Modern bungalow with European flair

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The Zenner-Rodriguez bungalow was built in 1922, but the interior has a decidedly modern design scheme.

Mike Zenner and Ronald Rodriguez have taken a modern approach to the interior design of their bungalow, built in 1922. "We planned it out [and] it turned out exactly as we wanted it, there were no design surprises," offers Rodriguez, pictured in the kitchen designed by Mark Williams Designs. "One reason we redid the back of the house with Mark was [because] we wanted better entertaining space and to make the backyard a part of the house. He presented three ideas, we combined elements from each."

The living room features chairs covered with woven paper by B&B Italia, a cotton and linen sofa along with Life Table, both by Minotti and found at Space, a heart-shaped lamp by Ingo Maurer and vases by Venini.

"Everyone always ended up in the little kitchen, nobody ended up in the sunroom where there was lots of space," explains Rodriguez. So they converted the sunroom into an airy kitchen that opens onto a courtyard, and the home's original kitchen became a den (pictured in foreground). The den features a custom sectional designed by Mark Williams, a droplet light fixture by Artemide, a Minotti Leger table and a sconce from Venini.

Rodriguez says the dining room table is his favorite piece. The table and chairs are by Promemoria, light fixture by Ingo Maurer, mirror from Space, and Tim Hobby designed the silk and linen drapes. Florals are by John McDonald of Twelve Flowers in Midtown.

Architectural designer Mark Williams describes the Zenner-Rodriguez kitchen as: "Classically modern inspired contemporary. It has elements of trend, but the lines and features are more classically modern inspired." Williams adds: "The house was built in the 1920s, we don't live in spaces the way culture lived in spaces in the 1920s, we had to make reference to it without being too tied down by it. This reflects our firm's ideals."

"The first year Mike and I hosted a family Thanksgiving here and my dad and sister came down, and his mom, brother and sister-in-law came ... that was my favorite memory," recalls Rodriguez. A light fixture by Ingo Maurer illuminates an original floral centerpiece by John McDonald of Twelve Flowers in Midtown.

Interior designer Tim Hobby designed the staircase railing (seen in foyer) which was constructed by woodwork artist Michael Ballacchino.

Rodriguez describes their decor aesthetic as "European contemporary; most pieces are Italian made. A friend of ours is a wonderful designer and has done a lot of decorating for us (Tim Hobby of Space)." In the upstairs den: the Moore sofa and leather ottoman both by Minotti; Mongolian lamb carpet from Space.

Rodriguez and Zenner plan to extend the master bedroom by building out atop the new kitchen. The master suite features the Minotti Lautrec bed upholstered in leather, abaco light by Venini and nightstands by Molteni & C, all from Space.

This guest bathroom goes modern with its sleek sink and vanity combination.

The sloping backyard posed a challenge for designer Tim Hobby, who successfully created a spacious outdoor living and entertaining area by pushing the yard back. "We used the water wall (which is 20' x 18' and made of Kansas City limestone) to work as a retainer for the higher level of the property," says Hobby, "and it acts as a privacy wall for the hot tub -- that fits up to 20 [people]." Four Gwappa chaises by Moooi from Space provide seating.

Rodriguez says the granite cocktail table in the courtyard was made by a friend who constructs concrete forms; it's on wheels. Chairs are the Gwappa series by Moooi, sourced at Space.

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Mike Zenner and Ronald Rodriguez have taken a modern approach to the interior design of their bungalow, built in 1922. "We planned it out [and] it turned out exactly as we wanted it, there were no design surprises," offers Rodriguez, pictured in the kitchen designed by Mark Williams Designs. "One reason we redid the back of the house with Mark was [because] we wanted better entertaining space and to make the backyard a part of the house. He presented three ideas, we combined elements from each."

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