This 1940s Los Angeles Home Reframes the American Classic

ELLE Decor A-List designers Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes fill their Westside bungalow with a lifetime of collected pieces.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:35pm

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In a 1940s traditional bungalow on the Westside of Los Angeles, ELLE Decor A-List designers Nathan Turner and Eric Hughes have created a home that combines Turner's layered, nostalgic look with Hughes's clean, modern eye. The couple filled the space with a lifetime of collected pieces, from furniture they've held onto for years to objects saved with the promise of 'we'll use that someday.' The result is a home dense with pattern where every room tells a story, from the flowering blackberry print wallpaper in the breakfast room to the plaid sofa and brown rug in the 'grandpa chic' den.

Why it matters

This home showcases how designers can breathe new life into an older, traditional property by embracing its existing character and incorporating their personal collections and design sensibilities. It demonstrates that a home doesn't need major renovations to feel fresh and tailored to the owners' style - sometimes, simply working with what you have and layering in meaningful pieces can create a truly unique and inviting space.

The details

Turner and Hughes made no structural changes to the 1940s bungalow, choosing instead to work with the home's original moldings, fireplace, and quirky ceiling details. They filled the space with a mix of furniture and decor they've collected over the years, including pieces Turner loved too much to sell when he closed his original shop and items Hughes had held onto. These rediscovered pieces became the backbone of the house, which the pair then layered with finds from a buying trip to Round Top, Texas, and their own fabric and wallpaper designs. The end result is a home that feels like a true reflection of the couple's layered, nostalgic, and modern sensibilities.

  • Turner spent nearly 20 years in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills before moving to this Westside neighborhood.
  • Turner had just launched his own line of fabric and wallpaper when the couple found this bungalow, providing the perfect canvas to showcase his designs.

The players

Nathan Turner

An ELLE Decor A-List designer who is known for his layered, nostalgic design aesthetic. He recently launched his own line of fabric and wallpaper.

Eric Hughes

An ELLE Decor A-List designer who brings a clean, modern eye to the couple's shared design sensibilities.

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What they’re saying

“It oddly feels like a very old-fashioned American neighborhood. It's just so our vibe.”

— Nathan Turner

“Usually things sit in storage for an eternity and they never get used. This was a really nice way to shop our warehouse.”

— Eric Hughes

What’s next

Turner's new book featuring this bungalow project is set to be released later this year, providing readers with an even deeper look into the designers' creative process and the story behind their collected pieces.

The takeaway

This home demonstrates that with a keen eye for design and a willingness to work with what you have, even an older, traditional property can be transformed into a unique, personalized space that reflects the owners' style and sensibilities. By embracing the existing character of the bungalow and layering in their own collected pieces, Turner and Hughes have created a warm, inviting home that feels quintessentially 'them'.