Pop musician Martin Johnson has sold a home in West Hollywood for $2.55 million. The singer and producer had owned the home since 2013, when he purchased it for $1.6 million.
The house—a bungalow dating to 1939 which displays some early modern design features—is minimalist-executed inside and out, with a nice sense of space and good flow, and the casually insouciant layout of the bungalow.
Renovations have brought the kitchen up to contemporary spec, with darkish wood cabinetry offset with stainless and stone countertops. Baths follow suit, with the emphasis on geometry and a sense of weight.
The house looks somewhat generic from the street, with a boxy execution which never really adds up to a style. But the inside of the home is quite charming, emphasizing the bohemian by virtue of its playful design. Rooms may be toned very cool or very warm, making transitions more interesting, if occasionally jarring. And throughout the home a tension between 1960’s and early 70’s back-to-the-land accent tropes are blended with modern design features.
The large musical studio tells the story overall: this was a workspace and creative retreat which looked like a house from outside. A pool, patio and outdoor lounge space amid some artful landscaping keeps up appearances, though. The wandering footpath connecting the outdoor lounge space to the pool is a fine use of limited available space.
Martin Johnson’s songwriting and production efforts have graced studio releases by Avril Lavigne and Taylor Swift. Boys Like Girls, a successful and beloved band in its own right, continues to record and tour.