In interiors, we are not fans of subdued and prissy nor decorative and antique-filled. When we saw the first images of the Californian Canyon house restoration by Los Angeles-based interior designer, Carolyn Miller, we almost passed it by.

However, as we do admire skillfully achieved balance in interiors, and almost always place intelligently re-purposed architecture above shiny spanking new, we gave it a more careful look. In the Canyon house, there is a definite, relaxed appeal and an atmosphere of life well-lived that drew us in.

And the more we familiarized ourselves with this large revitalized residence from the 1930s, the more we liked it. The designer achieved a sense of elegance and permanence by revealing the structure?s best features and by creating fresh surroundings for the owner couple?s eclectic mix of art and collectibles, furniture and accessories.
The owners had lived in this house for more than 30 years but Miller convinced them to embrace change while respecting the heritage. This is not a pasted-on facelift, it is a complete rethink, but with a sensitivity to all that the owners wanted to save. The elegant initial character of the house is now clearly visible and the previously dark, small rooms have given way to openness and light. On the canyon side, nature and scenery now seem closer than before and the poolside looks brand new although the restoration has stayed true to the original.

The house?s Arts and Crafts spirit is also still visible in m...