Helberta
Hermosa Beach, CA
Homes
Custom Home Design
Helberta Residence began as a modest California Bungalow and was carefully re-imagined into a Spanish-Mediterranean home that feels grounded, warm, and distinctly Southern California.
The project approached the existing house as a framework rather than something to erase. While the original structure remained, nearly every exterior surface was reworked to shift the character of the home. Smooth stucco replaced the original cladding, windows were recessed to add depth and shadow, and the front porch was widened to create a more generous threshold between street and interior. A small courtyard entry was introduced to slow the arrival sequence, offering a moment of privacy and transition before entering the home. Together, these moves transformed the house from a simple bungalow into a residence with presence, texture, and a sense of permanence.
Inside, the original kitchen was one of the biggest constraints. It was small, enclosed, and disconnected from the rest of the house. The remodel opened this space to the living areas, allowing light, movement, and daily life to flow more naturally. Storage was significantly increased without overwhelming the room, using cabinetry and built-ins that feel integrated rather than added on. The kitchen became both a working space and a social anchor, connected visually and spatially to the rest of the home.
Material choices throughout the interior were intentionally restrained. Finishes were selected to support a casual beach-adjacent lifestyle while still feeling considered and durable. Natural wood tones, soft plaster-like surfaces, and warm metals create a palette that is relaxed but cohesive. Rather than relying on ornament, the design emphasizes proportion, light, and texture. Each space was designed to feel comfortable and lived-in, with enough detail to reward close attention without becoming precious.
The overall goal of the Helberta Residence was not to chase a specific style, but to create a home that feels settled and timeless. By reshaping the exterior massing, refining the entry sequence, and reworking the interior plan around how the house is actually used, the project demonstrates how thoughtful design can dramatically change the experience of a space without relying on excess. It is a quiet transformation, rooted in craft, restraint, and an understanding of how people move through and inhabit their homes.
