Soulful Simplicity: A Los Angeles Home Rooted in Nature

When Joelle Kutner and Jesse Rudolph, the duo behind the Los Angeles-based design-build studio Ome Dezin, first came across this original mid-century modern home in Brentwood (and collaborated with Claire and Sam O’Connor of O’Connor Estates), it was a moment of faith. Built in 1956, it had fallen into disrepair over decades, with a deteriorating roof, outdated electrical and plumbing systems, inefficient floor plan, and worn materials. Even still, the character of the home called to them—and the result is a stunning homage to the simplicity of light and form. 

Despite the home’s clean lines and ample space, there’s a distinct feel and personality characterizing each room. Corners soften through natural elements and intentional color choices seem to balance both words—what’s indoors and out—creating a grounded sense of harmony that appears as if it had always been there. That’s what great design does, no matter how many iterations or challenges it takes to manifest, it integrates beauty with daily life as effortless as breathing, as a reminder to nurture it wherever we can.

Through restraint and play, creativity can rejuvenate any space. And after talking with Joelle and Jesse, it’s clear that’s a process they’re expertly familiar with.

Photography by Ethan Jones

Where did your inspiration come from for this renovation?

Our aim was to respect the original design and architectural integrity of this 1950s mid-century modern (MCM) home while thoughtfully integrating modern functionality and updating its overall aesthetic. For this project, we looked to the Bauhaus movement and like-minded architects as our guiding inspiration. Rooted in the principle that form follows function, Bauhaus philosophy influenced every aspect of our design process—ensuring that each decision centered on usability, human experience, and simplicity. We then used pops of color like blue, red, and yellow to inspire one’s creativity. 

What guidelines do you use when thoughtfully restoring a space?

Renovating and modernizing mid-century modern (MCM) post-and-beam homes comes with a unique set of challenges. Unlike traditional structures, these homes offer little opportunity to conceal structural elements or mechanical systems behind walls or dropped ceilings. For example, with no room for recessed lighting in the ceilings, we embraced the challenge by using only flush mounts, pendants, and sconces—turning a constraint into a creative opportunity. 

In general, when restoring a home we look to keep character elements of a home, reusable windows, or materials like hardwood flooring. This keeps the integrity of the home while also reducing our environmental impact. 

Talk about how you achieved such an integrated sense of presence—every detail feels meticulous, yet not constraining. It feels free.

We embraced brutalist-inspired natural materials, celebrating the home’s raw strength and architectural honesty. Grounding the space in these elemental textures brings a sense of warmth, authenticity, and enduring character. Color played an equally crucial role in shaping the home’s atmosphere. Drawing from Bauhaus principles, we explored bold contrasts to create emotional resonance. The iconic Bauhaus palette—red, blue, yellow, black, white, and gray—guided our approach. 

While we anchor our designs in organic tones like whites, greige, and browns, we introduce striking accents of color to define individual spaces and spark visual interest. This philosophy is especially evident in the guest and powder bathrooms, where earthy materials like terrazzo, cork, and wood provide a grounding base, while vivid blue and red fixtures inject energy and personality.

There is so much indoor-outdoor flow here. What’s key when designing an integrated layout?

With mid-century homes, the task of integrating the indoor-outdoor is not too difficult with expansive fixed windows and sliding glass doors. This home’s design thoughtfully blurs the line between indoor and outdoor living, creating a fluid connection that enhances both functionality and atmosphere. Expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, open-concept interiors, and carefully positioned patios and courtyards allow for effortless transitions between inside and out.

In Los Angeles, where the climate invites year-round outdoor living, this design approach is especially desirable. It allows homeowners to extend their living and entertaining areas into thoughtfully landscaped gardens, tranquil courtyards, or poolside retreats, enhancing both lifestyle and home value.

What advice would you give someone who doesn’t have that sense of flow (and can’t renovate), but still wants to incorporate the outdoors into their home?

Indoor trees, plants, and natural textures are great ways to increase a sense of flow and incorporate the outdoors into one’s home.

This home really lends to the theme of “simplicity speaks.” How do you go about finding those statement pieces that don’t overwhelm, but instead add just the right amount of personality?

Statement pieces should reflect your story, something that you have a personal connection to. Handcrafted items always resonate with us. Jesse and his life partner love to create ceramics together and we often place them in our homes. Lighting is another great place for special vintage or found items that serve a function but also create a beautiful atmosphere and talking point. 

Did designing this project have any new takeaways for you? 

Every project teaches us something new. It reminds us to embrace the unexpected—to stay flexible when obstacles arise. Often, those very challenges push us to find creative solutions, leading to outcomes that are even better than we first imagined.