Two Designers Revive a 1930s Hollywood Hills Estate with Charm

Certain homes can feel dull and uninspiring. A well-designed space might still feel off when it lacks character. This often occurs when a house misses that personal touch. Revitalizing a neglected area with style and personality is what transforms a structure into a true home, as demonstrated by designers Amanda Leigh and Taylor Hahn from LA.

Their latest project—a 1930s Hollywood Hills estate—had lost its charm. While the structure was solid, it felt bland and lifeless. That changed once Leigh and Hahn stepped in to work their magic.

With rich textures, a moody palette, and purposeful design choices, this home is far from unremarkable. Let's explore this revitalized space and hear from the design duo about their creative vision.

Images by Nils Timm and Gavin Cater.

What inspired the renovation, and what vision did you have for the home?

Our goal was to breathe life back into the house while avoiding a mere replica of its past or a trend-driven design. Walking in, it felt as though all its charm had vanished. The structure remained strong, but it was devoid of character. We aimed to restore that soul using historically rich materials, finishes that felt lived-in, and a grounding color palette. The deep hues, textured walls, and vintage elements were selected to create a warm, cinematic, and timeless atmosphere.

How did you choose which elements to keep and what to update?

Honestly, not much was left to preserve, which gave us creative flexibility. However, we retained the original stained glass windows in the stairwell, one of the few remnants of the home's history, and built around that essence. We found vintage bricks on Facebook Marketplace and incorporated them into the façade and courtyard to add age and texture. For modern updates, we concentrated on functionality—lighting, layout, and flow—ensuring the house felt fresh while honoring its roots.

This home feels bold yet welcoming. How do you achieve that balance with color and design?

Bold doesn't equate to cold. We strive to create contrast—rich tones paired with soft textures and clean lines alongside patina. It's all about layering in a way that feels inviting yet not overly formal. We want visitors to step inside and feel an immediate connection while knowing exactly where they'd set down their coffee.

With such striking pieces and dark hues throughout, how do you select items that stand out without overwhelming?

Every bold choice must justify its presence. We admire saturated colors and sculptural designs, but the key is to allow them space to shine. We think of it as curating rather than decorating; each piece should serve a purpose and have a presence, even subtly. Statement items don't need accompaniment; they just require the right setting.

How did you blend old and new elements to maintain a grounded and timeless design?

We're always seeking balance. Even in a contemporary setting like this, we incorporate pieces with character—something vintage, something raw, something unexpected. This approach prevents the space from feeling flat or overly refined. We want it to appear as if it developed organically over time… even if it was completed on a tight schedule fueled by plenty of espresso.

Did you encounter any challenges during this design journey? How did you address them?

The biggest hurdle was fine-tuning the bold color scheme without overpowering the architecture. We aimed for impactful spaces while ensuring coherence. We remained focused on our vision—if something didn't fit, it was discarded. We also obsess over functional details—like integrating outlets seamlessly into stone or cleverly concealing storage. Beauty is essential, but if a space isn't comfortable, it misses the mark.

Reflecting on the completed project, is there a specific feature you're particularly proud of?

Absolutely the exterior. It was a chaotic mess at the start, but we transformed it into a cohesive experience—vintage brick underfoot, a shaded veranda, lush greenery, and a pool area that feels more reminiscent of New England or Europe than L.A. It's serene, inviting, and offers a peaceful retreat. It's a space where everything fell into place just as we envisioned.