Remodeling a home in Miracle Mile isn’t just about style—it’s about striking the right balance between historic charm and modern comfort. From 1920s Spanish bungalows to classic duplexes, these homes come with character worth preserving and systems often ready for an upgrade. If you're planning renovations in this iconic LA neighborhood, these home remodeling tips can help you update smartly, add value, and stay true to the home’s architectural roots.
1. Start with the Bones: Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC
Before you pick out tile or paint swatches, it’s critical to assess your home's foundational systems. Many Miracle Mile homes still operate with aging infrastructure that wasn’t built for today’s appliances or energy demands. Updating plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems might not be the most exciting part of a remodel, but it lays the groundwork for everything else and can prevent expensive issues later.
For example, replacing galvanized pipes with copper or PEX can improve water pressure and avoid future leaks. Similarly, bringing electrical up to code allows for the safe integration of modern lighting, smart home features, and high-efficiency appliances.
For example, replacing galvanized pipes with copper or PEX can improve water pressure and avoid future leaks. Similarly, bringing electrical up to code allows for the safe integration of modern lighting, smart home features, and high-efficiency appliances.
2. Respect the Original Architecture, Even When Modernizing
One of the most important remodeling tips for Miracle Mile homes is to approach updates with architectural sensitivity. Whether your home is a Spanish-style bungalow or a Tudor Revival, the details—arched doorways, built-ins, and vintage moldings—tell the property's story. Modern updates can absolutely coexist with this character, but they should feel intentional.
For example, when remodeling a kitchen, consider custom cabinetry that reflects the home’s original style but incorporates modern features like soft-close drawers and integrated lighting. Keep materials classic—subway tile, stone countertops, and unlacquered brass hardware tend to work well across eras.
Preserving original windows, doors, or flooring where possible can also help maintain the property's value and visual continuity, especially in a historically cohesive neighborhood like Miracle Mile.
For example, when remodeling a kitchen, consider custom cabinetry that reflects the home’s original style but incorporates modern features like soft-close drawers and integrated lighting. Keep materials classic—subway tile, stone countertops, and unlacquered brass hardware tend to work well across eras.
Preserving original windows, doors, or flooring where possible can also help maintain the property's value and visual continuity, especially in a historically cohesive neighborhood like Miracle Mile.
3. Open Up Carefully: Walls, Layouts, and Flow
Miracle Mile homes were often built with more segmented floor plans, which may feel too compartmentalized by today’s standards. That said, you don’t have to gut the entire interior to create a sense of openness. Strategic changes—like widening a doorway between the kitchen and dining room or installing glass pocket doors—can make a big impact without sacrificing character.
When removing walls, always consult a structural engineer, particularly in older homes. You’ll also want to consider how light travels through the space. Installing skylights or expanding existing windows is a great way to modernize while still maintaining the home's architectural integrity.
The goal isn’t to make an old house feel brand new—it’s to make it feel refreshed and functional.
When removing walls, always consult a structural engineer, particularly in older homes. You’ll also want to consider how light travels through the space. Installing skylights or expanding existing windows is a great way to modernize while still maintaining the home's architectural integrity.
The goal isn’t to make an old house feel brand new—it’s to make it feel refreshed and functional.
4. Maximize Outdoor Living Without Overbuilding
One of the perks of living in Miracle Mile is the potential for indoor-outdoor flow. Even modestly sized lots often come with usable backyard space—something that should be capitalized on in any remodel. But in a neighborhood where lot lines and character matter, balance is key.
Think about installing French doors that lead to a patio or upgrading a simple backyard into a shaded outdoor lounge with pavers, native landscaping, and subtle lighting. Adding a pergola, outdoor kitchen, or seating area can increase usable square footage without a full addition.
If you're considering building out, be mindful of scale. Overbuilding on the lot can reduce yard space and might feel out of step with neighboring homes.
Think about installing French doors that lead to a patio or upgrading a simple backyard into a shaded outdoor lounge with pavers, native landscaping, and subtle lighting. Adding a pergola, outdoor kitchen, or seating area can increase usable square footage without a full addition.
If you're considering building out, be mindful of scale. Overbuilding on the lot can reduce yard space and might feel out of step with neighboring homes.
5. Energy Efficiency and Eco-Friendly Upgrades
Sustainability has become a priority for many LA homeowners, and Miracle Mile is no exception. While the neighborhood’s historic homes weren't designed with energy efficiency in mind, there are many ways to improve performance without altering their appearance.
Consider insulating walls and attics, installing solar panels (especially if they're out of street view), or upgrading to dual-pane windows that mimic the original frames. Tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems can dramatically reduce utility costs while keeping the home comfortable year-round.
These upgrades also add long-term value—buyers today are increasingly looking for homes that blend classic charm with responsible, modern performance.
Consider insulating walls and attics, installing solar panels (especially if they're out of street view), or upgrading to dual-pane windows that mimic the original frames. Tankless water heaters, LED lighting, and high-efficiency HVAC systems can dramatically reduce utility costs while keeping the home comfortable year-round.
These upgrades also add long-term value—buyers today are increasingly looking for homes that blend classic charm with responsible, modern performance.
6. Work with Local Experts Who Understand the Neighborhood
Miracle Mile isn’t just another Los Angeles neighborhood—it’s a tight-knit community with architectural continuity, neighborhood pride, and a distinct aesthetic. That’s why it’s worth working with contractors, designers, and real estate professionals who are familiar with the area.
Local specialists understand the permitting requirements, neighborhood standards, and what buyers are looking for in this market. They can guide you through decisions that improve your quality of life and add strategic resale value.
If your home is part of the Miracle Mile HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone), you'll also need to navigate specific guidelines around exterior changes. A team with local experience can help you manage that process smoothly and avoid costly delays.
Local specialists understand the permitting requirements, neighborhood standards, and what buyers are looking for in this market. They can guide you through decisions that improve your quality of life and add strategic resale value.
If your home is part of the Miracle Mile HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zone), you'll also need to navigate specific guidelines around exterior changes. A team with local experience can help you manage that process smoothly and avoid costly delays.
7. Think Ahead: Remodel for Long-Term Flexibility
Whether you’re planning to stay in your home for years or thinking about resale, it’s smart to remodel with flexibility in mind. That might mean creating a home office that can double as a guest room, choosing timeless finishes over trendy ones, or designing a garage conversion that can later be used as an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit).
The most valuable home remodeling tips are the ones that anticipate future needs—whether that’s a growing family, remote work, or rental potential. In a dynamic market like LA, future-proofing your investment is just as important as personalizing your space.
The most valuable home remodeling tips are the ones that anticipate future needs—whether that’s a growing family, remote work, or rental potential. In a dynamic market like LA, future-proofing your investment is just as important as personalizing your space.
Learn More with the Barrentine Group
If you're looking for trusted insight and proven experience in Miracle Mile real estate, The Barrentine Group is here to help. With deep local knowledge and a personalized approach, their team can help you navigate every step of the remodeling or buying process—from choosing the right upgrades to maximizing your home’s potential. Whether you're staying or selling, they'll help you make smart, informed decisions that fit your goals and your neighborhood.
