The DeLeeuw Residence is crisp, clean mid-century modern architecture at its very best.
Commissioned in 1964 by Carl M. DeLeeuw, a World War II veteran and noted recipient of both the Medal of Honour and a Bronze Star during the war, the home was intended as a place for the war hero and his family to settle down.
The Southern California-based architects who designed the place, John H. Remington and Leroy A. Young were responsible for several mid-century modern homes that still stand in Los Angeles and the surrounding area. However, this house is one of the best works to come out of the collaboration.
So, it comes as little surprise that the home has, up until recently, only had two owners since it was built. This has no doubt contributed to the fact that the home boasts many original design features.
Among the more notable of these is the double-sided fireplace. With a chimney composed of solid white-painted bricks (to match the light tones in the rest of the house), the fireplace itself is situated on the bottom corner of said chimney.
Meanwhile, a low-standing shelf juts out from each of side, fulfilling the role of a mantelpiece, but below instead of above the fire. This unconventional positioning is a delightfully subtle way of adding a bit of texture and peculiarity to the space.
The other notable aspect of the interior design is the presence of some really choice pieces of mid-century modern furniture. This includes an IN-50 table by noted mid-century furniture designer Isamu Noguchi and a lovely Coconut Chair by George Nelson, accompanied by a more modest sofa and bench.
With that all said, the place is by no means a pure museum piece. The kitchen bears the clear mark of modern stylings and convenience.
This is best represented in the immaculate, smooth, white worktop, offset by gorgeous walnut cabinetry, of a conspicuously high-quality. Also, the stainless-steel cooker, fridge, oven and hood are all signs that the contemporary resident has everything they need in this wonderful mid-century modern house.
