PROJECT SHORECLIFFS REVEAL // BEDS + BATHS
ROOMS FOR REST
An entertainer’s paradise wouldn’t be complete without quiet spaces to unwind when the party’s over. Project Shorecliffs was designed with luxury suites for the homeowners and guests alike sprinkled throughout the two-story home.
THE TEAM
Interior Design: Blackband Design
Architecture: Brandon Architects
Build: Patterson Custom Homes
Landscape Design: Molly Wood Garden Design
Photography: Ryan Garvin
As seen on the CDM Home Tour and in Modern Luxury Riviera OC
MAIN SUITE
Textured wallpaper covers the back wall of the primary bedroom anchoring a contemporary canopy bed that fills the volume of the vaulted ceilings. A cluster of seeded glass pendants hang over each of the wide nightstands adding to the room’s airy aesthetic and focus on functionality.
Standing over 7 feet tall, the suite’s double-sided fireplace feature is enjoyed from the bedroom and hallway connecting the retreat space with a cozy yet modern touch.
The closet was completely customized for the homeowners to stay organized in style while showcasing their favorite collections.
The luxury of spa day is experienced every day right at home in this primary suite. A spacious floor plan offers ample room for the homeowners to use this resort-style bathroom simultaneously while also enjoying their own privacy.
Pocketing steel-framed doors create a unique and bold entry into this serene space.
Caramel-stained cabinetry cohesive with woodwork seen throughout the home caps the double vanity with concealed countertop storage.
End-matched slabs cover the vaulted vanity backsplash, countertops, and shower walls with a seamless display of stunning stone veining. The veining follows up and over a low profile vanity shelf. A linear brass pendant suspended between two shagreen-framed mirrors highlights the symmetry of the vanity wall.
Across the tumbled limestone floor, a Victoria + Albert tub sits in front of metallic patterned thassos marble creating a mesmerizing Art Deco-inspired backdrop. Layers of teardrop crystals draped like fringe on the chandelier elevate the atmosphere with a touch of glamour. Frosted glass doors on either side obscure the view into a water closet and marble stone steam shower while enhancing the double-sided symmetry of the space.
“Attention to detail and craftsmanship is evident in the transitions between luxe materials and finishing touches.”
-Wendy Blackband
— BEHIND THE SCENES —
Templating the slabs is an intricate part of the design process… especially when they’re full of exotic veins and covering all sides and the ceiling of a shower! For both the shower and vanity wall, we chose to “end-match” the slabs where possible so that the veins would continue in a natural direction (where-as “book-matched” creates a mirrored effect). Where vein matching wasn’t an option, we rotated the template pieces around until we found the most natural connection between slabs — much more practical to plan out with small-scale paper copies than the actual slabs on site!
— BACK TO THE MAIN SUITE: RETREAT —
The retreat fireplace is one of Wendy’s favorite features in the home.
“This is a great example of taking a geometric shape and a type of material that you see all the time and being able to change it up and give it a different life. We added some really heavy grout lines and we turned the materials in a different way, so to me it now kind of becomes this cool piece of art.”
- Wendy Blackband
Watch here to learn more about the details behind this fireplace design.
Balconies off the retreat and main bedroom overlook the backyard entertaining space, a charming neighborhood walkway, and seaside scenery.
GUEST SUITE 1
A custom-designed wood-paneled wall intentionally brings a new texture, material, and style into this guest bedroom giving it a different personality than each of the other two guest spaces.
Glazed blue tile makes the perfect backsplash for a pool bath* with its rippling reflection of light on the organically smooth surface, and penny tiles wrapping the shower’s bench seat make for another favorite feature in the home.
*This bathroom is accessible directly from the pool yard for easy rinse offs.
GUEST SUITE 2
With deep contrasting tones and sleek straight lines, this guest room speaks to the home’s sophisticated style.
A single light fixture extends in two directions to illuminate both mirrors of this double vanity and adds balance to the dark features throughout the suite.
GUEST SUITE 3
Soft blues accent the third guest suite with embroidered Roman shades and stylish swivel rocking chairs — a must for the many grandbaby visits in store.
A mix of greige hex tiles creates a dynamic backdrop for the hair-on-hide mirrors and double-end sconces in this playful yet elevated guest bath.
