“The kitchen at the Seal Beach project is pretty special to us, and we added a ton of little details to really take the design up a notch. At the top of that list is the kitchen island. Our clients are big into hosting so we wanted to bring that to the forefront of design. In terms of functionality, we expanded the kitchen island to provide more room, and we also moved the sink from the corner of the space to the island, to make it an ideal setup for open communication, even while doing dishes or cooking.”

“We also went with a rounded edge instead of a traditional 90-degree corner on the island to really warm up the space and make sure it was as cozy and inviting as possible. In terms of materials, we opted for a marble countertop which allowed us to create a gorgeous edge detail, and then a deep warm wood stain that perfectly complements the warm white cabinetry. We also incorporated this reclaimed wood piece on the kitchen hood (which you’ll also see showcased as the living room mantle) that brought so much warmth, history and nature into the space as well.”

“One of our favorite elements in this entire space is the fireplace in the dining room. This space actually used to function as the living room, but while there was already a fireplace in this space, it needed a major upgrade. We played around with a few different options before deciding on a stone fireplace that really emulated the perfect mix of English countryside design and traditional East Coast seaside design. It brings so much warmth to the space and is the perfect way to make everyone feel at home since our clients love to entertain.”

“In terms of furniture, one of our absolute favorite pieces in the entire home are these dining chairs from Häti Home. They’re the perfect mix of coastal and elegant especially with the custom cushions we designed for the seat of each chair. Even better, we love that Häti is a local business right here in Orange County.”

“When it came to reworking this space, we wanted to add some interest on the wall opposite the cabinets, range and hood. However, since we expanded the kitchen island to fit more people, built-ins weren’t an option as we needed something low-profile. But while we needed something that wouldn’t take up space, we still wanted it to have an impact. After some brainstorming, we opted for this perfect message board with a tongue and groove backdrop, and shelves flanking the top and bottom so that our clients could display not only their favorite recipes, notes and kids’ artwork, but also their favorite fine china pieces as well. And better yet – it’s the perfect conversation starter!”

“As a family with two young kids, most people would probably opt for a sectional, but since our clients love to entertain, we wanted to make sure this space was comfortable, but also had a level of elegance fit for hosting. We ultimately decided on a layout featuring one sofa, 2 chairs and then 2 ottomans, so that not only does the space fit a ton of people, but it also allows for movement and adjusting based on the situation.”

“Another one of our favorite elements in this space is the seaglass colored built-ins that flank the fireplace. When looking at the space for the first time, we saw that the fireplace in this room wasn’t centered, and while that can irk a ton of people, sometimes it’s just not feasible to move it over a few inches when you could spend that money elsewhere. So we worked around it! We created these gorgeous open-shelving built-ins with a rounded top and tongue and groove at the back that provide interest that distracts from them not being perfectly symmetrical. In the middle, we opted for a reclaimed wood mantle (that’s mirrored on the kitchen hood) to add warmth and really ground the space. Interior design is all about balance and we love how that came into play in this space!”

Built In Paint Color: “Sea Haze” by Benjamin Moore

“When our clients described their perfect bedroom space, there was only one word that we could think of: retreat. We wanted to make this space the perfect little getaway inside their own home, especially given their love of travel and appreciation for all the places they’ve stayed throughout their lives. We kept the palette super neutral in this space to be a calming retreat that feels like you’re on vacation at the beach (even though that’s their own backyard!).”

“While we absolutely love the main bedroom, the real showstopper in our opinion is the main bath. This space took a bit of reworking to make it just right, but it was well worth it. Between the marble, and the tongue and groove tub, the zellige and glass shower and the double vanity, it’s hard to pick a favorite element in this space. When we work with stain-grade cabinetry, we always want to make sure it’s just right, and we won’t lie, this vanity took a few tries to get right. But we’re big on not settling for less than perfect, and the end result is just that!”

“Whenever designing kids’ rooms, we always think about the design in a way that favors longevity. Our clients’ have 2 young boys, and while we wanted the rooms to feel fun and playful, we also wanted to make sure that we made selections that could grow with them. This is why whenever designing kids’ rooms, we typically choose more ‘fun’ selections when it comes to things that can be changed down the line (i.e. paint colors, bedding, etc.) and lean more classic with what’s harder to change (i.e. tile selections, countertops, etc.).”

Paint Color: “Long Lake” by Dunn Edwards

Vanity Paint Color: “Gunsmoke” by Dunn Edwards