Designer Nick Olsen embarked on a transformative journey with a longtime client, initially driven by the desire for a spacious yard, pool, and ample living room. However, as priorities shifted, the client realized the importance of a neighborhood where amenities, like a coffee shop, were within walking distance. This change in direction led them to the charming Atwater Village neighborhood, where they found a 1,200-square-foot raised cottage. Though small and lacking a pool, the home’s recent renovations and unique architectural features made an undeniable appeal.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Nick Olsen
Homeowner: Undisclosed
Location: Atwater Village, Los Angeles
Wallpaper: Cole & Son, Schumacher, Morris & Co.
Furniture Sources: Vintage, DeKor, Modernica
Paint: Sunrise by Sherwin-Williams
The century-old cottage boasted modern updates, including a refreshed kitchen, bathrooms, and floors. Vaulted ceilings, skylights, and stained-glass windows lent a treehouse aesthetic that captivated the homeowner and designer alike. Embracing the home’s innate character, Olsen skillfully infused the interiors with a blend of California living and maximalist sensibilities while honoring the client’s East Coast roots. Olsen’s approach was to use bold, botanical wallpapers and patterned rugs, enhancing the vibrant energy of the walls. To provide visual balance, he opted for white ceilings coupled with earthy textures like jute and bamboo, introducing both contrast and cohesion.
Key to Olsen’s strategy was the selection of large-scale furniture and the display of the client’s art collection, which added depth and grounded the spaces. He firmly believed in utilizing scale to make a statement: “When in doubt, take up space,” Olsen advised. In the outdoor area, this philosophy extended to installing a slender pool that fused elements reminiscent of Santa Barbara’s sophistication with the casual charm of Fire Island. This intimate backyard transformation exemplified how the essence of a home transcends its physical size.
Transitioning to the kitchen, Olsen faced the challenge of a narrow space that connected to every other room in the cottage. To enhance flow and openness, he replaced the typical island with a vintage round table, minimizing sharp edges and bolstering movement. Complementing the seamless design, noteworthy pieces like the wallpaper brought life and character to the kitchen, while a vintage table and chairs added a personalized touch, echoing the overall design philosophy.
In the primary bedroom, Olsen demonstrated his confidence in unconventional pairings by integrating various crimson hues across wallpaper, rugs, and a vintage leather sofa. This fearless combination showcased the harmony that can emerge from seemingly disparate elements, underlining Olsen’s belief in personalized yet cohesive design. Each furnishing and accessory, from vintage rugs to distinct throw pillows, was chosen to express individuality while maintaining a unified aesthetic narrative.
The work-from-home space, fashioned from a repurposed garage, further embodies Olsen’s innovative approach. With vintage furniture and art carefully selected from trusted local sources, the office became a harmonious blend of functionality and style. A nod to simplicity marked the adjoining deck, where Olsen’s mantra of minimalism thoughtfully extended to optimize the narrow outdoor area. Through his design, Olsen not only crafted an inviting and versatile home for his client but also highlighted the profound impact that thoughtful design has on personal well-being and living experience.
