When I decided to add 1,000 square feet to the Malibu Beach House as part of the renovation, I was first envisaged to split it into different areas. We expanded our main suites, added new bathrooms and closets, and expanded our kitchen. That kind of thing. So when we are an architect, Doug Bargepresented his first draft of the renovation plan, I was surprised to see all the additional area allocated to a single space with all the additional area labeled. “A wonderful room.“
At first glance, we saw one vast, open concept kitchen with a fireplace on one end. My immediate reaction? Are you sure that’s the best way to use your space? However, when I studied Doug’s vision, I realized that he designed with a clear, modern approach.
For our families, creating an atmosphere of connection and welcoming people is our number one priority. And what better way to cultivate that sense of unity than using a spacious open room designed to gather? I messed up some inspirational photos and imagined a holiday or dinner for friends and family at this house, and I was even more excited about the space and what it could do.
Before diving into the plan, let’s take a look at today’s kitchen. Because you can see exactly why we are starting from scratch.
This is the current kitchen:
The current bungalow kitchen is sandwiched between the back corner of the house. When I’m cooking or cooking, my back is turned to the others in the room. Overall there is a closed feeling that doesn’t encourage my cooking style. This is a casual conversation with Adam and my kids during the chop.
I dream of a large kitchen window filled with sunlight on top of the sink.
It’s a design element I’ve never had in the house I lived in. So why is my “Dream Kitchen” Pinterest board covered with huge kitchen windows?
This is our great room/kitchen new location:
And this is a bird eye view that gives context as to how the addition fits into space.
rendering
We worked together Youusee Studio Create a 3D visualization of Doug’s plans. Rendering was very useful in space programs and also helped us visualize how materials and color palettes are combined.
Initially there was a built-in banquet on one end of the room, but after seeing it in the rendering I noticed that the room felt a little too tight. So we removed it and instead placed a small sitting area near the fireplace, doubled as a lounge area and dining space for two or four people.
Below, we’ve combined each rendering with a specific feature in the room to explain how this space works.
Fully open door wall
I think every home has one element of making a big statement. If the guest remembers little of the others, then at least it’s an unforgettable design moment That one special thing. In our Beach House project, the 30-foot wall of pocket doors that open straight to the outside is definitely that statement. One of the reasons why we are attracted to Southern California is our ability to spend 12 months of a year outside, so one of our top priorities is to create a natural flow between indoors and outings. All our windows and doors are from Marvinand I’m really excited by the selection of beautiful wooden frames we’re going to together.
Plus, this seamless transition allows you to transform your covered terrace into an outdoor dining room that feels like part of a great room space. No, it’s not a traditional approach to the dining room, but it works for families who love to eat as many meals as possible outdoors.
Extra large kitchen island
The focus of the Great Room is the 13-foot kitchen island that I mostly felt at first. Too much It’s large, but on further investigation it will reduce the size of this room. This is an island that is hardworking more than gaining sustain. It’s not just a central gathering location for kitchen preparation and casual meals, but it also houses cooktops and main sinks as well as a massive amount of storage. On the inside of the island is a deep drawer that holds everything from plates and bowls to dishes. On the outwardly facing side there is an open shelf for the cookbook, showing the object in a corner with space for the bar stool in the center. The rest of the kitchen has minimal cabinets so we rely on this island. Many.
I use a kitchen appliance Bertazonnian iconic Italian brand I’ve loved for years. I can’t wait to finally put their design-driven pieces in my home.
Naturally inspired materials
As I shared Beach house ingredients Post, we use natural elements in our homes – stone, wood, linen, clay. These materials provide organic warmth that feels both grounding and timeless. When we refine our choices, these factors guide our decisions and illuminate the rustic tints that naturally come with them. The materials that define a great room space are:
For the wall: Portra’s Roman Clay (Color TBD). I want to capture the cloud-like tints and textures that I see in the rendering, but not too creamy, but not gray. As you approach, you will work with the Portra team to find the right colour (or combination) and sample some options.
For counter: Caesar Stone Porcelain Aluminum News. I was attracted to the colour similar to concrete. I love interacting with natural wood. However, I wanted the durability and functionality of Caesar Stone porcelain. The shade called aluminum nius is called “a light neutral surface that looks porous and slightly uneven, looking like fresh cement, and a soft stone-like appearance that adds fine gray grain and rock-like texture.”
For floors: We use Shady Sugar Flooring “Ingrid”“. These are hardwood floors designed with a truly gorgeous natural aesthetic. The wide planks bring warmth and timelessness to the space, and I love the matte finish of this.
For plumbing fixtures: From uncleaned brass plumbing fixtures from Calista It was one of the first design choices I made for this space! It’s a small detail that makes a big difference. I love the warmth and patina that unsurrounded brass brings to the kitchen, which makes me feel like I’m at home with Wabi Sabi, the sun-bleached palette I imagine for my home. There are two sinks in the kitchen, both faucets One collection.
Fireplace that secures the room
We didn’t add a designated “living room” to our home, so we cut one end of the Great Room with a glass of wine and a good book as a cozy area. And there’s nothing like a fireplace. Everyone is welcome to kick the foot. It is a design element that clearly distinguishes between the “cooking” part of the room and the “relaxing” part of the room, even if it is not separated by an actual wall. We plan to place a round table surrounded by low-haired chairs before the fire. This is an attractive place for two cozy dinners and cozy dinners with kids on the evening of games.
Beverage Station
I wanted to design a more “lounge-like” side of a large room (near the fireplace) in a flowing way in the kitchen, but you still didn’t feel it. in kitchen. However, since I replaced most of the top cabinet with a huge kitchen window (more on more details below), I needed all the extra storage available. So I designated the wall running vertically to the fireplace as a bar and drink station. Holds practical items such as wine storage, coffee makers, mugs, glassware and more. It also has more design elements, like vintage turntables and sculptural objects in open shelving, so that it doesn’t feel too much like a piece of kitchen.
And finally… my dream kitchen window
As mentioned before, I have long dreamed of a kitchen window in a statement that overflowed the space with the sunlight. The 10 feet wide x 7 feet tall windows not only hold tons of natural light, but they are also fully functional windows that open to the back patio. On the outside there is a counter that is perfect for serving drinks or passing food to throw the grill.
I can’t wait until the day when music appears, have dinner, get some wine, and Ocean Breeze blows the open door!
One design decision I’m still thinking about is the type of tree that I’ll plant right outside this window. As a visual focus on this room, I approach it with the same level of thoughtfulness, as it is as important to the design element as any interior artwork. For now, my top candidates are either awful, twisted ornamental olive tree or a lush citrus tree. Feel free to consider your comments.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
