1940s Bungalow Transformed into a Travel Lover's Whimsical Retreat

From the front, the 1940s house looks ordinary (and a little boring), but the backyard has incredible canyon views. The homeowner and designer knew the home just needed a little love.

The outside of the home got a makeover, too, with a new fresh coat of white paint and snappy black accents.

The homeowner — and designer — wanted her home to capture a 1970s world traveler aesthetic with a touch of glam and a whimsical twist. The living room is a fun example of the results.

The designer filled rooms with favorite treasures and mementos from all around the world, capturing the essence of her globally influenced style.

To make the most of the home's space and its wonderful views, the designer reconfigured the layout, combining the kitchen, dining and living areas into one large, open room.

Sweeping hillside views were a wonderful perk of this LA home, but the small, outdated rooms, low ceilings and metal-frame windows made the house feel cramped.

The designer removed walls and combined spaces to make the main living areas into one big, bright room. Windows all along the outer wall keep the canyon views on constant display.

More countertops and cabinets were added in the kitchen to provide much needed storage, but plenty of windows keep the feel open and let in the home's beautiful views.

Yellow tile countertops and funky '50s flooring were only part of the problem in the old-fashioned kitchen.

Some of the homeowner's treasures even make it into the kitchen, thoughtfully displayed on built-in shelves in one corner. The shelves' rich color stands out handsomely against the white walls.

The designer (and owner) uses the home to showcase favorite mementos from her travels around the world.

Treasures collected all over the world now get pride of place in the bedroom and other rooms. The aesthetic is a blend of global influences and 1970s vintage flair.

Friends of the homeowner (and designer) nicknamed the house “Little Marrakesh” as it reflects her unique heritage.

An unusual collection of lamps is part of the home's whimsical design. Here, in a bedroom, silver pitchers double as lighting.

The 1940s jewel-box of a bungalow is infused with eclectic charm, whimsical patterns, treasured artwork and a touch of 1970s vintage flair.

Eye-catching artwork and unusual textures and patterns make for fun surprises around every corner.

The homeowner's world travels and unique background with influences from Europe and the Middle East informed the design. Here, on the deck, lanterns and a tasseled umbrella call up a mood of Marrakesh.

To transform the deck into a lush outdoor living room, the designer layered a fun variety of textiles, from a natural fiber rug to striped throws and pillows. Strategically placed planters containing trailing plants disguise the house wall.

The backyard had a generous amount of space but no real landscaping or appealing destinations.

String lights crisscross over a backyard gathering spot. The home and yard are perfect for entertaining as the designer beautifully created lots of seating areas and nooks for her guests to enjoy and socialize.