My Houzz: Exotic Laguna Beach Family Home
Colorful textiles and earthy, understated decor set off the ocean view at this Mediterranean hillside home in Southern California
I write about art, design and travel in Orange County and Los Angeles, California. Where I live: In a little cottage in Laguna Beach. My latest challenge: Trying to live as minimalistically as possible. Favorite philosophy: Live simply. Other favorite philosophy: Nothing feels better than living with art. Please contact me: dananichols8 [at] gmail.com.
I write about art, design and travel in Orange County and Los Angeles,... More »
Joe and Lisa Preston couldn't wait to move into this classic Spanish Mediterranean house in California, where a stunning view of Laguna Beach meshes beautifully with the old-world architecture and the owner's art collection. The plaster walls, vaulted beam ceilings, planked walnut doors and clay roof tiles are a good match for the incomparable ocean view from one of the town's best vantage points.
The couple worked with Ohara Davies-Gaetano of Bliss Design to incorporate a colorful and personal design that would grow with their kids' needs and display their collected global art and treasures. "The Prestons are very colorful people," says Davies-Gaetano. "They're also understated, down-to-earth and casual. They just wanted their house to be fabulous, and that was the underlying theme for the project."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Joe and Lisa Preston and their 3 young kids
Location: The hills of Laguna Beach, California
Size: 3,400 square feet on 3 levels; 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
That's interesting: An 18th-century turtle shell from France hangs above the mantel.
The couple worked with Ohara Davies-Gaetano of Bliss Design to incorporate a colorful and personal design that would grow with their kids' needs and display their collected global art and treasures. "The Prestons are very colorful people," says Davies-Gaetano. "They're also understated, down-to-earth and casual. They just wanted their house to be fabulous, and that was the underlying theme for the project."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Joe and Lisa Preston and their 3 young kids
Location: The hills of Laguna Beach, California
Size: 3,400 square feet on 3 levels; 4 bedrooms, 3 baths
That's interesting: An 18th-century turtle shell from France hangs above the mantel.
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| The living room is bordered on both sides by glass doors, with the sweeping Pacific on one side and a hillside and courtyard on the other. Since there's no anchor wall, the designer pulled everything to the middle of the room. An oversize ottoman with tray in the living room serves as a coffee table. The mother-of-pearl inlay matches the chair in the hallway between the living and dining room. Leather armchairs: Holly Hunt |
"We don't see a reason to lower our design standard for life with kids," says Joe. The couple believes that if they love the things in their home, their little ones can learn to respect that.
The velvet saffron-yellow sofa, chaise and ottoman were custom made and upholstered locally. The colorful throw pillows are covered with textiles collected during the couple's travels. The Tibetan hand-woven area rug is colored with vegetable dye for a natural gradation, and the antique lamps were purchased from the original owners of the home.
The velvet saffron-yellow sofa, chaise and ottoman were custom made and upholstered locally. The colorful throw pillows are covered with textiles collected during the couple's travels. The Tibetan hand-woven area rug is colored with vegetable dye for a natural gradation, and the antique lamps were purchased from the original owners of the home.
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| A cut and mounted piece of petrified wood is positioned in front of a spectacular abstract art piece by Paul Ecke. "It needed something textural that wouldn't take from the vignette," says Davies-Gaetano. When asked his advice to other art collectors, Joe shares, "Our advice in art collection is never to buy a piece for decorative reasons. Buy what you love, and it will be a part of your life forever." |
For additional seating with flexibility, Davies-Gaetano placed a matching chaise by the fireplace. This comfortable setup is part of what makes the living room Joe and Lisa's favorite room in the house. They wanted it to be formal and sophisticated, but also practical and playful. "Ohara brought that together with the vibrant colors and the spirit of our art, which represents a time and place in our lives," says Joe.
One of the last items added to the decor — and one of the biggest splurges — was the 18th-century turtle shell from France above the mantel. "The added tortoise shell and butterflies give the space an exotic feel. We love to travel, and it reminds us of French island living," says Joe.
