Sometimes, a house is more than a home; this one is a piece of history. The unassuming mid-century modern property on the side of the road in Topanga, California is currently listed as a single family home, but it once served as a recording studio for some of America's most iconic musicians.
Brian Linder, listing agent on the mid-century modern property at Compass, tells Homes & Gardens. 'The property has a storied history, made famous in the 1970s by Sir Douglas Quintet drummer Johnny Perez, who lived and worked at the studio. Household names like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Robert Plant, and Sting (and many, many more) have produced and recorded hit songs in the studio on the property.' According to legend, it was a local feed and general store before becoming a star-studded haunt.
The history isn't the only thing that's impressive about the home, its design is equally beautiful. It all comes down to one rustic modern material: natural wood. Unfinished wood dominates the space from the exposed beam ceilings to the doors to the still-intact recording studio in the home. The material perfectly pairs with the light sand-finished plaster walls and the clean lines of the home.
'Natural wood has quickly become one of the biggest interior design trends of 2024,' adds Jennifer Ebert, design expert and digital editor at Homes & Gardens. She continues, 'The natural origins of the material give it a grounding and calming feel in any space. Furthermore, the naturally occurring grains bring texture and visual interest to any space.'
Shop Homes & Gardens' Mid-Century-Modern Edit
Whether you plan on spending $925,000 to move into this gorgeous Topanga home or not, it's easy to recreate the wood-centered mid-century modern style. Our editors love this chair from Restoration Hardware for its gorgeous wood base and cozy, textural cushion.
A jute rug is the perfect accessory for bringing texture to any space. This one from Pottery Barn is especially durable, and we love the diamond design. Finally, original mid-century modern lighting, like this 'Bud Grande' pendant, can help tie the whole look together.
Incorporating the look of this home into your space does not require a full remodel. Instead, the rustic decorating technique is easy to recreate with warm wood furniture and accessories. Wooden tables and chairs can help bring a grounded, natural wood into the space. For a look with more depth, consider mixing different finishes and stains of wood to create visual interest and layers in the room.
Historic properties can be a great source of design inspiration, and this Topanga-based house is no exception. From mid-century modern architectural details to rustic minimalist design, the space is chock-full of design ideas.
