A Young Couple Revamp Adam Levine’s Childhood Home
A move from New York brought Galit Ptalis and her husband back to their native California just in time for their daughter’s birth. At first, the couple never dreamed they would find an affordable home in Marina del Rey, the seaside enclave not far from Venice Beach in Los Angeles.
They eventually stumbled across an unassuming listing, one with a lofty interior atrium hidden behind an austere facade. Although the home was dated, the couple envisioned more for the space. With their offer accepted, second thoughts initially led them to back out of the deal. Later, when they regretted letting go of their dream house, it was almost too late.
A soaring, wood-beamed atrium is an unexpected surprise upon entering the home. The renovated kitchen features a large marble island that visually grounds the space.
"We called our agent and the home was already in escrow with someone else," says Ptalis. "I agonized over our decision to let it go. Three months passed and we just kept following up. Then, we heard the other buyers were unable to close, so we jumped back in and got the house."
The living room, kitchen, and dining room flow together in the open floor plan. Previously, the kitchen featured darker wooden cabinets in a more traditional style.
The home was originally built by local architect Frederick Fisher, who worked as an apprentice at Frank Gehry’s Venice Beach office earlier in his career. Although not always widely recognized, Fisher’s 40-year career has spanned a variety of projects, including most recently several large public commissions around Los Angeles.
Few changes were made to the living room space, which is warmed by natural light that pours in from clerestory windows along the rafters.
A dining nook is framed by timber beams running above the space. The sunny corner is illuminated by an additional grouping of clerestory windows.
Ptalis reflects on the renovation process: "The house is more modern than our previous homes, so the biggest challenge was bringing my own style into the space. For the kitchen specifically, I wanted a bold design that would contrast with the high ceilings and stark, white walls."
The couple also reconstructed portions of the main staircase, replacing wooden railings with iron. A semicircular landing at the base was also rebuilt as a simpler square design.
The stairs and landing are warmed by a skylight, which directs light throughout different levels of the home.
"The bedrooms are oddly shaped and sized, but we figured out how to work with them, adds Ptalis. "It was important for me to have a clean slate and rethink the way each space could accommodate our furniture. Our changes to the bedrooms were minimal, with more work done in the bathroom."
The sunny master bedroom required minimal updates. Similar to the rest of the home, this bright space features windows of all shapes and sizes.
Ptalis with her husband and daughter. The young family chose an organic Avocado Mattress for their master bedroom and guest bedrooms.
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For each of the bedrooms, the couple decided to go with an organic Avocado Mattress. "I’ve recommended the brand to everyone I know, and I’m not just saying that. I’ve had problems with my back in the past, but I don’t experience as many issues anymore," says Ptalis. "It also gives me comfort to know the place where my family and guests sleep every night is free of toxins."
In the renovated master bathroom the couple opted for a natural wood vanity to complement the beams overhead. The cool white color palette creates a serene atmosphere.
Wooden beams delicately span a gabled ceiling in the guest bedroom.
In a 1989 LA Times article discussing the home’s design, Fred Levine, Adam Levine’s father, was quoted as saying to Fisher before beginning the project, "I just want you to have a good time." This creative latitude led Fisher to explore different uses of space and light within the home—features that Ptalis and her family embraced during the renovation.
With the renovation completed a few months ago, the young family is finally ready to enjoy their new home.
"Fisher so thoughtfully designed the home, and I love how light reflects differently throughout the day. It’s such a special experience for us," says Ptalis. "It’s also cool that Adam signed his name on the garage floor," she adds.
Project Credits:
Architect: Frederick Fisher and Partners / @frederickfisherandpartners
Interior Design: Galit Ptalis / @interiorenvy
Photography: 22 Waves Creative / @22_waves
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