CALIFORNIA DREAMIN’
In search of sunshine, our international clients found paradise in Southern California — they just needed a proper vacation home to host their visits. After a few years of planning, designing, and managing a full-scale renovation (through a global pandemic), our in-house renovation and design team made that dream a reality. Modern lines and crisp finishes now define the open floor plan for a fresh take on bright and airy coastal living with European touches.
PROJECT MONARCH BAY
A BLACKBAND RENOVATION
THE SCOPE
Project Management • Interior Design • Architectural Details • Material Specification • Custom Furnishings • Structural Engineering • Full Remodel Services • Exterior Design • Landscape + Hardscape Services
THE TEAM
Interiors + Renovation: Blackband Design
Architecture: Stand Architects
Photography: Ryan Garvin
EXTERIOR
COASTAL CURB APPEAL
With ocean views and neighborhood beach access topping the list of pros for this fixer upper, the homeowners wanted to lean into coastal farmhouse style for the full beach house experience. As the transformation photos show, this meant an extensive makeover from the outside in. We teamed up with architect Steve Stand to revamp the structure adding gable rooflines to the front facade. Various shades of light gray brick brightened the overall exterior with accents of weathered wood and steel frames defining windows and doors. Lush landscaping completed the vision of a well-nurtured, lived-in home.
A PEEK INTO THE PROCESS
From the initial planning and visioning, to demolition, rebuilding, and beyond, our team is onsite managing every aspect of the renovation. We are the eyes and ears for our clients (especially in cases like this when they live out of town), and communicate the progress to keep them as involved in the decision-making as they want to be.
Rows of textured landscaping fill the front yard in a contemporary, linear fashion. Olive trees establish the European ambiance, succulents thrive in the California climate, and hedges provide natural privacy for the front courtyard.
Every California vacation home needs a vintage convertible to cruise the coastline.
ENTRY
IN WITH THE NEW
Steel-framed French doors open to a wide entry hallway. Streamlined soffits define the nook from the walkways and a double-sided fireplace feature wall separates the main living space.
LIVING
LAYERS OF LIVING
Once a formal sitting area, this new great room layout cultivates connection between the lounging, cooking, and dining spaces. One major challenge stood between the open concept and actually making it happen — a load-bearing wall spanning the length of the living room and housing appliances in the kitchen. Working with the architect to engineer a solution, we were able to remove the wall in exchange for two supporting pillars integrated into the island design. A smooth white ceiling and pocketing glass doors completed the makeover with modern elements.
A PEEK INTO THE PROCESS
Symmetry was a driving force in the design process. We expanded the back sliding door opening to mirror the new multi-panel slider in the front of the house. Now both ends of the living room connect to the outdoor spaces — a calming courtyard and a backyard oasis.
With the new open layout, we had the opportunity to design a double-sided fireplace feature wall disguising the structural support and adding warmth back into the room. With a plaster finish wrapping all around, this accent wall engages the entry yet creates a cozy end cap to the living space.
KITCHEN
A CLEAN SLATE
The dated kitchen got a clean and classic refresh. We reoriented the layout, opening up two sides and actually closing off another. The new separation allowed for a large refrigerator system, temperature-controlled wine storage, a China cabinet to display serveware, and a walk-in pantry to keep extra kitchen essentials tucked away — while creating a hallway to an office beyond. Utilizing the perimeter of the kitchen for the main appliances freed up space for more open connections between the dining and living.
Bright and white materials cover the kitchen for the ultimate fresh and clean feel. New cabinets with a crisp finish maximize storage in the reworked layout while the custom stainless steel hood makes a statement over the range. Bulletproof sintered stone countertops made to resemble marble offer a beautiful backdrop for kitchen creations and clean up easily when recipes go awry.
A second island extends the kitchen into the living room. Its large, sleek surface and counter stools bridge the cooking and entertaining spaces by creating a central space to gather.
A PEEK INTO THE PROCESS
Additional storage space in the pantry houses small appliances, kitchen tools, and groceries in style. The contrasting drawer fronts with breathable cutouts make for functional organization with a market feel.
DINING
ALFRESCO INSIDE
The dining room was streamlined with a large steel-framed window (to coordinate with all the new windows and doors throughout the home) welcoming natural light and landscape views. As much as we love decorative ceiling details, this space was simplified to maximize the height of the relatively low ceilings and accommodate the surrounding ceiling structures.
