When we first started planning for Zuma Beach House, one of our biggest dreams was that it would become a place to bring people together. A house where family and friends gather together, share a leisurely meal around the outdoor tables and gather around the fireplace as the sun sets. I want it to feel like a soft landing.
This is the approach I took when designing the wonderful rooms and media rooms for indoor and outdoors, but for the private corners of the home (such as the guest rooms and baths) where hospitality really shines. A space where guests can wake up in the sun, spend a while longer in bed, make a cup of coffee, or round up with a good book. A place where they feel they are caring for and at home.
First, my design inspiration:
Design a retreat in a small space
There are two challenges. The rooms are small and there is no closet. Not even a storage sliver. And while the custom built-in designs from the cabinet makers were attractive, the quotes well outweighed what we budgeted for the space. Still, I didn’t want to compromise on the senses and knew I wanted my guests to unlock their bags and have a clean environment. I continued to go back to the rooms of the boutique hotels I’ve been staying for years. Although compact, the best hotels are beautifully designed with everything you need.
The answer came in the form of a semi-custom solution. I’ll buy it Ikea Pax Wardrobe Systempaired with a custom walnut door Fronteriors. We have the unit all the way up to the ceiling to get a true built-in look. And to make it more than just storage, we’re building on a simple walnut desk hidden in the side: side panels with the same finish as the 39-inch desktop, so it feels like one cohesive furniture. In this way, guests have a small workspace or coffee spot in the privacy of their room.
This is something I love about the design process. Find creative and achievable solutions that don’t sacrifice beauty or functionality.
Open outdoors
The entire design personality of Zuma Beach House is built around a seamless flow between indoors and outdoors. In the rooms, sliding glass doors open on a private patio surrounded by warm wood fencing. My hope is that guests either go outside with coffee in the morning or take a little time in the afternoon to lie down in the hammock and nod.
Layering two sets of curtains to provide texture and privacy Grabber– 1 light block, 1 thin – surrounded by flash tracks on the ceiling so that the hardware disappears. It is these seemingly small details that make the space architecturally lead and truly feel calm.
Is it in the safe?
Our biggest investment in this room was the decision to stack the ceiling. The previous space had a low, flat ceiling that felt a bit dark and sloppy. I thought it meant growing my budget, so I ultimately decided that creating a sense of space and airiness was worth it. In a small room, openness is everything. Turn a simple bedroom into a truly special space.
In the center, we hang the fixture that makes this oversized statement: Samsara Chandelier by Currey & Company From the optics. Made from thick, bent rattan, it is both sculptured and organic. Some people avoid such large pieces of small spaces, but I love using this contrast on scale to create a beautiful textured focus.
Bedside lighting lounge take
When it comes to creating a mood, lighting is really everything. I wanted to use it Brass Dax Wall Supplements from Lightology On both sides of the bed, but when my builder asked for height installation, I hesitated. Typically, the standard advice is said to mount the sconces on top of the headboard (approximately 55-60 inches from the floor). Finally, I took my gut and set it 38-40 inches from the floor. It’s a small uprising against the design rulebook, but I think the space will feel more relaxed and loungey.
Small but soulful bathroom
Like a bedroom, guest baths should have small footprints and provide both function and emotion. To avoid feeling overly practical, I took my design dream to cover the floor and shower wall in this gorgeous Glass-enclosed natural jellyge tiles From Zia tiles. The warmth and texture of this tile transforms the space into a Moroccan spa and can’t wait to see how it comes together.
Our plumbing fixtures are uncovered brass One collection of Calista– I love the “living” finish that continues to develop characters and patina over time. And yes, it’s possible to get hooked on the toilet: Duravit’s Starck Wall Mounted Toote Me It is very functional and beautifully designed. It’s refined, minimal and comfortable. This is a small luxury that enhances your everyday routine in the best way.
In my vanity, I’m hanging Weaving Kasbah Rattan Pendant From the optics. Made from natural materials, it is timeless and attractive.
Cloud-like wall
In both rooms, we use Patagonia Roman Clay by Portola Paints. It’s warm and light with enough movement to give the wall a cloud-like softness of texture. In a home, defined by warm minimalism and Japandi’s influence, walls play just as big a role as furniture. Set the mood before you notice one decoration.
Design for how you want to feel
Ultimately, this guest suite is more than just a bedroom and bathroom. It’s a space to slow down and enjoy the moment. I previously shared that my design spirit begins with defining how you want to feel, and that is especially true for this project. From the outside hammock to the bluish brass in the shower, every choice is intended to feel like a deep breath and an invitation to connect with the people around us.
The true dream of Zuma Beach House is not just a beautiful space, but a memory of the people who fill it.
Source: Camille Styles – camillestyles.com
