This 1954 Cliff May Home Is a Beautiful Example of California Mid-Century Modernism | House Tour

Our next stop takes us to Long Beach, California, where we visit John and Ainura, the owners of a 1954 Cliff May home in Rancho Estates. Sitting down with the couple, we hear the story of how they acquired the house and the thoughtful renovation that allowed them to make it their own while preserving its original character.

Born in San Diego in 1908, Cliff May studied business at San Diego State College before leaving without a degree. Rather than pursuing a formal education in architecture, he began his career designing Monterey-style furniture before moving into residential design and construction. Influenced by California’s Spanish Colonial and Mexican rancho heritage, May developed a distinctive approach to the California ranch house that would become central to his architectural legacy.

His designs are recognized for their low rooflines, open floor plans, courtyards, and seamless connections between indoor and outdoor spaces. In collaboration with architect Chris Choate, May brought this vision to a wider audience through residential developments, including Rancho Estates in Long Beach. His emphasis on informal living and a close relationship with the surrounding landscape helped define a distinctly Californian style of modern architecture that continues to influence residential design today.

Working with Los Angeles-based architecture and interior design practice Venn Studio, John and Ainura reimagined their home through a careful balance of preservation and contemporary living. We also had the opportunity to meet with Gabbi Sun of Venn Studio to learn more about the design process, the thinking behind the renovation, and how the team collaborated with the couple to create a home that feels both timeless and personal.
Join us as we step inside this reimagined Cliff May home and discover how thoughtful design can preserve the spirit of California modernism for a new generation.

Film Mick Aure
Photography Elias Tebache
Music Diego Castellanos
Special Thanks John, Ainura & Gabbi Sun