Located on a quiet cul de sac and at the end of a long driveway, this Encino, California home is a serene, family-friendly retreat designed for both privacy and connection. “The clients are a young professional couple who relocated to this neighborhood with the intention of starting a family—and fittingly, got pregnant with their first child midway through the design process,” says interior designer Jessica Alpert. “They were immediately drawn to the property’s land and sense of possibility, from the long, gracious driveway to the pool and outdoor entertaining areas, as well as the home’s underlying potential.”
The couple’s vision was to create a family-friendly home that felt layered, calming, and—most importantly—full of character. “Never cookie-cutter or overly precious,” Jessica adds. “They wanted warmth balanced with color, and spaces that encouraged gathering, conversation, and everyday living, with thoughtfully curated vignettes throughout. Improving the home’s overall flow was also a key priority, allowing each space to feel connected while still distinct.”
Jessica’s eponymous design firm was tasked with a full gut renovation, taking the house down to the studs. “We completely reimagined the kitchen, primary living spaces, and laundry room, refreshed the front exterior, introduced new windows throughout, and oversaw full furnishing to create a cohesive, family-friendly home,” she explains. Each update honored the home’s original footprint while unlocking its full potential for modern family life.
The project unfolded over the course of a year, and the designer says the biggest challenge was navigating the structural complexities required to achieve a double height living room and elevate the ceiling in the main hallway. “Both elements required careful planning and coordination to ensure the architectural vision could be realized seamlessly,” she shares. The result is a light-filled interior with a heightened sense of volume and flow.
Construction aside, it was an especially meaningful time for the clients as they prepared to welcome their first child. “Their goal was to be fully moved in to celebrate their baby’s first birthday at home,” Jessica recalls. “When they saw the completed space, they loved it so much that plans for a later Phase Two were fast-tracked immediately!” Today, the home stands as a reflection of a pivotal life chapter—thoughtfully designed to grow alongside the family for years to come.
Take a closer look in the slideshow.
