![A modern window bench with a built-in bookshelf.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/window-seat-with-storage-070121-1125-01.jpg)
Aaron Neubert Architects designed a new home in Los Angeles, California, and as part of the design, they included a window seat in the living room that includes plenty of storage.
![A modern window bench with a built-in bookshelf.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/window-seat-with-storage-070121-1125-02.jpg)
The long bench, which is located under a window and next to the sofa, has a wood frame with supports for the extra long cushion.
![A modern window bench with a built-in bookshelf.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/window-seat-with-storage-070121-1125-03.jpg)
This wood frame also creates plenty of storage and doubles as a low bookshelf for the room, allowing the walls to be kept free of clutter.
![A modern window bench with a built-in bookshelf.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/window-seat-with-storage-070121-1125-04.jpg)
Another area of the home that has a window bench, is in the master bedroom. This time the design of the window seat has drawers underneath it, keeping stored items hidden from view.
![A modern master bedroom with a window seat that has drawers underneath it, keeping stored items hidden from view.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/bedroom-window-seat-with-storage-drawers-070121-1126-05.jpg)
Let’s take a look around the rest of the house…
Situated on a highly exposed corner lot, the exterior of the home features Shou Sugi Ban charred cypress wood and smooth exterior plaster.
![Situated on a highly exposed corner lot, the exterior of this modern home features Shou Sugi Ban charred cypress wood and a smooth exterior plaster.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-black-wood-concrete-exterior-070121-1126-06.jpg)
![A modern house with Shou Sugi Ban charred cypress wood and a smooth exterior plaster.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-black-wood-concrete-exterior-070121-1126-07.jpg)
![A modern home with Shou Sugi Ban charred cypress wood and a smooth exterior plaster.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-black-wood-concrete-exterior-070121-1126-08.jpg)
![A modern house with Shou Sugi Ban exterior siding.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-black-wood-concrete-exterior-070121-1126-09.jpg)
![A modern home with Shou Sugi Ban exterior siding and black window frames.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-black-wood-siding-window-frames-070121-1126-10.jpg)
The mature landscaping is separated by concrete stairs that lead up to the house, and at night, lighting creates a guided path.
![Mature landscaping is separated by concrete stairs that lead up to the house, and at night, lighting creates a guided path.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-exterior-stairs-landscaping-070121-1127-11.jpg)
![Mature landscaping is separated by concrete stairs that lead up to the house, and at night, lighting creates a guided path.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-landscaping-lighting-stairs-070121-1127-12.jpg)
![Mature landscaping is separated by concrete stairs that lead up to the house, and at night, lighting creates a guided path.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-landscaping-lighting-stairs-070121-1127-13.jpg)
Inside, there’s an open entryway with a formal living room off to the side.
![A modern home with an open entryway and formal living room off to the side.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-entryway-front-door-foyer-070121-1127-14.jpg)
Stairs connect to the social areas of the house, while large windows provide views of a courtyard.
![Stairs connect to the social areas of the house, while large windows provide views of a courtyard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-stairs-windows-070121-1127-15.jpg)
The dining room has a large wood table with a single pendant light overhead.
![This modern dining room has a large wood table with a single pendant light overhead.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-home-dining-room-070121-1128-16.jpg)
An oversized black framed sliding glass door opens the dining room to a courtyard.
![An oversized black framed sliding glass door opens the dining room to a courtyard.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-courtyard-070121-1129-21.jpg)
![A modern courtyard with concrete pavers, pebbles, grasses, and a large tree.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-courtyard-070121-1129-22.jpg)
![A modern courtyard with concrete pavers, pebbles, grasses, and a large tree.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-house-courtyard-070121-1129-23.jpg)
In the kitchen, light wood cabinets sit flush within their frames, while an island has a waterfall countertop, and the pastel pink pendant lights complement the displayed dishware and the backsplash.
![In this modern kitchen, light wood cabinets sit flush within their frames, while an island has a waterfall countertop, and the pastel pink pendant lights complement the displayed dishware and the backsplash.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-kitchen-wood-cabinets-070121-1128-17.jpg)
Connecting the various levels of the house are wood stairs that have a glass and metal railing.
![Connecting the various levels of this modern house are wood stairs that have a glass and metal railing.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-wood-stairs-glass-metal-handrail-070121-1128-18.jpg)
![Connecting the various levels of this modern house are wood stairs that have a glass and metal railing.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-wood-stairs-glass-metal-handrail-070121-1128-19.jpg)
![Connecting the various levels of this modern house are wood stairs that have a glass and metal railing.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-wood-stairs-glass-metal-handrail-070121-1128-20.jpg)
In a casual living/reading room, there’s a dark gray sofa and a cabinet with open shelving filled with books.
![In his modern casual living / reading room, there's a dark gray sofa and a cabinet with open shelving filled with books.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-media-room-living-room-070121-1129-24.jpg)
![In his modern casual living / reading room, there's a dark gray sofa and a cabinet with open shelving filled with books.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-media-room-living-room-070121-1129-25.jpg)
In one of the bathrooms, there’s a double sink vanity with round mirrors, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass-enclosed shower.
![In this modern bathroom there's a double sink vanity with round mirrors, a freestanding bathtub, and a glass enclosed shower.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/modern-bathroom-design-070121-1129-26.jpg)