1960s bungalows present a rich canvas for modern renovation. Often sited on generous plots, these single-storey homes offer the opportunity to create airy, open-plan interiors that suit contemporary living. In a post-pandemic world where flexibility, light and a connection to outdoor space are highly prized, a mid-century bungalow can deliver all of these qualities with the right design approach.
One example is a 1960s ranch-style bungalow in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, recently renovated by designers Carlos Naude and Whitney Brown of Working Holiday Studio. The project reimagines the original home while respecting its low-slung proportions and landscape setting. The result is a calm, contemporary residence that blends Scandinavian restraint, Japanese simplicity and a relaxed Californian sensibility.
From the exterior, the house reads as a cohesive, understated composition. The structure spreads across its plot beneath a low-pitched tiled roof, with a wide verandah running along one side. Painting the exterior in a deep black hue gives the house a strong, monolithic appearance that subtly conceals details and emphasises form. This dark shell helps the building sit quietly within its garden while creating a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery.
Inside, the renovation focused on opening up primary living spaces to increase natural light and improve circulation. Walls between the kitchen and dining area were removed to create a more generous, unified space. The kitchen itself is fitted with the Basis range by Reform — a design inspired by the clean-lined kitchens of 1960s Scandinavian architecture. The furniture’s streamlined appearance, milled-in handles and simple detailing contribute to a sense of calm and order.
In the bathrooms, Reform cabinetry continues the pared-back palette, while oak Frame cabinets designed by Note Design Studio introduce a warm contrast. Terrazzo surfaces add texture and depth, grounding the light, airy interiors with an artisanal touch. The overall material scheme—muted woods, textured stone and restrained finishes—helps the house feel contemporary without losing its mid-century character.
Throughout the home, the design team has balanced minimalism with moments of colour and tactile detail. A green-tiled bathroom, rich textile choices and a rust-coloured corner sofa in the living room create focal points that feel measured rather than decorative. These accents complement the otherwise neutral palette and provide visual warmth that makes each room feel lived-in and approachable.
The bedroom areas maintain a minimalist approach, favouring clean lines and uncluttered surfaces to promote rest and relaxation. Large windows and careful positioning of openings ensure privacy while allowing generous amounts of daylight. The indoor-outdoor relationship is an important element of the scheme: the verandah and garden views extend the living space and invite a connection to nature, which is central to the home’s tranquil atmosphere.
This renovation demonstrates how a sensitive update can preserve a bungalow’s original qualities while bringing it firmly into the present. By prioritising light, flow and material integrity, the designers achieved a serene, functional home that acknowledges its mid-century roots without becoming literal or nostalgic. The careful selection of cabinetry, finishes and furnishings produces a cohesive, contemporary aesthetic that feels both timeless and distinctly Californian.
Project Credits – Design by Working Holiday Studio. Photography by Carlos Naude.
