Pat Bernatz's Home in Lincoln Heights, East Los Angeles
Photography by Yoshihiro Makino, courtesy of Bernatz Studio. Architect Pat Bernatz first showed up on my radar back in 2020, when I came across his pitch-perfect, trend-proof redesign of an old Arts & Crafts-style house in Los Angeles for a client. The restoration of his 1890 house has all the hallmarks of his prior project—quiet interiors, handsome window shutters, modest proportions, natural materials, a warm palette, all interpreted in an “Old California” style—but it has the added benefit of stunning views. Shannon gave birth to their firstborn, Parker, on the first day of construction—”just in the nick of time,” says Pat, pictured here in their living room. Pat designed the wraparound leather sectional and commissioned Dusk Design to fabricate it. It’s a wonderful cozy spot to hang with the family or watch the sunset,” he says. Both the black walnut armchair (inspired by a traditional captain’s chair) and the oak coffee table with ebonized stain were designed by Pat. The view from the kitchen toward the living room. A cork wall (from Amcork) ensures that artwork, including kids’ art, has pride of place in the kitchen. A warm palette in the kitchen thanks to black walnut cabinetry, woven leather stools from Swift & Monell, and red tile flooring. “I try to use colors, hues, materials that are derived from the site. That includes the warmth of California sycamore, terra-cotta tiles, and plaster to complement the California light. The house and the garden are meant to feel like one, cohesive space.” The dining area was inspired by “California sleeping porches, early screened-in sections of housing used for ventilation pre air-conditioning,” says Pat. Next to the minimalist bed are a bedside table and lamp, both designed by Pat. The step-down granite bath and shower. Sycamore shutters, designed by Pat, can be found throughout out the home. Rich colors in the kids’ bedroom. Pat did the landscape work himself. The building was retrofitted to be more energy-efficient and sustainable. Somehow, Pat and Shannon fell in love with this neglected home. Pat did his best to restore or reproduce the original wainscotting and fret details.