LAUNDRY
Although it’s not a bedroom or a bathroom, we had to include this jewel box of a utility space. Sage green cabinetry and patterned floor tiles beautifully distract from the laundry-list of to-do’s.
MOMENTS IN BETWEEN
This window-lined floating staircase connects the first floor suites with the homeowners’ space above and adds a dramatic architectural feature to the middle of the home.
Floor-to-ceiling steel-framed windows replicate the breezeway below.
READ MORE ABOUT PROJECT SHORECLIFFS
IN MODERN LUXURY RIVIERA ORANGE COUNTY
TOP 10 // WAYS TO INCORPORATE FLORALS INTO YOUR INTERIOR DESIGN
More is more for 2024 and that most definitely includes florals! From dainty details to larger-than-life installations, flower motifs are bringing a touch of natural, feminine beauty to homes in both classic and unexpected ways — and we’re not just talking about little girls’ and grandma spaces. Any room can lean into flower power with a nurturing touch of confidence and a splash of nostalgic taste. Whether it’s a garden-inspired fabric pattern or an organic, petal-shaped light fixture, layers of botanical prints have made themselves right at home in these interior spaces.
BONUS: FLORALS ON FLORALS
HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE FLORALS INTO YOUR HOME DESIGN?
ALSO ON THE BLOG
PROJECT SHORECLIFFS REVEAL // MAIN LIVING
ENTERTAINING IN STYLE
Built from the ground up in Corona del Mar, CA, this two-story custom home was brought to life for a couple with grown kids and an expanding family of grandchildren. Our clients love to entertain and host philanthropic events, so maximizing the main floor with comfortable gathering spaces was a must. Each seating arrangement was intentionally designed to make a statement on its own, while complementing the great room as a whole.
Throughout the home there is a sophisticated mix of caramel wood tones, plush upholstery, and organic and striking tiles and stones. The combination of modern and traditional architectural styles, along with the grand scale of the home, makes Project Shorecliffs uniquely classic with a host of surprises.
THE TEAM
Interior Design: Blackband Design
Architecture: Brandon Architects
Build: Patterson Custom Homes
Landscape Design: Molly Wood Garden Design
Photography: Ryan Garvin
As seen on the CDM Home Tour and in Modern Luxury Riviera OC
ENTRY
A breezeway of dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows connects the entry and guest suites to the main living and main sleeping quarters. On each side of the first floor’s pocketing glass doors there are more opportunities for guests to gather around the pool and fire pit. Beyond the steel-framed corridor, a floating staircase (and luxe elevator) leads to the homeowner’s personal space to unwind and recharge — a primary suite complete with a canopy bed, spa-like bathroom, private retreat, and ocean view balcony.
“The home has very traditional curb appeal yet its view from the first step inside is very modern with the unexpected breezeway, so designing the interiors was a constant tightrope walk between traditional and modern elements. We didn’t want it to read too far one way or the other while still pushing the design forward and making it look current.”
- Wendy Blackband
A large cluster of woven pendants with a metallic glaze cascading from the second floor ceiling and a gallery of collected art offer a preview of the home’s chic style in the foyer.
LIVING
Soft, natural tones and symmetry create a serene lounge space in the middle of the entertainers’ great room.
“Between the kitchen, dining, and living spaces in the great room, there are 36 individual seats arranged in intimate layouts that each complement the design as a whole. Two custom-designed sectional sofas and an array of outdoor seating in the adjacent backyard patio and courtyards keep that seat count climbing.”
- Wendy Blackband
KITCHEN + BAR
Designed with hosting in mind, this luxurious kitchen is an entertainer’s delight. Its impressive square footage offers quite the spread spanning nearly 30 feet from pantry and prep kitchen to the main kitchen’s neighboring bar. Each space of the kitchen is defined by unique elements of their own while creating an overall consistent style and cohesive flow.
The mix of materials in the space adds a contemporary coastal flair to this transitional home. Shades of turquoise reminiscent of glistening waters coordinate the backsplash tile, island cabinetry, and vibrant lounge chair upholstery. Sandy wood tones stretch across the hardwood floor while caramel-stained cabinetry conceals the integrated appliances and essential storage with a rich, warm finish. A custom white-enameled hood with polished chrome strapping is the perfect complement to the kitchen’s white oak cabinetry and marble countertops while also helping to blend a mix of metal finishes.
