How do you renovate a 1920s bungalow and still make it feel fresh, timeless, and modern? That was the challenge Caitlin Murray of Black Lacquer Design faced when hired by an Aussie couple looking to revamp their Silver Lake home. Though they were initially drawn to a more contemporary aesthetic, Caitlin preferred to let the architecture lead the design. “For me, it’s always pretty clear what they are not doing right away,” she says.
The kitchen, in particular, needed a major upgrade with modern touches that respected the home’s architectural details—out with the pieced-together early-2000s remodel and in with custom cabinetry, warm walls, and curated vintage additions. At first the couple wanted to go with a neutral kitchen, but the designer, who is known for her eclectic, colorful projects, encouraged them to embrace the bold. “I try to get the best answer for each individual space and find my clients want to be pushed a bit,” Caitlin says. “I think maybe it was because of the pandemic, but comfortable and cozy neutrals have been trending, so I think my work jumped out because it’s different from what’s out there.”