A Couple Gives Their Sunny Venice Bungalow the Illusion of More Space

A wife and husband in public relations and journalism weren't looking to change much about their beach bungalow in Venice, California. They liked its relatively small size and appreciated its laid-back exterior given their close proximity to the waves. But the pair did want to make some upgrades to the house's interior — after all, the dropped ceilings and cramped floor plan didn't fulfill their wishes to have more natural light and access to the outdoors. They asked Robert Sweet and his boutique studio, ras-a, inc., for an upgrade that was more detail-oriented than big picture: knock down walls, open up ceilings, and carve out larger windows without disrupting the site's square footage. "The existing framing, wood floors, footings, and roof were all maintained or refinished," Sweet said. He and his team replaced the smaller panes and doors with larger versions that showcase views of the backyard, and included skylights in vaulted ceilings to give an airy illusion of more space. Once sunshine became a defining feature of the property's open layout, Sweet then outfitted the rooms with colorful tiling to give their minimal aesthetic a colorful finish. The address may not have undergone a complete renovation, but it's the little things that make it feel brand new.