A four-chair layout arranged in the center of the great room offers an intimate space to gather in the open floor plan.
Statement lighting over the two massive islands draw attention to each space individually with three custom chocolate brown leather pendants accentuating the main kitchen and a Twentieth large-scale linear cylindrical fixture highlighting the bar space.
“Selecting all the lighting for the great room area (kitchen, bar, dining) and ensuring that it all worked together was the biggest challenge and took me the longest time to figure out.”
- Wendy Blackband
The home bar hosts a masterclass in mixology when it comes to the dynamic combination of materials – a geometric tile backsplash, architectural stone framing the nook, and a man-made marble waterfall edge countertop.
The home’s interior-exterior stone framing and steel accents in the kitchen meld the space with the overall architectural design.
With two interior fireplaces in view at the same time, it was important for these designs to be cohesive without matching (similarly to the challenge of the double islands). We opted for different materials that are complementary — a tumbled stone and a limestone slab did the job nicely.
PANTRY
An extra-tall steel-framed door separates the main kitchen from the pantry and prep kitchen complete with its own range and an abundance of storage.
DINING
Chandeliers draped in coco beads, chairs carved with rattan details, and window treatments sporting a tropical pineapple print bring elevated coastal style to this contemporary dining space.
The beauty of this open floor plan layout is seeing the variation of styles and elements work together in one view.
Featuring Amy Van Winkle art via Kennedy Contemporary
MOMENTS IN BETWEEN
A double-stringer floating staircase and luxe-lined elevator bridge the main, entertainment level with the private suites above. Follow them all the way up in part 2 of this project reveal — coming soon.
Even the smallest spaces at Project Shorecliffs boast some of the most impact with exotic stone, complex colors, and wild wallpaper.
READ MORE ABOUT PROJECT SHORECLIFFS
IN MODERN LUXURY RIVIERA ORANGE COUNTY
TOP 10 // FIREPLACE DESIGNS
‘Tis the season for curling up by the fire with a cozy blanket and an espresso martini. Hot take: Fireplaces are one of those incredible home features that serve a purpose while presenting endless design possibilities — a beautiful junction between form and function. The architectural elements surrounding a firebox can make a bold statement and fill otherwise bare walls with interest and style. This round-up of our team’s favorites in fireplace fashions ranges from timeless trends to one-of-a-kind installations that can take the heat!
1. STATEMENT SLABS
Make a statement with exotic stone slabs in your fireplace design. From the bold veining to the many possibilities for silhouettes and edge details, slabs can add a strong sense of luxury to your space. Many natural stones (like marble, limestone, and quartzite to name a few of our favorites) have durable, heat-resistant qualities making them an excellent choice for a fireplace surround.
2. ALL LINED UP
Ribbed, fluted, and reeded details are having a major moment in home design. Each style has specific characteristics that define them from one another, but they all find common ground in their linear, dimensional format. From millwork and cabinetry to architectural elements and furnishings, these channeled designs add intriguing interest and satisfying texture. Fireplaces are no different. The linear grooves and ridges can elongate your fireplace design while beautifully showcasing a variety of natural materials.
3. SPANISH INFLUENCE
We’ve got a soft spot for Spanish and Mediterranean style homes, and fireplaces are a key element to that warm, welcoming design aesthetic we love. Creamy plastered walls, hand-stamped ceramic tiles, rustic wood tones, sunkissed terracotta accents…. It’s the layers of character that give these fireplaces a feel of rich history.
Metal makes for a sleek, industrial fireplace design that pairs well with a variety of interior styles because of the vast range of metallic options available. Steel, brass, bronze, and copper are a few favorites with unique coloration and characteristics. Metal can be manipulated in finish and shape so the customization options are endless. Some things to take into consideration with metal — it conducts heat which can increase the heating efficiency of a fireplace but also means the surface can get hot to the touch (watch out kids!). Heat exposure can also change the appearance of metals over time, which isn’t always a bad thing with beautiful, naturally aged patinas, but nevertheless something to keep in mind.
