Photo Credit: Engel Studios
Everyone loves the idea of old Hollywood glamor, its metallic luster harkening back to the days of Art Deco and the first movie stars. But when it comes to homes built during this era, years of wear, tear, and new design trends tend to overshadow the original grandeur. Finding a balance between retro charm and contemporary style is the name of the game with these older abodes, and that’s just what Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Drew Cohen (also known as Mayer Hawthorne) did with his Los Feliz bungalow, which hit the market on May 11 for $1.895M.
Photo Credit: Engel Studios
Built in 1937, the L.A. home features an Art Modern style with Deco and Spanish influences, but its quintessential 1980s design elements made it a true fixer-upper for Drew and his wife Karina. Prior to the renovation, the floors were uneven and warped, and the kitchen was dated—complete with a faux cabinet door covering garage access. There were also Miami-Vice-looking light fixtures, an enormous aquatic mural on the living room wall, and a questionable exterior paint job to make matters worse.
Photo Credit: Engel Studios
But it would take more than a few eyesores to cloud the celebrity couple’s vision for the home. In the end, some of its amazing original features—the stained glass window in the view room, turned wood columns, and Deco plaster accents—shone through as a guiding light for the renovation.
Photo Credit: Engel Studios
The kitchen, a far cry from its 80s-clad counterpart, features high-end appliances like a Bertazzoni range, and the dining room has a built-in banquette custom upholstered in Alexander Girard fabric from Maharam. Down the stairs and past the original wood pillars, the lower level is home to three bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a primary bathroom with a vintage John Van Kourt for Drexel vanity and Zangra light fixtures.
Photo Credit: Engel Studios
Drew and Karina transformed the pad into an oasis fit for a modern-day star, honoring its original details while infusing their own personal flair. The main living space—with Zellige tile and limewash paint to preserve organic textures—has a DJ booth where Drew hosted “Wine & Vinyl,” a weekly YouTube livestream where he discussed a new wine each week and played favorite records. Custom oak and walnut built-ins bring warmth, depth, and character to the California-cool space. Off the main living area, the “view room” is a curved, windowed lounge that boasts 180-degree views of the hills, Griffith Park, and the Observatory.
Photo Credit: Engel Studios
Looking out at the Hollywood hills from this home evokes the mystique of stardom and the silver screen. Now, it’s a true homage to where the city’s been and where it’s going.
