Designed by Laney LA, this modern home in Hermosa Beach, California immediately stands out with its dark exterior and familiar gabled form. The architecture takes cues from traditional barns, but reworks the idea into something more sculptural, with asymmetrical volumes that shift and stack.
The black exterior draws from Japanese techniques like Shou Sugi Ban, giving the home a moody, slightly reflective finish. From the street, it feels solid and grounded, with the gabled shapes clearly defining the entry. But that first impression only tells half the story.
A Form That Reveals More at the Rear
Walking around to the back, the design starts to open up. The upper level extends outward, hovering above the lower portion of the home. This overhang adds depth to the structure while creating covered space below.
A protruding window breaks away from the main form, hinting at what’s inside. It creates a window seat within, adding a small but noticeable moment of pause that connects the interior to the yard.
A Light-Filled Open Plan Interior
Step inside, and the contrast becomes clear. The dark exterior gives way to a bright, open interior where the living room, dining area, and kitchen all share one continuous space.
High ceilings amplify the sense of openness, while white walls reflect light throughout the room. Concrete floors anchor the space, adding a subtle contrast to the lighter surfaces above.
At the center, the double-height volume draws the eye upward, creating a sense of vertical space that feels expansive without being overwhelming.
A Kitchen That Balances Contrast
Next to the dining area, the kitchen island offers seating, making it a natural gathering point within the open plan.
The cabinetry continues the theme of contrast. Matte black lower cabinets ground the space, while light wood upper cabinets soften the look and bring warmth. The combination feels simple but intentional, tying into the broader palette used throughout the home.
A Staircase That Connects It All
A set of wood stairs links the lower level to the upper floor, adding another layer of warmth against the neutral backdrop.
At the top, the layout opens into a hallway with wood flooring, shelving, and artwork. A tall plant placed in the corner brings in a natural element, softening the clean lines of the architecture. This upper level connects the home’s two main volumes, with views down into the space below reinforcing the sense of openness.
A Primary Bedroom Framed by Light
The primary bedroom continues the theme of volume and light. A vaulted ceiling stretches upward, while a skylight allows natural light to pour in from above.
A wood bed frame and matching side tables introduce warmth, contrasting with the lighter surfaces around them. The bed itself feels almost suspended, echoing the idea of floating forms seen throughout the home.
Along one wall, a window seat offers a quiet place to sit and look out toward the yard, tying back to the protruding window seen from the exterior.
A Bathroom That Feels Open and Calm
In the en-suite bathroom, the materials stay consistent. A freestanding white bathtub becomes the focal point, paired with a walk-in shower and a wood vanity topped with a waterfall countertop. The finishes are minimal, allowing the shapes and materials to stand out without distraction.
A Simple, Light-Filled Nursery
The nursery follows the same approach but with a softer tone. Large windows bring in natural light, while the furnishings stay simple and modern. It’s a space that feels calm and uncluttered, designed to evolve over time as needs change.
This Hermosa Beach home by Laney LA is built on contrast. From its dark, sculptural exterior to its bright, open interior, every space shifts between grounded and light-filled. The result is a home that feels both bold from the outside and inviting once you step in, balancing simplicity with a strong architectural identity.