Alexis Manfer, an Orange County interior designer, describes this project as “custom, custom, custom!” The 5,500 sq. ft. home is located on a premier street in Newport Beach, and overlooks Newport Bay, the Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and plenty of sunset views. The 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom house features extensive, spacious, and open-planned living areas, and the water views take center stage throughout. Along with custom finishes, Alexis and her team brought in custom furniture and art for the space. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind home. The designer tells us more:
Hi Alexis! We’re excited to tour this home. What can you tell us about the clients?
The clients; a mature, warm, incredibly kind, and happy couple were a dream to work with on this home. From the day I met them, our personalities clicked and they called me later that day to hire me. We walked through the home, which was very dark originally, and we discussed ways to accentuate a clean coastal style and highlight the abundant water views from nearly every room. It was important to them that the interior be elegant, beautiful, and comfortable. The majority of the time it’s just the couple residing in the house but they have a large extended family and many friends that they wanted to make sure would feel welcome staying in any of the 4 guest bedrooms.
You mention the home being quite dark. What was the overall condition like?
It was very dark, heavy, and French country style. There was deep brown wood covering every almost square inch of the home; dark wood beams, floors, built-ins and furniture. Our goal was to lighten and brighten the space, to create an elegant beach home that felt soft, airy and relaxed. The coastal setting and unobstructed ocean views inspired all of the interior decisions. We tore out every existing interior finish; all tile, countertops, light fixtures, carpet, window treatments, fixtures and fittings. We needed a clean slate and we got it!
Many of the rooms have gorgeous stone! Where did you source from? Do you have a favorite?
The marble selections were actually the first thing we went sourcing when this project started. I met the clients at the slab yard and within 5 minutes of looking around, I said, “this is our kitchen marble”. It has striking greenish hues contrasted against a crisp white background and swirls of light tan (the color of sand). It was a one of a kind find and unlike other marble slabs I had seen before. I also came across a very rare and unique white with greenish hue marble, which we used as the shower walls in one of the guest bathrooms. It’s my absolute favorite bathroom in the house and evokes the feeling that you’re staying in a luxurious hotel. The marble in this house needed to be striking, special, and set the tone for the rest of the interior which it definitely achieves.
Do you have any favorite features or pieces in the home?
The art installation installed above the family room sectional and upon the entry wall designed by artist Abel Zavala, must be mentioned. They are fabulous. I found them on a trip to Design Miami and immediately texted images to my clients. They fell in love as much as I did and we commissioned Abel to design two sets for the home. They are made of porcelain and we were able to custom design the size, scale, and color. We went through many configurations and renderings before finalizing our selections. They add softness, texture, and an unexpected 3-dimensional layer to the rooms that really stand out.
The two fireplaces are another extra special feature, each were one-of-a-kind, hand crafted, designs made specifically to fit the aesthetic and scale of the home. We went through many renderings, had several site meetings to review dimensions and specifications, and reviewed lots of stone samples before we found the perfect material and design. They turned out so beautifully and the curves of the living room fireplace mimic the other undulating features throughout the entire residence.
Start the slideshow to see the space, and get a virtual tour from Alexis!
