Little Ice Cream Scoop | Residential
A rundown century-old bungalow set atop a hill in Echo Park, affectionally called the “Little Ice Cream Scoop” for its creamy exterior shingles - underwent a permitted remodel and design. Featured here is the Sitting Room, with a peek of the Den.
This project being our personal home, gave me the opportunity to hone my drafting, CAD, custom furniture-designing, and project management skills as I collaborated closely with the contractor, architect, artisans, and vendors.
Photography by Peter Baker
Location
A quirky enclave of architecturally rich homes with a counter-culture vibe. Charming, little boutique and specialty shops are tucked right into the neighborhood of creatives.
Vision/Inspiration
I wanted the house to reveal its story, reflect my husband’s love for Beaux Arts details, my love for clean lines, and our shared love of travel. It continues to evolve.
Above is a before image of the door leading into a bedroom that was transformed into a den. To maximize the small new space while creating a plush, roomy feel, I designed a custom sofa sectional with modern lines and a handsome tone—one that can easily move with us into a new home, whether it’s a Spanish Revival, Tudor Revival, or Mid-Century.
Custom Sectional Design
The previous residents were using the second bedroom as a closet. We chose to build a custom wardrobe in the primary bedroom, with doors that feature a minimalist take on the Moorish arch, reflecting our love of Morocco and hardware from Dauby, which reiterate the Lancet arch design.
Bespoke Wardrobe Door Design
Tiny Guest Bath Design
I can’t resist a good grotto-like washroom. Embracing the cozy confines of the original small space, we maximized its potential with a clean white palette. Traditional 4"x4" undulating tiles add a subtle nod to the home's history while introducing texture to balance the crisp simplicity.
To the right is a 'before' image of the bathroom for comparison.
Galley Kitchen Design
Once again, we embraced the challenge of maximizing a small space. By extending the original galley kitchen and relocating the utility area—refrigerator and washer/dryer—just outside, we unlocked more room to breathe. Panel-ready appliances, including the refrigerator and dishwasher, created a seamless, streamlined aesthetic, making the space feel larger and more cohesive.
To the right is a 'before' image of the kitchen for comparison.
A Tree of Life textile from Claremont Furnishing softens the newly opened arched passageway to the Den and echoes the lush outdoor foliage in the Sitting Room where we enjoy our morning coffees.
Instead of simply opening up the entire bungalow with its small rooms, we wanted to have fun by highlighting the little mudrooms and closets with colors and patterns inspired by our trips to Africa and Europe.