Large, tumbled stones are a timeless option for architectural features like fireplaces. The weathered variation and imperfect edges lend to a charming countryside style that adds layers of warmth to any setting. Finish it off with thick grout lines and a slurry wash or let the rocks’ natural beauty speak for itself. We love how these stone facades can wrap around from exteriors into our interiors.
Tile is a classic choice for fireplace surrounds that opens the door to countless unique designs. From glazed vs. matte to solid vs. patterned to large-scale vs. small-scale, tiles have varying characteristics that lend themselves to different styles. Even the material of the tile plays a role in defining the vibe of your space with handcrafted ceramics giving a down-to-earth feel, laser-cut stones exuding precision and luxury. Then there’s the layout of tiles (offset, stacked, herringbone, basketweave, etc.) and the arrangements of multiple types of tiles into patterns (checkerboard, mosaics, stripes, etc.)... the list goes on! But no matter what you choose, adding tile around your fireplace box gives the illusion of a larger focal point. Lay the tiles out extra wide or ceiling-high for a lengthening/expanding effect.
7. PLASTER PLAY
A creamy Venetian plaster finish has a soothing effect in home design. The minimal yet warm aesthetic is effortlessly chic and beautifully natural. Plaster adds a subtle texture and depth to flat walls and can be the finishing touch to organic silhouettes. Unique twists in the structural designs are unexpected and understated.
8. THE DARK SIDE
A dark and moody design accentuates the cozy aura that fireplaces naturally radiate. It’s like sitting by the campfire underneath the stars except there’s no dirt and bugs and you’re comfortable in a highly sophisticated, luxurious space instead (ha)! Layers of smokey tones, rich textures, and exotic materials create a striking elegance while thoughtful accent lighting adds to the intimate experience.
9. DREAMING IN COLOR
Design doesn't have to be taken so seriously — we love having fun with it! Color is one surefire way to express yourself and spark joy in your home. Bright and brilliant hues liven up a space with vibrancy and energy, and even evoke creativity and whimsy. A playful palette is often reserved for younger spaces, but a bold fireplace design in your more prominent living area is a power move that personalizes your home experience.
10. EARTH + WIND + FIRE
Exterior fireplaces meld natural elements and design features together into an architectural focal point for your outdoor living space. With a focus on weather-resistant materials, outdoor fireplace designs have a slew of possibilities to create a beautiful and personalized masterpiece. Big or small, modern or classic, it’s bound to be the center of all social gatherings especially when the temps drop.
ALSO ON THE BLOG
TOP 10 // INTERIOR PAINT COLORS
Let’s talk COLOR! We’re excited to see more of the statement-making color trends that we admire around the world make their way into our local mercantile, neighborhoods, and client homes. Gathering inspiration from around the globe and color wheel, our team has created this rainbow of ideas for your next project. We’re inspired to create bold and beautiful spaces for our clients, and we hope that you feel empowered to show off your bright side (or moody or soft sides), too!
Before you go covering your walls in these gorgeous paints though, keep these logistics in mind… From walls and millwork to cabinetry and doors, color can completely transform a space and evoke emotions in the design experience. That experience of color is unique to each person who sees it because we all see color a bit differently. As beautiful as color may be, it can get complicated when opposing views of a shade live under the same roof. Just as perceived hues can vary person to person, so can the shades vary room to room. Space, lighting, and shadows can affect the color of color, so for the perfect paint always swatch in your space before you buy. Now break out of your comfort zone with some of these exciting tones!
Go-to paint brands —Benjamin Moore, Dunn Edwards, Farrow & Ball
1. RADIANT REDS
Kicking the colors off in rainbow order… First up we have red! There’s no doubt this bold and striking shade stands out, creates drama, and leaves a lasting impression. Its vibrant character can be intimidating, but the designs showcased above prove that all kinds of red are ready to be the backdrop of beautiful memories made at home. Red lives across the color wheel from green which naturally makes it a contrasting and complementary pop of color to the ever-so-popular leafy earth tones. In a traditional setting, red can create an elegant atmosphere and give that classic red lip confidence. In modern design, accents of red can add excitement and energy to the more neutral elements. Farrow & Ball’s Color Curator Joa Studhlome recommends using the loud and proud hues of red (think scarlett, crimson, poppy) in entertainment spaces while reserving the more mellow shades (muted bricks and muddy burgundys) for personal, tempered rooms.
