As is the case with many coastal neighborhoods, one side of the same street can offer incredible ocean views, while the other, well, less so. That was the case on this particular street in Carlsbad, California.
“The homeowners jumped at the opportunity to purchase this home, located directly across the street from their existing property,” says interior designer Abbie Naber. “The home was situated on the ocean side of the street, facing west, which offered expansive, unobstructed ocean views from the deck.”
They reached out to Abbie’s firm, A. Naber Design, for a one-of-a-kind renovation that would feel both unique and personal. For inspiration, they were drawn to the style of Abbie’s own bathroom, as well as one from a previous project in her portfolio. “But I wanted to reinterpret those designs and create something that felt fresh and uniquely their own,” the designer explains. “The wife is a vintage dealer with an exceptional eye for detail and a wonderful sense of style, making her an especially inspiring design partner. Together, we explored thoughtful combinations of materials, colors, and textures that felt unexpected yet cohesive.”
Before the renovation, the main living area and kitchen had a dated, closed-off floor plan, with a large wall dividing the two spaces and obstructing the view upon entering the home. The existing cooktop was topped by a hood that hung directly in the sightline. “One of our first priorities was to relocate a structural support beam so we could open up the space and fully take advantage of the wide, expansive ocean views,” Abbie recalls. “We were able to open up the entire main living area and reconfigure the layout, allowing us to create a new, more functional kitchen, a dedicated dining area, and a spacious living room—all while keeping the ocean view as the focal point of the home.”
With the layout resolved, Abbie and her clients turned their attention to the details, embracing bold choices throughout the renovation. “I was especially excited to take the risk of staining the kitchen island blue, which added an unexpected layer of personality to the space,” Abbie notes. “The burl vanity in the main bathroom was another distinctive choice that pushed beyond the ordinary and became a beautiful focal point.”
Not every design decision came together quite so easily. The renovation hit a snag with the unpredictable amount of time required for the original hardwood flooring to acclimate, cure, and be ready for reinstallation. “Refinishing and reinstalling original hardwood comes with a number of variables, including changes in humidity and weather, all of which can impact the curing process,” the designer explains. “In this case, the flooring took considerably longer than anticipated, resulting in project delays and some challenges with coordinating trades to return and complete their work. Because so much of the finish work depended on the flooring being installed, the extended curing time had a ripple effect throughout the project schedule.” Despite the unexpected hurdles, Abbie says that preserving and restoring the original hardwood was important to the overall character of the home and well worth the extra time.
Ultimately, the homeowners’ must-haves were unique tile, thoughtful material pairings, and a considered use of color—and Abbie delivered in spades. Rather than letting the enviable setting do all the talking, she created interiors with a point of view of their own. The finished home is layered and personal, with just enough unexpected detail to rival the view outside.
