Carolyn Miller Climbed Ladders and Built Fireplaces To Respectfully Restore Her Los Angeles Home
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Carolyn Miller Climbed Ladders and Built Fireplaces To Respectfully Restore Her Los Angeles Home
""I try to work with these threads that have spanned centuries to create a space that feels authentic and real." In working on her own home, Miller had a come-to moment, understanding its existence as a milestone project in her lifelong passion. "It was a major leap forward in terms of refining my design identity," she acknowledges. "I started to explore more unique-even esoteric-sources, aiming for a modern sensibility that synthesizes different historical ideas.""
"A particular difficulty came while restoring the old wooden windows. "We had to scrape off layers of paint and assure they are waterproof," says Miller, who was also sensitive about sun damage on her art collection. "We used window treatments on all of them and we keep the blinds or curtains closed. But the beauty of the mullions and the hand-blown glass made it all worth the effort.""
Miller draws inspiration from historical design, synthesizing Nordic, Italian, and Japanese influences from the 1930s–1960s into an 'Art Deco craftsmanship with machine age clarity' aesthetic. The renovation preserves original architectural details such as plaster moldings and arches while restoring challenging elements like old wooden windows to protect artwork. Numerous DIY interventions include replacing vents, updating door hardware, crafting custom teak handles, upgrading electrical systems, and installing Roman clay on the fireplace. Lighting and sconces were largely installed personally. The home displays curated objects with distinct identities, reflecting a refined design identity that balances authenticity, craftsmanship, and modern sensibility.
Read at Architectural Digest
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