Monterey Home
In the leafy suburban treetops, Monterey Home by Studio Michael Hilal is a gentle restoration of a compact mid-century gem, a dappled canvas of timber and stone bursting with joyful new insertions.
Set in the hillside Californian suburb of Monterey, the captivating charm of a mid-century home is meticulously preserved as a record of a bygone era. Conceived by interior design practice Studio Michael Hilal, the abode engages both past and present to reinforce the origins of this special place. This an enduring architecture united with its leafy surrounds and adorned in the warmth of timber and natural daylight.
Borne of a passion for modern design, the project began with a singular brief that sought to maintain the essence of an historical gem. “The clients had moved from Los Angeles in search of a more grounded lifestyle,” recalls studio principal Michael Hilal. “They discovered this untouched mid-century home by acclaimed architect, William D Concolino and were drawn to its potential.” Perched on a pine-covered slope, the home is responsive to its surrounds through wraparound outdoor spaces, an internal courtyard and plentiful glazing. The new scheme builds upon the framework of the original in a conscious effort to restore and uplift, all the while respecting what has come before.
This is a modest one-bedroom dwelling that gently hugs the cascading topography, planned for permeability and the cathartic rhythms of dappled shadows. Approaching the residence from a quiet suburban street, an open carport of ply soffits and slender steel legs becomes a prequel to what lies beyond. A point of decision presents itself – downstairs to a ground floor studio, or straight ahead into the heart of the abode. Spaces work hard by trading corridors for the layered experience of an open-plan arrangement. “The plan preserves the home’s interconnected rooms and direct outdoor access, reinforcing the original floor plan, while new built-ins and custom furnishings refine function and storage without altering the flow,” explains Hilal.
Set against a backdrop of Carmel stone and deep timber tones, new insertions find a balance between weightlessness and whimsy. “The palette shifts the emphasis away from dark wood surfaces toward lightness: glass tables, floating cabinetry and reflective surfaces,” describes Hilal. Bold new pieces harken the flavours of 20th-century classics in refreshing and unusual ways. Sculptural pieces by Pierre Cardin, Otto Schultz and Gerrit Rietveld toe the line between contemporary and avant-garde – anchored by Hilal’s very own Big Sur modular sofa as a prominent focal point.
Every element of the interior composition adds to a unified atmosphere that breathes new life into the established residence. Douglas fir timber, organic stone and textural fabrics instil chic sensibilities from space to space – embellished by vibrant painterly hues that effortlessly bridge the decades. “It’s a study of how modern design can be adapted for present use while maintaining its sense of the past. Materials and furnishings are refined yet unforced, balancing rigor and ease to allow the house to remain of its time,” concludes Hilal.
Enveloped by a landscape of established trees and sprawling gardens, Monterey Home is a gentle restoration of a mid-century dwelling, where a sense of continuity blurs the boundaries between old and new. This is a compact architecture bursting with tactile encounters in response to the values of craft and meaningful connection.
Interior design by Studio Michael Hilal. Original architecture by William D. Concolino.
