Charles Du Bois, the late-mid-century architect best remembered for infusing ranch-style homes with Asian and Polynesian influences, left his mark throughout Southern California. He was a leading figure in Palm Springs’ Desert Modernism movement and in Los Angeles, where he designed more than 1,000 modern ranch homes in the San Fernando Valley community of Woodland Hills suburbs, creating a sprawling subdivision called Woodland West, now a recognized historic district.
A stunning example in the neighborhood is a colorful four bedroom residence on a prime quarter acre corner parcel. The relatively unassuming exterior of the mint green front door beckons to the colorful interiors of the newly remodeled residence. The current owners have thoughtfully used rich colors that complement original architectural details such as vaulted ceilings and Du Bois’ signature open floor plan.
The retro-inspired pistachio green kitchen features modern appliances.
Will Myers
Related: Inside a maximalist Palm Springs retreat with Technicolor interiors
The centerpiece of the home is a salmon-colored, double-sided masonry fireplace that rises smack in the center of the living room, creating two separate lounges that both lead easily to the backyard. Wide banks of glass sliders open to a covered patio with a brick-lined swimming pool.
Next to the kitchen entrance, a small dining area is tucked off to the side of the great room. Here, modern appliances are paired with modern pistachio green cabinetry and a tiled backsplash. There is also a breakfast area in the dining room for casual meals.
The primary bedroom is a movie masterpiece.
Will Myers
Related: It offers views of a 1960s LA home cinema that stretches across the San Fernando Valley.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are a veritable kaleidoscope of colors. The primary bedroom is done in a punchy mauve, while others come in muted chartreuse, soft eggshell blue and sunny yellow. The red-brick primary bath has a pink and red striped shower, while another bathroom features a similar striped tile pattern in blue and yellow.
Christie’s International Real Estate Southern California has a SoCal residence with Shelton Wilder and Emily Neary on the market for $1.7 million.
Click here to view all Woodland Hills home photos.
Will Myers
The authors
Tory Latham
