Joan Behnke’s Historically Modern Renovation Details in Venice, California

Los Angeles based interior designer Joan Behnke has been known to adorn the interiors of celebrities and luxury clients, claiming recognition in the interior design industry since she founded her company Joan Behnke & Associates in 1998. One of her most recent projects involved a 1907 Japanese Craftsman-style bungalow in Venice Beach, CA, which was uprooted and relocated to an adjacent lot for a two-story addition. Waterstone Faucets was one of the brands that rounded out a modern renovation on a historic location.

Joan and her firm work in tandem with the architects, Ambramson Architects, and developer of the home, M.E Development, who all three together make the team at Modern Venice Homes. They are currently working on three properties: this bungalow (the “Historic Modern”), a family home (the “Scandifornian Modern”), and a farmhouse-style home (the “Farmhouse Modern”). All of these are located in Venice Beach, upholding the integrity of the neighborhood’s character while offering a new take on their classic beach feels.

“The Venice walk streets have a personality of their own,” said Joan. “This particular house was a Craftsman style house that was governed by the historic review. The original façade was complemented with a contemporary addition. Our aesthetic was in marrying the two, so we designed the interiors with modernized and updated traditional details.”

The kitchen design in this house carries a contemporary feel with natural light that augments the home’s classic features. An open layout promotes the sharing of conversation and the relaxed living, all while housing many premier fixtures and appliances. “The kitchen has an ease of lifestyle, cooking and dining all while sharing conversation,” she said.

Joan’s decision to use Waterstone Faucets stemmed from her appreciation for the importance of faucets, as they are something you touch and use every day. “You want something reliable and made with great quality,” she emphasizes.

The Endeavor Wheel Pulldown faucet is right at home in the gourmet kitchen, surrounded by state-of-the-art appliances and even an indoor herbal garden, the “perfect detail for the Southern California healthy lifestyle,” as Joan called it.