In the heart of Sherman Oaks, a mid-century home originally designed by Richard Dorman as part of the Sherman Oaks Estates development has been meticulously restored by Chris Salay Design. Dorman, a renowned architect in Los Angeles, left a significant mark with his contributions to residential and commercial architecture.
Before embarking on the restoration project, extensive research was conducted, including watching lectures with Richard Dorman and John Lautner and sourcing photo references through Getty. Dorman’s popularity in Los Angeles was due to his work with developers and private commissions in areas like Bel Air and Trousdale.
When acquired, the home bore the scars of misguided attempts at modernization. Glossy forest green paint, dated 80s carpeting, and traditional woodwork covering the original fireplace marred its mid-century aesthetic. Exterior features were removed, beams cut back, and pipes ran along the exterior. Fortunately, the footprint remained mostly intact.
The renovation focused on reinstating Dorman’s original design elements. Materials such as walnut for cabinetry and terrazzo for flooring, favorites of Dorman, were reintroduced. Careful demolition revealed the original layout, allowing for the restoration of features like the walnut entry partition and the master bath divider. Privacy and an indoor/outdoor garden, hallmarks of Dorman’s style, were incorporated into the design.
The challenge lay in discerning what was originally present and the architect’s intent. “When items are missing, there are some clues, but it’s necessary to sometimes determine the architect’s original intent in order to recreate the home’s features,” the renovators reflected. Their architectural training was pivotal in recreating Dorman’s vision.
Living in a mid-century home in Southern California has its perks, notably the synergy with the outdoors. “A successful midcentury home enhances that experience by at times being seamless with the environment,” they noted, highlighting the architectural philosophy of the era.
The highlight of the home is the living room with its high ceilings, pitched towards steel and aluminum sliding doors. The original design, featuring almost invisible steel posts, allows the living room to merge with the outdoors, offering spectacular views of the acre of land beyond.
The living room, oriented towards the outdoor space, becomes a focal point when the doors are wide open, epitomizing the mid-century ethos of indoor-outdoor living.
Photos by Blake Worthington
