A writing studio brings whimsy to small-space living

A Craftsman-inspired home in Elysian Heights gets a whimsical expansion: a writing studio, with a hidden rooftop deck that offers views of downtown Los Angeles.

Two men stand outside a writing studio looking in, framed by an arched doorway.

During the design process, Ben Warwas, left, and Chris Skeens realized they could put a roof deck on top of the house so that owner Jane Stephens Rosenthal didn’t lose any yard space. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

July 30, 2021 6:55 AM PT

A Craftsman-inspired home in Elysian Heights gets a whimsical expansion: a writing studio, with a hidden rooftop deck that offers views of downtown Los Angeles.

Jane Stephens Rosenthal writes in a journal at her desk in her writing studio. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The writing studio feels like another world, even though it is situated close to the main house. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Rosenthal wanted “a hovel, a hut.” (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A tall euphorbia cactus grows outside the writing studio. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

A patio outside the writing studio offers ample space for socializing or rehearsals. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

From her steep hillside, Rosenthal can peek over the house and see downtown Los Angeles. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Ben Warwas, left, and Chris Skeens in the backyard, which is its own space. “Because it’s on an intense hill, we saw the building as an extension of the landscape,” says Skeens. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

The 480-square-foot studio (including the roof deck), which has a bathroom, nods to both Spanish and storybook style, with a touch of Jackie Onassis’ Greek beach house thrown in. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)