Mid-Century Cabin in Lake Arrowhead, CA

This 1960 California mid-century home had remained completely unchanged since it was built—an extraordinary starting point. As always SO’s approach was to honor the architect’s original intent while evolving the space to meet modern needs. During the inspiration period, the client gravitated toward Scandinavian minimalism, sandy driftwood and stone-al inspired palettes, yet also often referenced Frank Lloyd Wright. In response, SO designed a quiet dialogue between Scandinavian mid-century modernism and the restraint of Japanese sand gardens.

Original ceilings were preserved, custom-stained maple paneling replaced the walls, and while carpeting gave way to radiant porcelain flooring for Lake Arrowhead winters, SO’s nod to the home’s original character is a plush deep-olive carpeted staircase, adding warmth and acoustic softness. Expansive sliders replaced a picture window, flooding the interior with light and connecting the deck for indoor-outdoor living. The result is a space that feels minimal, warm, and quietly contemporary.

Left : One of the smallest bathrooms SO ever designed, reimagined through light and restraint. By doubling the window replacement size, opening the previously walled in shower, and using wall-mounted elements for a clear floor throughout, the space now feels calm, open, and intentional. Center: Limestone tables with a soft, geometric, Japanese sand-garden sensibility anchor the space, balanced by lighter elements to offset the warmth of the wood. An oxblood leather Pastille sofa designed introduces a vintage ’70s feel, while brass sconces add a quiet but confident statement. Right : An original color-saturated mid-century chalet stained-glass door was replaced with a larger, minimalist Japanese-inspired black door with sidelights, and the original spindled knee wall was reimagined with a more modern, Scandinavian sensibility. Both the sidelights and the partition opened the space and allowed light to move through to the center of the home.

Left : 60’s era color-saturated chalet glass doors were replaced with modern clear glass paned doors and an existing transom was enlarged to draw light deep into the space. The former kitchen overhang housing an exhaust was raised, and the range was relocated to create a peninsula with seating. A former laundry closet was transformed into a mirrored wet bar—allowing the family room, kitchen, and dining area to flow as one. Right : Due to it’s location at the center of the home, SO chose a gray bone-toned variation of the sandy mauve tile used in other areas of the home to brighten the space, while green cabinetry and hardware subtly nod once again to the home’s original green carpet from the original design. Below : Granite countertops were selected for their natural imperfections; weathered in the stone yard, iron exposure created subtle ochre and plum veining that adds modern character and complements the warmth of the oak kitchen cabinetry. These “stone-al” tones went on to inspire the color palette SO selected for furniture, rugs, and finishes throughout.

BEFORE & AFTERS