Before & After: Tour a renovated Smith and Williams home

Architect John Bertram transformed a 1963 home by Pasadena-based architects Smith & Williams for a family of four. Here, 10-year-old Harry has lunch in the new kitchen, which was moved from the front of the house to the back.

Architect John Bertram transformed a 1963 home by Pasadena-based architects Smith & Williams for a family of four. Here, 10-year-old Harry has lunch in the new kitchen, which was moved from the front of the house to the back.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Aug. 7, 2017 3:56 PM PT

Pasadena midcentury makeover

The front of the house features natural stone, a material that architect John Bertram feels “anchors” the home. The home’s original U-shaped driveway was replaced with a circular entrance.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

A detail of the facade of the 1963 home.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

Poured-in-place white terrazzo flooring brightens the entry and corridor.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

And after

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

Upon entering, the courtyard, right, and the backyard, left, are immediately apparent.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

The living room looks as it did when the house was built in 1963.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

A vignette in the living room

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

A shoji screen, original to the house, adds a Japanese feel to the living room and study.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

Detail of a light fixture in the living room

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

New gray paint on the windows and white terrazzo floors brighten the study.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

Another view of the study, facing the courtyard.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

The guest bedroom

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

An art-filled salon wall in 7-year-old Fanny’s bedroom

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

Homeowner Jenny Levy wanted as much light as possible. In the master bedroom, architect John Bertram added clerestory windows to bring in more light.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

Pasadena midcentury makeover

A new pool is removed from the house at the top of a steep slope.

(Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

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