A contemporary take on the quintessential beach bungalow, this Pacific Beach Surf Shack is the dream home (and first home) of a young, Indiana transplant who’s style and attitude is much more SoCal than Midwest. Mining her beachy-boho vibe as the design intention, we collaborated to bring a young and fresh aesthetic to this new 2020 build.

The entry welcomes visitors into her world with a Gray Malin photograph of Torrey Pines beach, a San Diego icon, setting the stage for the color and tonal inspiration of the space. Contrasting soft curves with linear shapes, a beautiful Society Social ottoman, round Serena and Lily mirror, and coiled reed lamp offsets a woven banquette with leather pulls. An aqua custom surfboard, by San Diego surfing legend Joe Roper, adds a statement splash of color while opposite, the color-matched hanging ceramics bring visual balance. Finishing off the homage to her new hometown, coral and coastal-inspired accessories showcase the client’s interests and personality.

Living in a vacation destination calls for functional rooms that do double duty for house guests while also serving a purpose in daily life. With cleverly designed elements, this office is both a quiet weekday work refuge and comfortable visitors’ quarters alike. To set the tone of calm and peace, the client and I chose a monochromatic approach for both the walls and shelving, painting them Balboa Mist formulated at 200% by Benjamin Moore. Central to the room’s double-duty objective, I installed a custom Murphy bed in a darker wood to contrast the floors. A soffit was designed into the top of the Murphy bed for storing linens and pillows that is intentional in terms of both aesthetic appeal and functionality.

The work area is space-saving as well as spirited for points of inspiration. Wraparound custom shelves along the walls provide the perfect impromptu storage alongside a collection of books, from travel to women’s empowerment to cookbooks, as well as souvenirs and artifacts that bring her happiness and joy. A clean, open desk with drawers provides ample surface area to accomplish goals without weighing down the space. Punctuating the walls above the desk, two vintage Purdue posters in black and gold pay tribute to her alma mater, where both she and her entire family are proud graduates.

As finishing details, the room is softly accented with custom roman window treatments in a French nubby taupe linen while a crisp, modern Serge Mouille pendant lamp at the center of the 10-foot ceiling elevates the space.

A punchy hidden gem off of the otherwise light, white, and airy kitchen, the client and I created a truly one-of-kind ode to her obsessions, wine and coffee, in the butler pantry. The small space makes a bold statement with a deep oceanic navy motif on the cabinets and wallpaper that simply draws you in–a fun surprise behind a discreet pocket door. Color-matching the cabinetry and baseboards with Sherwin Williams paint to the Serena and Lily Granada wallpaper, the graphic print in navy and denim blues creates a fun, indulgent atmosphere perfect for treating one’s self to a glass of pinot noir or afternoon Nespresso.

An obligatory wine fridge, a plentiful wine rack, shelves for cookbooks, and large drawers make storage a snap while gold RH hardware and cool electrical plugs add a touch of luxe. Topping off the space, an oak butcher block countertop creates visual contrast while providing a pouring area that is crucial for entertainment and maximum enjoyment.

A chilled oasis for winding down the day is a must for any beach bungalow, and the client’s bedroom is the perfect example of that. The focal point, a calming landscape acrylic painting by local Newport Beach artist Janet Bluedell, sets the tone with its muted greens, blues, and greys. I pulled those colors into a cozy bed concept that invites one in with its fluffy pillows and comforter in a monochromatic print and incredibly soft texture. The modern yet tactile upholstered headboard frames a restful night of sleep.

A subtle contrast for visual dynamism and added comfort, I warmed up the room with vintage leather stools–great for casually dropping items before diving into bed–and walnut dressers featuring curved cane detailing that both the client and I love. Matching wooden lamps in pure forms create symmetry and play off the clean lines of the headboard and bed frame.

Finishing off this space, a minimalistic, curved mirror, rattan window shades, and an oversized Serena and Lily pendant lamp underscore chic simplicity. And, as natural elements bring in a sense of peace, a leafy Ficus Audrey tree adds textural interest while its air purifying and mood-boosting qualities creates even more relaxation.

A new 2020 build, this beach bungalow already offered wide plank white oak floors, white walls, black aluminum windows, and La Cantina doors–a perfectly clean canvas to work with for building out our client’s beachy dreams. Demarcating the living area from the kitchen, the sectional couch loaded with St. Frank pillows, welcome both residents and guests to kick up their feet. I grounded the space with a striped, handwoven The Citizenry rug that feels as amazing underfoot as it looks aesthetically. A linear-paneled reed oak Doorman Designs coffee table and console speak to each other while pottery and photography books styled on both finish the California-cool conversation.

Additional to the main seating, two oak-and-leather cladded club chairs create an easy spot for an afternoon cup of coffee—or golden hour glass of wine—in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows thanks to the La Cantina doors. Also basking in the sun, the optimally placed Dracaena plant, adds a graphic edge with its spiky leaves and brings life to the space that highlights indoor-outdoor living championed by America’s Finest City. Opposite, a fun bar in a visually engaging retro-meets-modern circular shape, beckons people over to the dark(er) side.

Bright and airy, the kitchen benefits from the natural light from the La Cantina door windows off of the living room. A true palate cleanser, I sampled the large-scale ocean print in white and gray to create a clean, tonal color scheme. The client and I kept it simple to maintain the minimalist vibe with an oversized island that doubles as a prep area and kitchen table. Elevating the atmosphere, rich velvet Art Deco-inspired stools line the island while oversized glass pendants accent the ceiling with curve appeal. Lastly, a graphic California print featuring cities alludes to what one will find hidden in the butler pantry. Hint: Some are world-renowned for growing grapes.

The ultimate hangout, the roof deck is an enviable entertaining space to sunbathe, sip wine, or socialize with friends until the wee hours of the night all while taking in the California views or a starry sky. The client’s bohemian style and modern simplicity come together in this lounge area that feels like a mini resort and total respite from daily life. To maximize the fun, I got creative with the lighting as community bylaws prevent visible lighting and sun shades. I sourced mood lighting with rechargeable lanterns and installed a cozy yet chic fire pit, which also makes this outdoor area usable year round. A gray rug defines the space while gray throw pillows add dimension to the plush, all-white chaise and matching chairs that call for chill time. It truly feels like life’s a beach.