod Larsen, Jen or Josh can enjoy a view of everything. According to Josh, it helps him "enjoy the fruits of our labor." This is his favorite place where he can slow down, listen to music, read, chat and think. Floor lamp: teak, 1950s, possibly Paul McCobb, Inretrospect |
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Across the room a collection of cacti brings a bit of the outdoors in. The pale blue on the walls, the orange in the chairs and the live greenery accents liven up the many original wood surfaces in the home.
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| Like the rest of the house, the kitchen is surrounded by windows. The central island provides a practical prep area without taking wall space away from the windows. The oven and stove are incorporated into the island, with white terrazzo quartz countertops and wood cabinetry below. Pendant lamps: Orbis, Rejuvenation Lighting |
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Between the vintage Nelson bubble lamp, cloth wall art and '50s teak dining set, the dining room area comes together in good midcentury form. The art, found at Inretrospect, is a 1963 serigraph on cloth by David Weidman titled "Family of Birds."
Pendant: George Nelson Saucer Lamp, Modernica; dining table,chairs: Inretrospect
Pendant: George Nelson Saucer Lamp, Modernica; dining table,chairs: Inretrospect
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Other than the island, the kitchen takes up only one wall. The home may have less cabinetry and storage than other houses, but Jen says they have everything they need. "We appreciate the limited storage. It keeps us living simply, with only the most essential necessities, and helps us focus on the things that matter most in life: friends, family and fellowship."
Cabinetry: MEI Cabinets; backsplash: vitreous glass mosaic, Liberty by Trend, Stone & Ceramic Surfaces
Cabinetry: MEI Cabinets; backsplash: vitreous glass mosaic, Liberty by Trend, Stone & Ceramic Surfaces
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| The master bedroom decor is simple, with clean lines and muted colors. The Adrian Pearsall wing chair for Craft Associates brings color into the room, while the clerestory windows and two full window walls fill the room with natural light. Moving into this home, the Amstones were forced to downsize and split up their pair of wing chairs. They gave the chair's twin to the Kramers. Bed frame: Platform Bed in Natural Steel, Room & Board; bedding: Target; wall art: mixed media by Bruce Yager, eBay; dresser, nightstands: vintage, Glenn of California, Xcape; lamps: Target |
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| There's still room for whimsy in this clean and minimalist space. These original vintage Bitossi ceramics were made in Italy and bought at Xcape. |
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| This view shows the floor-to-ceiling French doors that make the patio feel like an extension of the master bedroom. A few windows have roll-down coverings, but waking up with the sun is the modus operandi here. Planter: Case Study planter with stand, Modernica; flooring: Dorado by Celestial Cork |
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Unlike many homes built in the 1950s, all Cliff May homes included master suites complete with a walk-in closet and master bath. This master bath was rescued and revived by the Kramers with simple, minimalist surfaces and light colors that help the small bath feel as open and airy as possible.
Backsplash: China Blend vitreous glass mosaic, Hakatai; sink: Lillången, Ikea
Backsplash: China Blend vitreous glass mosaic, Hakatai; sink: Lillången, Ikea
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| Josh and Jen are teachers and use the second bedroom as an office; it's still a work in progress. The one item they can't seem to get rid of is the bright red strawberry-shaped cookie jar. Although it doesn't fit with the couple's style, it belonged to Jen's grandpa and is high in sentimental value. Desks, shelving unit: Slim Desks and Shelf in Natural Steel, Room & Board; art: "Flowers II" and "The Girls" serigraphs by David Weidman, Inretrospect |
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| The last of the three bedrooms in the home, and the smallest, functions as a den and guest room, with a sleeper sofa from Room & Board. The couple feels strongly about not having a TV in the great room, so this is where they retreat for movie watching and relaxing. This room is at the front of the house and is bathed in light like the rest of the home. The couple's latest splurge is this 1968 "Birds in Flight" sculpture over the TV by Curtis Jere, found at Stuff SF. The movement in the piece distracts the eye from the TV and serves as a focal point in the room. An old album cabinet serves as a console that hides electronics. Side table: Saarinen Tulip side table replica, eBay; console: vintage teak record cabinet with tambour doors, Xcape; planter: vintage, Gainey Ceramics, Xcape |
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| The home is the perfect retreat for Josh and Jen Amstone, shown here. The tract has brought together Cliff May enthusiasts, who connect through their love of design and investment in the neighborhood. People watch out for one another, invite one another over for cocktails and share life together. Sounds a lot like the midcentury lifestyle the Amstones were hoping for. Next: Learn more about Cliff May's California Ranch Style Your turn: Please share your midcentury house with us |
Ideabook updated on March 3, 2013.
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Also, for what it's worth, not EVERY Cliff May house has a master bath. Most of our houses below 1200 sq ft or so are 3/1s. Somehow, that didn't stop many of the original owners from raising 4-6 kids in them! We aren't so ambitious, so we converted our ~1060 sq ft from a 3/1 to a 3/2 by adding a tiny (4x5) master bathroom where two closets used to abut.
Wondering how much it cost?
What finish is on the wood ?
What's the story on the vintage green sofa?
You can't see me but I'm giving you a standing ovation.
As far as the walls/fences go, these homes are mostly glass and I believe the roofs are 11 or 12 inches between houses on the sides. Without the fencing, there would have been no privacy at all. With the fencing, you were able to have almost complete privacy and could make it into whatever kind of space you wanted. It was a great neighborhood as well. I loved that house! The pictures of this gorgeous makeover brings back many memories!
I find the decor a little too "on the nose" but it does look nice!
We have landscaped several homes in this area of Long Beach and are pool builders as well. Please do not hesitate to call on us if you'd like to hear our ideas for a contemporary conversation piece of a swimming pool in the yard.
Solena Landscape Co (714-960-8955)
We now have a huge 1975 custom-built top of the line ranch home on 6.5 acres in Maryland. We have the blueprints of the house, a notebook from the interior decorator and the blueprint from the original yard design. Counting the finished lower level, we have over 5,000 sq ft of living space (including 2 kitchens, 3 full plus 2 half baths and 2 large garages - one is 1,000 sq. ft.). The couple lived very lightly in the home - Everything is original (including drapes) but in very good condition; we just replaced the two 1974 water heaters (which were still working). My upper kitchen has a harvest gold stove (self-cleaning top of the line Hotpoint that still works great) and yellow formica countertops. Trying to decide what we want to do with this house.
Very interesting to have lived in one of he first ranch style homes AND one of the last ones.