Inside the Home of L.A. Interior Designer Merissa Haas

Revitalizing a Historic Spanish Bungalow: A Designer’s Touch in Hancock Park

Interior designer Merissa Haas has a profound appreciation for her residence, a 1927 Spanish bungalow nestled within the historic enclave of Hancock Park, Los Angeles. “It’s one of the most charming streets in the neighborhood, lined with old Sycamore trees,” Haas remarks, emphasizing the area’s unique character. For her family, including two children and a third on the way, the neighborhood’s walkability is paramount, providing easy access to some of the city’s finest dining establishments and coffee shops.

Upon moving into the bungalow, Haas found a home that, while structurally sound, demanded an urgent interior revamp. “The house had undergone numerous renovations, the most recent in the early 2000s,” she reflects. The earlier updates included the installation of dark Baroque-style cabinetry, ornate fireplace mantels, and travertine tile, which dominated the aesthetic. Fortunately, the original wood plank floors were preserved, allowing Haas to enhance their warmth through refinishing.

Haas’s primary aim for the renovation was to refresh the kitchen and bathrooms while reviving the bungalow’s inherent charm and character, all while infusing it with her distinctive aesthetic. “Describing my design style is challenging as it is constantly evolving,” she admits. If asked to summarize, she would call her style “sophisticated but livable,” prioritizing practicality for families in the designs she creates. Her inspiration draws from natural materials, including wood, stone, tile, and the textural qualities of fabric. Haas believes in merging historical elements with contemporary influences, cultivating an eclectic mix that resonates authenticity.

Throughout the renovation process, Haas utilized natural and handcrafted materials, such as Zellige tiles, antique terracotta, light white oak, petite granite, and marble. These selections not only provide a cozy ambiance but also uphold the integrity of the home’s historical context. “Since this is our personal home, we were on a very tight timeline,” she explains. Remarkably, she completed the design in just three months despite being based in Hawaii during the pandemic. “I completed all the design drawings in a week, ordered only in-stock materials, and assembled my contractor and team the moment I returned to LA,” she shares.

Three months later, Haas and her family settled into their rejuvenated home, although she acknowledges her design journey is far from over. “As a designer, my home is never truly ‘finished,’” she smiles, alluding to the ongoing evolution of personal space—a sentiment that resonates with many in the design community. The complexities of family life, paired with her unceasing creative drive, ensure that this charming bungalow will continue to transform, reflecting both her family’s needs and her artistic vision. This renovation not only showcases Haas’s design talents but also highlights the challenges and triumphs of maintaining the historical essence of a home amidst modernization.