Ford Revival

The Ford Revival project is a thoughtful renovation of a 1949 mid-century modern home originally designed by O’Neil Ford. Reimagined for a young family, the project carefully preserves the home’s architectural integrity while adapting it to contemporary living. The original one-story brick structure was later altered by the addition of a 1970s sunken living room, which shifted the spatial focus of the house and created a disconnect between the original and newer areas. Rather than erase these distinctions, the renovation embraces the layered history of the home, using thoughtful interventions to improve circulation, strengthen cohesion, and create a more unified living experience.

A key move in the renovation was relocating the main entry to the center of the house, creating a clearer organizational structure. The entry opens into a bright living and dining space with expansive glass walls that strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape. A restrained palette of white oak, terrazzo, and brass unifies the interiors, bringing warmth and continuity.

The kitchen acts as a calm, central hub, linked to a breakfast nook on a mezzanine overlooking the sunken den. In the den, white oak paneling and refined detailing create a cohesive environment, while a custom two-sided sofa offers flexible ways to relax, oriented toward the fireplace, television, or pool courtyard.

Process

Before Images

Directly across from the kitchen, a new breakfast nook transforms a once awkward mezzanine into an inviting perch.
The renovation included preserving the previous fireplace with white oak paneling to create warmth and restraint, creating a cohesive and welcoming heart of the house.
The sunken den—formerly a cavernous addition out of scale with the original home—has been thoughtfully reimagined. The original parquet flooring has been preserved and refinished, celebrating its distinctive retro era.
A new balcony off the main dining area provides direct access to the pool courtyard. The original oval-shaped pool has been preserved and thoughtfully modernized, reflecting a renovation that both honors and revitalizes the spirit of the home’s original design.

A colorful muraled hallway, painted by Spanish-Mexican artist Rafael Uriegas, introduces a sense of play and identity. The hall leads to two new bedrooms, each oriented toward a private courtyard.