Midcentury Monterey Home in the Hills Revitalized by Studio Michael Hilal
Built in 1958, the hillside home is refreshed with a curation of both era-specific charm and contemporary design.
Summary
- Studio Michael Hilal renovated a 1958 William Concolino midcentury home in Monterey, modernizing the interior while preserving its original charm.
- The design emphasizes natural wood and light, blending Modernist and Japanese influences with a mix of vintage and contemporary furniture for an eclectic, organic feel.
Enlisted by the descendants of its original owner, Studio Michael Hilal has revitalized a midcentury home in the hills of Monterey, California. Originally designed by architect William Concolino in 1958, the renowned interior design firm has imbued the inside with a modern and refreshing feel while consciously preserving the home’s original charm.
Nestled among Monterey’s lush greenery on a sloped topography, the exterior is clad in wooden panels embedded with a mixture of frosted and clear windows. The minimal and natural materials of the exterior convey both the Modernist essence of its origins, while also evoking traditional Japanese design in its humble composition. A wrap-around deck and covered parking area create a softened threshold between indoor and outdoor living, which continues inside.
The interior continues the wooden materiality to floors, walls, and the ceiling, also disguising cabinetry and joinery into the consistent makeup. In addition to wood, textile-clad wallpapers and built-in cabinetry soften the palette. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with bright light, despite the largely dark finishes.
Enhancing the lightweight feeling are glass pieces, including the dining table and coffee table, which help to reflect more light and reduce shadows. Furniture selections are a mix of era-specific designs, including Pierre Cardin dining chairs, an Otto Schultz lounge chair, Gerrit Rietveld armchair, and sculptural contemporary designs such as Hilal’s Big Sur modular sofa, lending the space an organic feel. Echoing the many decades of its existence, the midcentury curation, combined with the more current movement towards softer, organic lines, results in an eclectic atmosphere that still honors its origins.
See the gallery above for images of the completed renovation.
