Before and After: Glee Co-Creator's L.A. Bungalow

HGTV Design Star winner Emily Henderson discovers Glee co-creater Ian Brennan's design style, a mixture of historic traditional, '60s mod and global traveler, to make over his L.A. home.
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November 25, 2014
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Eclectic Design Styles Makeovers

Ian's L.A. Home

Ian has been in L.A. for three years, but he just purchased his first home. Built in 1924, the California bungalow features three stories and an amazing view of Bronson Canyon.

Before: White Out

The architecture of the room is getting lost in this white-on-white living room.

After: Design Styles Combined

Emily is mixing three styles to find the perfect fit for Ian's personality. Starting with a '30s masculine look that she's calling "FDR Chic," she then layers two more styles: a fun '60s element called "British Invasion Mod," and furnishings from Ian's travels called "Backpacker Traveler."

After: Eclectic Made Easy

Emily brings in elements of all three styles through the furniture. The traditional wingback chair and Persian rug are mixed with the mod, sleek sofa and stainless steel coffee table. Global influence is seen through the Ming chairs and Moroccan pouf.

After: Center of Attention

Emily makes the fireplace the focal point by hanging a huge statement portrait of President William Harrison above it and flanking it with antique sconces. She creates vignettes around the room with accessories that reflect Ian's personality to give the space a homier feel.

After: Architectural Interest

The walls are painted a soft gray, which allows the white bookcases to stand out against the walls. To make architecture points pop, the easiest thing to do is paint the walls another color. It can be a slight contrast to make a difference.

After: Global Taste

Emily creates a small dining area with a thin table made from railroad ties and a contemporary metal base. A mixture of seating, two antique chairs and a distressed bench, bring in a rustic quality, while Moroccan lanterns and table runner add a global touch.

Before: Bland Bedroom

The mostly empty master bedroom needs a major shot of style.

After: Neutral Setting

Emily rearranges the bedroom so the bed is facing the window and the beautiful view of the Bronson Canyon. The walls are painted a warm stone color, which keeps the space looking light and airy. Dark charcoal carpet creates contrasts with the walls.

After: Vintage Meets Contemporary

The tufted upholstered blue headboard is flanked by antique gooseneck lamps that don't match exactly, but are similar enough to work together and add a vintage touch to the space.

After: Blocked-Out Contrast

To bring in the '60s mod look Ian likes, Emily adds an upholstered bench in a black and white graphic fabric at the end of the bed.

After: Asian Influence

Emily adds a touch of global style with an Asian-inspired dresser. Lamps that Ian snagged from the set of Nip/Tuck are given a brand new look with glossy black spray paint.

Before: Awkward Layout

This room features interesting architecture, but Ian hasn't quite figured out how to use it.

After: Perfect for Guests

Emily decides to make this under-used room a guest bedroom and starts the makeover by removing the built-ins. The space left is perfect for the new bed, which features a soft white upholstered wall behind it.

After: Girly Yet Manly

The bedding is a mixture of feminine and masculine prints in graphics, stripes and toile to make the space welcoming to both sexes.

After: Gray Sophistication

Contemporary wallpaper is used to create a focal wall and the rest of the walls are painted a soft gray.

After: Simple Vignette

A large trunk provides storage and is the perfect spot for one of Emily's vignettes. The gold mirror reflects back the beautiful bedding and wallpaper, while carefully chosen accessories add a personal touch to the space.

Before: Unused Office

Ian rarely uses the home office, which is a mix of bland, boring furnishings.

After: Comfy Living

Emily takes the unused office and transforms it into a cozy, masculine den. In order for Ian to still use the space for work, she updates the hidden closet with plenty of storage for his office supplies.

After: Dark Mixed With Light

Dark gray grasscloth adds texture and warmth to the room and is the perfect contrast to Ian's existing white sofa and chair, which Emily brings up from the living room. In additions, she adds Ian's steamer trunk to the room to act as a coffee table; plus, it provides extra storage.

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