Handsome and well built, LZF’s Link and Orbit lamps are perfectly placed in this smart Venice Beach residence.

Vibrant and vivacious, Venice is a sunny beachfront neighbourhood on LA’s Westside that’s home to a veritable hotchpotch of locals: from creatives to the well-heeled and surfer dudes to posing preeners (think Muscle Beach). Venice’s architecture is just as eclectic, with a mix of residential accommodation, artist studios and commercial properties, housed across a melange of building styles. Bungalows, cottages and duplex apartments are a staple in the district, many of which have been remodelled in line with Venice’s ever-growing affluence.

In one example, the prepossessing Venice home pictured, originally a modest single-storey 1950s bungalow, was made over with the addition of a second storey for bedrooms and a prized outdoor terrace. Desirous of more space for their growing family and collected artworks, the owners enlisted the help of LA architectural firm Space International who set about creating a stunning contemporary abode.

This Venice home is replete with good design taste: there is a predominance of rich woodwork throughout, a beautifully design garden by landscape architect Kathleen Ferguson who included outdoor furniture by Valencia-based Gandia Blasco, and of course lush lighting from LZF.

In the stairwell leading to the upper floor, a tasteful Orbit light is fixed to the wall. Created by Spanish designer Miguel Herranz, Orbit is an unfussy lamp whose shape is handmade by twisting a piece of wood veneer. With two apertures, the Orbit’s light is diffused both upwards and downwards and is thus perfect in its stairwell location.

In the bright dining area, Irish designer Ray Power’s sculptural Link pendant in natural beach floats gracefully above the family’s dining table. This always striking light is framed by and complements the clean and simple wood cabinetry of the open-plan kitchen.

With a balanced sense of harmony, this well proportioned and carefully considered Venice home is delightful. The clever renovation combines a contemporary vision with midcentury charm, something that is clearly augmented by the high-quality interiors, including LZF’s two shining gems.

Written by Gerard McGuickin

Photography by Joe Schmelzer