Orange is another vibrant color of the rainbow that offers much more versatility than one might imagine at first glance. The typically bright, citrus shade is bold, enthusiastic, and exudes a fresh take on fun. Softer hues, however, pack a rich history of down-to-earth vibes. From terracotta clay and copper antiques, to worn leathers and rusting metals, hints of orange can be found in very grounded and worldly designs. Its warm tones are popular in bohemian decor and sandy, sun-kissed color palettes offering a more saturated alternative to tan and beige. You can spice up your space with dashes of turmeric, paprika, cayenne, and cinnamon!
Here comes the sun! Bright and cheerful shades of yellow are known to radiate happiness, joy, and literal sunshine. It is undeniably warm in both appearance and the friendly feelings experienced. From juicy lemons, to ground mustard seeds, to dry hay bales, yellow has a natural connection to Mother Nature’s earthy palette while simultaneously offering a vivid contrast. Golden rays glow through woven fiber materials and raw wood tones while saturated accents of canary and chartreuse highlight its more exuberant side of the spectrum. Beams of this carefree color welcome optimism, creativity, and an extra zest to your home and life.
Entering the cool side of the color wheel — next we have green! Its fresh, grassy hues are synonymous with nature and a popular choice for bringing the outdoors in. Lush landscapes come alive with a range of foliage characterized by the plant varieties, current season, and local climate… a versatile palette to lean into for your own home. Deep shades of forest green add depth and sophistication (think luxurious emeralds), mid-tones of flourishing meadows manifest growth, and the dusty, sun-beaten colors of drought-tolerant succulents offer a mild alternative with mighty healing powers. There’s stability to an evergreen color scheme, yet a refreshing sense of new beginnings and renewal. The natural beauty of life-giving gardens can saturate your walls with feelings of harmony, calmness, and rejuvenation.
Looking for an even more natural connection to green hues in your home? A wood stain allows the grain patterns to show through and offers subtle variation in the color coverage. We love how this custom stain turned out for the entertainment wall in our Napa Valley meets Newport Beach renovation.
Blue is basically a neutral in our coastal environment. With its clear connection to the sea and sky, it’s a go-to for colorful cabinetry and home accents in Southern California. Splashes of deep ocean blues and turquoise waters aren’t limited to beach houses and coastal cottages though. In general, blue represents freedom and imagination opening possibilities for blue interiors anywhere and everywhere. From rich indigos and nautical navys to bright royals and soft powders, there are infinite shades of blue that can offer a breath of fresh air in your home. In addition to skylines and seascapes, blue hues may also be one of the more popular and approachable color choices for its relation to trust, loyalty, and confidence in business and commercial context. Even the timelessness of denim makes blue a classic, familiar, and long-loving style to flaunt.
6. EGGPLANT, JAM, FIG... YUM!
Straying from ROY G. BIV’s traditional colors of the rainbow (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet), we’ve chosen to showcase purple. Purple is not included in the rainbow spectrum because it doesn't have its own wavelength (yes, we Googled that for a refresh of highschool science class), but is rather a mix of red and blue light. We love purple for this complexity! Unique blends of blues, reds, pinks, and browns create sweet and savory shades of berry, eggplant, jam, and fig — just as beautiful on walls as they are tasty on the tongue! Plum is another juicy option that Wendy handpicked for her own dining room chairs fabric after striking out with clients on using the moody color. While lighter tones of lilac and lavender can surely have their place in more delicate designs, it’s the deep and saturated jewel tones that are prominent in our home presentations.
Painting it pink can be just as flirty and fun as it sounds! Playful pops of the stereotypically feminine color may bring Barbie to mind and especially in this season of Barbie mania, that would be no surprise. Lively and whimsical shades of pink are reminiscent of young memories enjoying the simplicity of toy dolls and make-believe and fairy dust, but pink goes beyond those girly, childhood years. Vibrant magentas and high fashion pinks make bold statements on sophisticated stars on and off the runway, while preppy, freshly-pressed shirts invite men into the narrative. Pink isn’t just to wear though, Barbie had it right with her Dream House! Rooms of rosy hues and rouges offer a lot to love in a sophisticated home design. Softer hues of blush and mauve give a peek of pink in more neutral settings. Raise a glass of rosé with us and let’s toast all the possibilities of PINK!
