Lido Island is one of the more exclusive areas of Newport Beach, California. “It is a charming community near a bustling shopping area with Jenni Kayne, The Great, Claire V., Shoppe Amber Interiors, and restaurants like Nobu and Malibu Farm,” interior designer Erika Marini says. “Needless to say, it is a very desirable place to live. So, when my clients saw this sparkly diamond in the rough, they decided to ‘jump in.’”
Known around town as the Lido Pool House, the property boasts an Olympic size lap pool that is visible from the Newport Harbor. But to make the home livable for the new owners, it needed functionality, durability, and a unique design sensibility. Erika’s design firm—[FIXE] Design House—worked with architect Giselle Kabbany. It was a major renovation, totally gutting the interior while leaving the exterior as is.
“Our clients loved the expansive 50’ pool that takes up the entire front yard and the wall of glass doors that open completely to the courtyard to fully enjoy the California lifestyle and weather,” Erika explains. “We worked harmoniously with our client and the architect to provide a home fit equal parts living and relaxing an entertaining.”
One spouse yearned for a minimalist aesthetic while the other is a devoted maximalist, and while [FIXE] is known for soothing, monochromatic palettes—they’re certainly not afraid of color. “This home presented a unique challenge in working with materials and a style that is not in my normal wheelhouse,” the designer admits. “This project allowed me to get creative with materials that would mesh with the existing sparkly blue glass mosaic tile that surrounds the pool. We embraced the pool as the main attraction…we couldn’t pretend it didn’t play a big part in the new interior design.”
Art also played a big role in the space. “Our clients have amassed a colorful and meaningful art collection,” Erika tells us, and pulled inspiration from the pieces they wanted to display. “We pride ourselves in honoring the home and our client’s lifestyle to create harmonious spaces that are long lasting, while creating a memorable visual experience. It was a game of: Balance + Edit + Compromise.” At the end of the yearlong renovation, all parties were happy.
“For all who visit, we consistently hear how warm and inviting the house is from its soft and natural tones to the subtle shifts in each space that flows and yet feels even larger than it is,” the homeowner says. “Erika masterfully worked in functionality, aesthetics, comfort, entertainment, and even storage in clever ways to ensure the house is welcoming. Within 30 days of moving in we had hosted many gatherings for a multitude of guests, which is exactly what we wanted! From the street view, one might think the team only made small modifications, but once you step over the bridge and walk inside, you find a brand-new house that we are thrilled to call ours!”
Take a tour in the slideshow.
