Pasadena 1920 Spanish Home Renovation
Pasadena,california
01 KITCHEN
This Pasadena kitchen remodel celebrates the elegance of a 1920s Spanish Revival home while introducing refined, timeless updates. Original character is elevated through custom crown molding, detailed millwork, and softly arched architectural moments that frame the space and draw the eye upward. The crown molding wraps the room seamlessly, adding depth and formality while honoring the home’s historic bones.
At the heart of the kitchen, a marble-wrapped island anchors the space, balancing classic craftsmanship with modern function. Above, large alabaster pendant fixtures cast a warm, diffused glow, complementing the natural light that fills the room. Brass details are layered throughout from the bridge-style polished brass faucet and matching sink fittings to the burnished and unlacquered brass switches and hardware creating a collected, European feel that will age beautifully over time.
The cooking area is framed by a sculptural hood accented with brass wall sconces, adding both task lighting and architectural interest. Subtle yet intentional lighting choices, including pleated wall fixtures and recessed lighting, ensure the space transitions effortlessly from day to evening. Understated yet luxurious finishes like the undermount sink, classic brass air gap, and thoughtfully selected fixtures bring cohesion to every detail.
Throughout the kitchen and adjacent spaces, traditional materials meet modern performance, resulting in a space that feels warm, layered, and enduring true to its Spanish Revival roots while designed for contemporary living.
02 living room
In the living room, preserving the home’s original character was a top priority. The exposed ceiling beams and sculptural plaster fireplace were existing elements, central to the identity of the house and its Spanish Revival roots. Rather than altering these features, we focused on restoration and refinement to honor their history.
The original wood beams were carefully re-stained and polished, deepening their tone and bringing out the natural grain while maintaining their aged integrity. This process allowed the beams to feel refreshed and intentional, anchoring the space with warmth and architectural depth.
The existing plaster fireplace was preserved to retain its organic form and historic presence. Subtle refinishing enhanced its texture and silhouette, ensuring it remains a focal point without overpowering the room. Together, these restored elements ground the space, allowing new furnishings and finishes to layer in seamlessly.
The result is a living room that feels timeless and authentic a thoughtful balance of preservation and renewal, where the original architecture continues to tell the story of the home.
03 master bathroom
This master bathroom was designed as a refined extension of the home’s original character, blending classic European detailing with modern comfort and craftsmanship. At the center of the space, a custom 84-inch double vanity anchors the room, featuring detailed paneling, fluted textures, and a soft neutral finish that allows the materials to speak for themselves. Finished with heritage brass pulls and antique brass scalloped cup hardware, the vanity feels collected and timeless never trendy.
Above, custom-cut mirrors reflect both natural and layered lighting, while travertine sconces cast a warm, ambient glow that softens the stone surfaces throughout the room. The countertop and backsplash are wrapped in Calacatta Viola marble, selected for its dramatic veining and old world richness, continuing seamlessly into the shower surround to create visual continuity.
The bathing area is designed as a true retreat. A freestanding Madera acrylic tub is paired with a brushed brass floor-mounted tub filler, bringing a sculptural elegance to the space. Nearby, the walk-in shower features exposed brass cross-handle fixtures, classic white porcelain tile, and a decorative brushed brass scroll shower drain, elevating even the most utilitarian details.
Flooring in a chevron-pattern porcelain tile introduces warmth and movement underfoot, echoing the craftsmanship found throughout the home. Overhead, Georgian-style crown molding wraps the ceiling, reinforcing the architectural integrity of the space and grounding the design in its historic roots.
Every element from the heated towel warmer to the smart bidet toilet, from the antique white chandelier above the tub to the layered brass accessories was selected to balance beauty, function, and longevity. The result is a master bathroom that feels luxurious yet lived-in, honoring the past while fully supporting modern living.
04 kid's bathroom
The kids’ bathroom was designed to feel bright, durable, and timeless balancing playful warmth with the same level of craftsmanship found throughout the home. To maintain visual continuity, we kept the flooring consistent with the primary bathroom, creating a cohesive flow between spaces while allowing the finishes above to feel fresh and age-appropriate.
A 42-inch Fine Grain Alys vanity anchors the room, offering ample storage in a compact footprint. The vanity is paired with a satin brass and polished nickel widespread faucet, introducing a subtle contrast that feels classic yet youthful. Above, antique gold octagon pivot mirrors add character and a slightly traditional touch, while remaining functional for growing kids.
The walls are finished with a mix of glossy ceramic tile, including soft crème and crisp white tones that reflect light and keep the space feeling open and clean. In the bathing area, a rectangular alcove tub is paired with solid brass thermostatic shower fixtures, ensuring both durability and ease of use. Polished brass tub details and trim add warmth without overpowering the space.
Lighting was carefully considered, with antique brass double sconces providing soft, even illumination and reinforcing the home’s classic design language. Crown molding and decorative bathroom trim were carried through to maintain architectural consistency with the rest of the house, elevating the room beyond a typical children’s bath.
The result is a kids’ bathroom that feels intentional and refined a space designed to grow with the family, rooted in timeless materials, thoughtful layout, and continuity with the home’s overall design.
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ENE BUILDERS | LA + OC Remodeling
Family owned affordable design+build firm
Specializing in Spanish revival , Modern Mediterranean Organic Design
From A-Z: Architecture | Design | General Contractor | Showroom Details obsessed + Planning perfectionist