10 Images

A clean break

Aluminum-and-glass art replaced a 400-gallon fish tank in Ron and Deborah Raders rehabbed 1989 home in Playa del Rey. It took four years to transform the home from a Reagan-era relic of pink stucco, glass-block walls and pink marble floors into a clean-lined modern dwelling. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Ron and Deborah Rader. In the background, a life-size sculpture called Nick, the Climbing Man is suspended between the second and third floors of the four-story home. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A glass-block wall allows light to flood the dining room. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Modern furniture decorates the Raders living area. The rooms bleached oak floors were stained cherry to update the look. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

The kitchen remains much the same except that the cabinets were given a white lacquer finish. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Black granite counters also help to update the kitchen. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

A marigold wall pops out against a table made of recycled materials. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Folk art such as this miniature car decorate the home. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Once-curved terraces now are sharp-edged. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Squared corners and an smooth white finish help create a more contemporary aesthetic. (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)