OCMA’s annual art and architecture tour returns

NEWPORT BEACH — When Paul and Angelique Julian purchased their 2,650-square-foot mid-century home in Dover Shores, they knew that they had found the perfect place to raise a family.

However, the early 1960s home on Nautilus Lane needed a renovation first.

The Julians hired Newport Beach-based Brion Jeannette Architecture to keep the original structure, a sprawling single-story, four-bedroom home laid out like a horseshoe around an expansive backyard, while gutting and upgrading the interior.

“Ninety-five percent of what you see is original to the home, so all we had to do was give it a fresh appearance,” said Amy Creager, principal architect with the firm. “It was in such good condition, just really well taken care of, that we were able to keep the original structure.”

The $1.5 million home is one of six in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach that make up the 11th Annual Art & Architecture Tour and post-party organized by the Orange County Museum of Art from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday.

The 1900s- to 1960s-era homes feature an array of architecture, including Gaudi-inspired, Craftsman, mid-century modern and contemporary.

“As a modern and contemporary art institution, we champion 20th century design and are pleased to showcase examples where the owners and architects have not only produced stunning designs from the 20th century, but also successfully addressed 21st century concerns, with many green elements and new technology hidden in these great houses,” OCMA Director Dennis Szakacs said in an email.

The post-and-beam construction of the Julians’ home, a signature of the 1960s, was preserved, as was the original fireplace. To upgrade the interior, statuary marble, Calcutta gold marble, Roman travertine and walnut paneling were incorporated for a contemporary and stylish look.

Additionally, floor-to-ceiling windows and 10 feet of combined sliding glass door space opened the living room area to the patio.

“I love the clean lines, the open, airy rooms,” Paul Julian said. “It evokes a feeling of Palm Springs in the 1960s.”

The renovation incorporated sustainable materials, including a synthetic grass backyard lawn — perfect for the couple’s 3-year-old twin girls, Giovanna and Cosette.

“There’s no grass knees,” Julian said with a laugh.

The home is also being transformed into a temporary gallery for a dozen mixed-media pieces from six Southern California artists, including some of Julian’s own paintings and installations.

The other homes on the tour, which include Laguna Beach’s famous “Rock House,” another project by Brion Jeannette, will also feature countless works of art.

“We try to find homes with incredible architecture and artwork,” said Museum Council Executive Committee Chair Lynn Brown.

While some homeowners already have impressive and extensive collections, the museum helps coordinate between the homeowners and artists to fill in any gaps, she said.

The event returns this year after hiatus in 2010 due to the economy, she said.

The last time the event was held, in 2009, about 400 people attended. More visitors are anticipated for this year.

“It’s amazing,” Brown said. It’s so much fun to go into these homes that you would not normally get to see and view the different ways people live.”

Tickets can be purchased online and in-person at the museum or at any of the homes through Sunday. Funds generated by the tickets, $60 for one or $110 for two, and through the post-party, dinner and raffle held at the museum will benefit OCMA’s many children’s’ programs.

sarah.peters@latimes.com

Twitter: @speters01

If You Go:

What: The Orange County Museum of Art’s Art & Architecture Tour

When: home viewing from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., post-party until 6:30 p.m., Sunday

Where: at OCMA, 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach and various locations

Cost: $60 per ticket or $110 per couple, includes dinner and museum exhibit entrance fee

Info: https://www.ocma.net or (949)759-1122