The dark side of the color conversation leads to black. It’s the ultimate choice when it comes to moodiness, mystery, and an overall power move. The darker any color goes, the more intimate it makes a space feel, so opting for black is like adding that cool leather jacket as you walk out the door. As with most colors for home design, we’re drawn to the “off” versions of the true colors. Jet black may make for an incredibly cool, lacquered glamour, but it’s the shades with more variation like midnight, onyx, and ebony that amp up the sophistication level.
Warm shades of browns and taupes are all over home design. They were in “back when” (until they “weren’t”) and they’re definitely having a moment now! The natural, earthy color ranges from deep chocolate tones to soft shades of beige, with our favorite variations of taupe laying in the middle ground. The hazy neutral offers a clean canvas for millwork and cabinetry without the stark contrast of white. Pairing the muted tones with bright whites and vibrant colors is however a juxtaposition we love to see. The brown family is versatile in the sense that it can be the backdrop of vibrant depth or blend in with its surroundings. The compounded qualities of the muddy color complements the natural elements in a home like wood and stone creating serene environments of calmness. Lighter shades of taupe can tip towards greige (the popular blend between gray and beige) but it’s the golden blonde undertones that set it apart.
Sometimes it’s the smallest amount of color that fits the bill. Not completely absent of color as white is, but as close as it gets! Soft, pale, light hues of grays and tans warm up a space with more depth and calmness and offers an escape from the harsh bright whites. In our design minds there’s nothing neutral about neutral.
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HAPPY HALLOWEEN // BARBIE
COME ON BARBIE, LET'S GO PARTY
We painted the office PINK for our annual Blackband Halloween Costume Party. Barbies and a couple Kens danced the day away in style and burst out of the box with creativity.
We're wishing you a very happy Halloween from Barbieland to the Real World!
WENDY: SKI BARBIE
GREG: MOJO DOJO CASA HOUSE KEN
NATALIE: ROLLER SKATE BARBIE
KORI: AVIATOR BARBIE
IVANA: CHEER BARBIE
LEA: OCEAN FRIENDS BARBIE
RACHEL: SPA DAY WELLNESS BARBIE
RYLEE: ORIGINAL 1959 BARBIE
MARISSA: BRIDAL BARBIE
KIM: COWGIRL BARBIE
MARY: ENCHANTED WITCH BARBIE
ALEXANDRA: GENERATION GIRL BARBIE
MICHAEL: SURFER KEN
ADRIANA: ATTORNEY BARBIE
MELISSA: WORKOUT BARBIE
KATE: WEIRD BARBIE
BLACKBAND SUMMER 2023
The Blackband family summer was one for the books! Piper's sailing circuit took us all over the East Coast. Watching her compete on big, beautiful lakes and the Atlantic Ocean was a thrill, and getting to explore new cities together was an extra treat. We bounced around from Chicago to New Jersey to New York to Rhode Island back to New York and home in time to see Taylor Swift! All while Cooper enjoyed his post-graduation trip with his mates in Australia. We're grateful for a summer of fun and hope you get the opportunity to check out some of these national treasures too someday!
PORT OF CALL #1 // CHICAGO — THE WINDY CITY
WHERE WE STAYED // THE DRAKE HOTEL
U.S. C420 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS // CHICAGO YACHT CLUB
Piper crewed with her skipper Morgan Pinckney and they finished 3rd out of a fleet of 113 boats.
EXPLORING CHICAGO
Architectural tour by boat, Dave Matthews concert, cold weather rain gear, and a visit to the Art Institute topped off with the best pizza pie at Gino’s East. Flew from Chicago to Philly. Rented a car to drive to New Jersey. Rental broke down and got a lift in the back of a police car from a local sheriff.
PORT OF CALL #2 // LONG BEACH ISLAND, NEW JERSEY
WHERE WE STAYED // HOTEL LBI
U.S. C420 WOMEN'S NORTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS // BRANT BEACH YACHT CLUB
Piper crewed with her skipper Sophia Devling and they finished 2nd out of a fleet of 47 boats. Big wind, lots of capsized boats. Drove for Jersey to NYC.