A “COASTAL GRANDMOTHER” COTTAGE
From the lush gardens and breezy ocean views to the elegant fixtures and effortless linens, this seaside cottage embodies the celebrated and understated “coastal grandmother” aesthetic — a chic lifestyle characterized by laid-back luxury. While Diane Keaton is not the star here, our client is living the dream in this San Clemente home that could steal the spotlight in an iconic Nancy Meyers film.
EXTERIOR
A classic combination of shingles, bright white trim, copper accents, and a deep blue Dutch door sets the stage for this coastal cottage. Vibrant florals, curated by our talented client, greet guests with a preview of the punchy colors and cheerful personality woven throughout the design inside.
ENTRY
“I started the design of this home from the front door. The main hallway takes you all the way through the home to the ocean so it was really important to get this space right and complement the line of vision.
We decided on oversized shiplap for a coastal feel and large accordion doors that open up to the interior courtyard allowing lots of natural light into the hall.
Next we moved to the living space and the kitchen — the true heart of the home.”
- Wendy Blackband
LIVING ROOM
Layers of color and inspiration from the coastline views and garden setting take residence in the main living space. We wanted the design to reflect our client’s lively spirit and elevated style.
An all-time favorite of Wendy’s in this living room: the McGuire chairs with woven detailings and a hand-blocked print upholstered on the backs.
”When we proposed coral accents in the living room our client said “noooo way,” but I asked her to trust me as I thought it needed that break in color. She went for it and that small shift in tone made a lovely difference.”
- Wendy Blackband
For the treatment of the existing fireplace, we opted for a thin wash, instead of a saturated limewash, so the red brick tone would intentionally show through.
KITCHEN
A massive kitchen island anchors the entertainment area with plenty of space to prepare and enjoy meals together – a must for this family of culinary enthusiasts. Bright white Michelangelo Calacatta counters top the working surfaces with luxury while aged bronze hardware adds authentic history to the new space. Intricately-designed kitchen pendants hanging from the rustic wood beam modernize the beach cottage style with a nod to traditional roots.
While our client gravitates towards traditional elements that spark nostalgia for her family line of restaurateurs, we helped move her style forward with a mix of modern lines, bold patterns, and classic charm that celebrates her fond memories with a timeless aesthetic.
Creamy blue Moroccan tiles in the dainty mosaic backsplash soften the kitchen’s crisp color palette and juxtapose the large scale of the surrounding features.
Working with the home’s existing square footage, the kitchen multiplied in size from the original footprint now offering an abundance of space to savor sweet family recipes and take in the scenic views.
Driven by a love for cooking and hosting, functionality took precedence in the layout with an integrated appliance wall, wide range, and spacious countertops.
Windows and doors were maximized to take advantage of the coastal views and the back deck was extended to fully enjoy indoor-outdoor living in the salty air.
The living, dining, and kitchen spaces flow together seamlessly so the hostess is always a part of the party.
DINING
Floating in the center of the great room, a long dining table surrounded by woven seating and slipcovered host chairs melds the traditional-modern-coastal style together once again. A custom Gregorious Pineo hand-forged iron light fixture elevates the design with its show-stopping craftsmanship.
BALCONY
The entertainment space naturally extends out onto the oceanview balcony complete with spaces to lounge, dine, and enjoy nature’s beauty.
A family-heirloom-turned-fountain adds a playful sentiment to the flourishing garden – our client’s pride and joy.
MAIN SUITE
An inky blue silk wall treatment creates a darker backdrop to the lighter, feminine fabrics in the primary bedroom. The textures add even more dimension to the color contrast with an embroidered headboard, tasseled knit throw, and patchwork hair-on-hide bench.
There is a feminine flair to the silhouettes in the bedroom as well – subtle curves of the headboard, a-line structure of the lampshade, and proper posture of the blush-colored chaise (pictured below) to note a few.
French doors open to the interior courtyard for that quintessential retreat feel.
“Being able to enjoy the landscape throughout the entire home was a driving force in the design process.”
- Wendy Blackband
Connection to the gardens continues in the bathroom highlighting a true sense of natural beauty inside and out.
Marble surfaces make their way throughout with Michelangelo Calacatta floors and Thassos countertops. A floral mosaic covers the steam shower walls while shiplap carried in from the hallway adds a touch of coastal to the surrounding space. Stain-grade cabinetry and an antique accent table complement the whiter stone materials.
COURTYARD
While the kitchen prevails as the heart of this home, as it does in many family homes, the courtyard is a close runner up. Its central location and accessibility makes it a natural gathering space for the kids and grandkids.
GUEST ROOM
A woven bed and nightstands with a dark sapphire blue finish and antique brass accents combined with the board and batten white walls creates an inviting coastal retreat for any guest.
GUEST BATH
The subtle floral theme of the interiors is maintained in the guest bathroom with a tonal flower motif on the ceramic tiles. Marble surfaces and polished chrome accents complete the design with an overall feeling of pretty.
CASITA
Covered in hand-painted wallpaper and dressed in sundry blue hues, the casita is a staycation paradise of its own. The spunky style is bold and bright for boutique hotel vibes in the comfort of home.
LAUNDRY ROOM
The beauty of a hand-blocked Carrara marble backsplash and the satisfaction of suitable storage lightens the load of chores in this reconfigured laundry room.
GARDEN
This “secret garden” leads to the sea and offers its own set of treasures of hollyhocks, hydrangeas, and lilies.
READ MORE ABOUT PROJECT CYPRUS SHORE
IN MODERN LUXURY RIVIERA ORANGE COUNTY
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