Actor Brad Pitt is a bona fide architecture aficionado: last year he paid $40 million for the landmark D.L. James house in California’s Carmel Highlands, which has reportedly become his main residence. But his latest real estate coup, the 2,092-square-foot, L-shaped property known as the “Steel House,” is decidedly more compact, comprising three bedrooms and 1.75 bathrooms. 

Although the house doesn’t have a famous architectural name attached to it, it’s got a classic mid-century modern soul. Brad recently bought the snug pavilion in the foothills of L.A.’s Los Feliz from oil heiress Aileen Getty for $5.5 million. 

A hanging fireplace in mod white is a groovy touch in the open-concept combo living/dining room. A cozy terrace has views over the tropical landscaping to the twinkling city lights below. The house is like a clean white canvas, with MCM flavor provided by an open-webbed joist ceiling and pale terrazzo floors. 

A floating set of upper cabinets acts as a casual divider, visually separating the kitchen from the dining area. Custom cabinetry is painted an icy pale blue and has a sleek, clean profile with a pass-through to allow natural light to stream in.

Eating in the dining room is a tree-house-like experience. All three of the home’s bedrooms feature striking cobalt blue carpeting. Custom blue cabinetry is repeated in the bathroom to tie back to the kitchen millwork. 

Built-in shelving was often used in Case Study Houses to maximize space. One of the guest bedrooms has been converted into a sitting/reading room, complete with cool, period bookshelves. The L-shaped house partially wraps itself around a sunny backyard, so most of the rooms overlook the pool and patio area. Mid-century fanatics will appreciate this home’s open plan, simple volumes and panoramic windows with steel frames.