You’ll Fall in Love With a Freshly Renovated Midcentury Modern Classic in Pasadena

Owned by the Grammy-award winning music producer and songwriter Christian Karlsson, the home is a prize in and of itself.

Built in 1956, and measuring just under 4,000 square feet, the modern single-story residence designed by the architect John Galbraith offers three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, an open floor plan, as well as plenty of original details. The current homeowners are only the third owners of the home and bought it last year for $2.38 million.

After the purchase, they embarked on a sensitive renovation that restored some of the eye-catching original details of the home’s interior and added some modern touches. After their plans changed, with a move back to Sweden, they have put the newly redone residence on the market.

The home is accessed through a formal entry, and the stone floor leads to an open living and dining room with polished concrete floors. It is accented with a redwood art wall, and the focal point is a dramatic, two-sided fireplace with double floating hearths. There’s now a full wet bar, and glass walls look out to the the patio.

A renovated kitchen also blends modern with original. Updated touches include stainless chef’s appliances, new countertops and lighting, and a breakfast bar. Revived original mahogany cabinetry and a restored custom hood ground the space in its 1950s roots.

In the master bedroom suite, you’ll find a fireplace, sliding glass doors, a redesigned bathroom with a tiled shower, and a dual vanity.

Two guest bedrooms and a den with a wall of glass and built-ins round out the layout. A detached bonus space can work as a game room, studio, or home office.

Set on almost an acre, the grounds feature a huge flat lot with a swimmer’s pool, patio, and lawn. An oversized, two-car garage completes the offering.

Rick Yohon with Sotheby’s International Realty, represents the listing, which is co-listed with Konstantine Valissarakos of Nourmand and Associates. He notes that the home a is unique combination of classic preserved midcentury features, blended with modern updates.

“The setting is one of a kind,” he adds. “It’s nestled between the mountains and the city, with 180-degree views that can be enjoyed from the house and the pool.”

Beyond songwriting, Karlsson also seems to enjoy trading in real estate. He and his wife, a diplomat, have also owned another architectural delight in the area. They recently sold another midcentury modern home nearby for $3.5 million, Dirt reported.

Karlsson, who goes by the stage name Bloodshy, is one half of the DJ duo Galantis, which has produced songs for Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, and Katy Perry. They also wrote over 25 songs for Britney Spears, including her huge hit “Toxic.”