Thornton Abell update in Pacific Palisades

Brenda Spira redid the pool and the grounds that encircle the house and added a pool house, at far left. (Christina House / For The Times)

Jan. 5, 2015 1:55 PM PT

A Pacific Palisades home by Case Study architect Thornton Abell is remodeled to honor the past and create a brighter space for a widow and her daughter.

In Brenda Spira’s 1957 Thornton Abell home, floor-to-ceiling windows create a seamless line between the living room and an outdoor patio. (Christina House / For The Times)

Designer Stacy Jacobsen chose minimal yet sophisticated furnishings to complement the post-and-beam design, starting with a pair of red Pierre Paulin Ribbon chairs that had belonged to Spira’s husband. “They were statement chairs with sentimental meaning,” Jacobsen said. (Christina House / For The Times)

Brenda Spira, right, and her daughter Laura sit in the living area of their 1957 home in Pacific Palisades, designed by Case Study architect Thornton Abell. Behind them, a black and white painting by Allison Miller. (Christina House / For The Times)

The designer chose a neutral palate and added splashes of color with accessories and art. In the dining room, a Mary Ramsden landscape and sculptures from JF Chen hang next to a pool table. (Christina House / For The Times)

Brenda Spira, right, and her daughter Laura in the kitchen. Artworks include a red sculpture by Herve Van Der Straeten , left, and disc art by Gary Lang, right. At far right is convenient bar seating. (Christina House / For The Times)

An ardent cook and baker, Spira installed a highly efficient and stylish kitchen by German design group Bulthaup as well as an outdoor barbecue area and pizza oven. (Christina House / For The Times)

Laura Spira’s bedroom includes a colorful Paul Smith carpet and a fun hanging bubble chair from Plush Pod. (Christina House / For The Times)

Color was important to homeowner Brenda Spira in the renovation process. In Laura’s bedroom, colorful accents add warmth and a modern feel. (Christina House / For The Times)

A custom disco ball adds unexpected glamour to Laura Spira’s bedroom. (Christina House / For The Times)

Bibliochaise from Nobody & Co., represented by SJ Studio. (Christina House / For The Times)

Pink Bisazza mosaic tile and a Flos pendant in Laura Spira’s bathroom are fun and colorful additions underneath a Midcentury tongue and groove wood ceiling. (Christina House / For The Times)

In the master bedroom, large Cassina chairs and Mongolian fur chairs from DDC Domus create a living area in the large space. (Christina House / For The Times)

A view of the pool area from the master bedroom. In a luxurious touch, designer Stacy Jacobsen covered the Vladimir Kagan chaise at left in silk. (Christina House / For The Times)

A trio of nesting tables by Charlotte Perriand in the master bedroom. (Christina House / For The Times)

In the master bathroom, a rug by Christophe Farr adds texture. (Christina House / For The Times)