Dover Shores—a coveted neighborhood in Newport Beach, CA—is known for a variety of architectural styles, from Cape Cod to Modern Farmhouse. “Our clients were drawn to a more contemporary Spanish style and wanted their home to have a fresher approach,” interior designer Denise Morrison says. Her firm, Morrison Interiors, worked directly with the team at Brandon Architects. “The clients are a young couple with three little girls,” architect Christopher Brandon says. “They wanted to build their dream home to raise their girls in a great area of Orange County.”

The site is on a steep slope that borders a nature preserve path at the rear of the property. This allows for a daylit basement and views of the landscape from the primary suite and common areas like the great room, kitchen, and dining room—but also meant the architects had their work cut out for them. The steeped, sloping terrain brought height limitations to different areas of the house, but also ensured an eye-catching design both inside and out. 

For the interiors, Denise wanted the space to really reflect the family, and called on tried and true vendors like Kravet, Serena & Lily, Loloi, Visual Comfort, Currey & Co, Palecek, Century, Zak + Fox, Kerry Joyce Textiles, and House of Morrison. “Starting in the entry, we wanted to set the tone by incorporating a cluster of lights finished in a lighter woven material,” she says. “This playful composition is the first thing you see as you enter the home. With the furnishings selected in this space, we paid homage to Spanish arches and incorporated subtle hints on the entry console.  In areas such as the powder room, we selected timeless materials with fresh patterns and more textural elements in the adjacent mudroom.” In the kitchen, they selected materials with durability in mind. “We wanted this space to truly capture the essence of a young family and again showcase a play on pattern and lighter tones with Southern California’s coastal influence in mind,” she explains. 

The result is an inviting space that will comfortably adapt to the family’s needs for years to come—and the collaborative efforts are to thank. “We love the collaboration and expertise Brandon Architects brings to every project,” Denise says. “Their understanding of clients’ needs allows for the best possible design outcomes. Each space was very well thought out and the architectural details brought about unique and custom moments.” Cristopher adds, “It was a very pleasant and smooth experience. Their team is on top of all the details and deadlines, and collaborate with great ideas to make the project successful.”