One of the last items added to the decor — and one of the biggest splurges — was the 18th-century turtle shell from France above the mantel. "The added tortoise shell and butterflies give the space an exotic feel. We love to travel, and it reminds us of French island living," says Joe.
Real butterflies are mounted inside an antique wedding veil globe, set on an antique sculptor's pedestal from France.
The painting of a woman reflected in a pool is by California artist Eric Zener. It holds special meaning for Joe, who is an avid swimmer.
The painting of a woman reflected in a pool is by California artist Eric Zener. It holds special meaning for Joe, who is an avid swimmer.
Like the living room, the sophisticated dining room floats within the home's open floor plan without an anchor wall. The table and chandelier were also inherited from the previous homeowners. Upholstered chairs modeled after Italian antiques play up the home's old-world Mediterranean personality. A grass-green ceramic horse sits on a French antique oak chest that's used for storage.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flow from the dining room to the kitchen. Guests enter the home on the upper floor, where the living room, den, dining room, kitchen and master bedroom are located.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flow from the dining room to the kitchen. Guests enter the home on the upper floor, where the living room, den, dining room, kitchen and master bedroom are located.
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| The master bedroom is flanked by doors and windows on both sides of the bed. Pressed aluminum bedside tables from India and lamps made out of gypsum and acrylic help the space to feel light and airy. |
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| Davies-Gaetano chose sea-foam linen window treatments and a graphic headboard to make an impact in the master bedroom's limited space. The headboard textile — designed in the Uzbekistani suzani style — is manufactured by Donghia. |
The upstairs den is bathed in afternoon light. The preexisting 1950s drapes and the owners' vibrant artwork determined the orange and turquoise color palette. An African mask collection hangs next to the fireplace, and a blue Tibetan rug warms the floor.
The locally custom-made sofa is covered in wool, accompanied by a Baker reading chair and a Holly Hunt coffee table. The TV sits opposite the sofa.
The locally custom-made sofa is covered in wool, accompanied by a Baker reading chair and a Holly Hunt coffee table. The TV sits opposite the sofa.
The guest bedrooms on the lower level retained much of their original flair. The orange room's walls and window treatments are a playful take on the previous homeowner's affinity for the citrus color. "When the family moved in, their 5-year-old daughter said this is her castle in the sky," Davies-Gaetano says.
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| The secret garden patio downstairs is nestled into hedges with tiny pebbles that crunch underfoot. A visitor can easily imagine themselves in a timeless European garden. "What makes this home special is that you have different experiences as you go through. First, you don't see the ocean view until you enter the house. Then you go downstairs and have this completely new experience," Davies-Gaetano says. |
Comments
Becky Harris Wow this place is downright yummy!
12 months ago · Like
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Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Great color and art collection. Love the citrus guest room.
12 months ago · Like
smoore The only thing missing is a pic of their view. This is one great house!
12 months ago · Like
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feeny My idea of heaven would be to recline all day under that wisteria in the garden, reading a book.
12 months ago · Like
Janet Paik What a pretty home. Especially love that headboard and would love to sit under the wisteria in that outdoor space as well. Thanks for sharing, Dana!
12 months ago · Like
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jannie As a long-time school employee, I admire the parents' philosophy that children can learn to live with nice things and are expected to show due respect for property. I don't get a "don't sit on the nice sofa" vibe from this home. It is lovely.
12 months ago · Like
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krissyb92603 I agree with the homeowner's comment that although they have children they don't want to compromise on design and they expect their children to learn to respect their house. As 40-ish parents of twin boys who are 4 and a 12 year-old son, we have the same philosophy. My husband and I are at that point in our lives where we have worked hard and want nice things. If something happens by accident, I can live with that. However, my children have learned (or are in the process of learning!) the rules of the house and that we need to treat our house/furnishings with respect.
12 months ago · Like
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Holly Marder Love the saffron yellow sofa! Delish! And how refreshing to read that this couple refuse to allow their sense of style to be compromised just because they have kids. Thanks for the article!
12 months ago · Like
patricia beharry Happy to see that there still are people teaching their children to respect their home, that way when they go to other peoples homes or even to a restaurant they will be able to behave properly. Good for you. Brace yourself and expect negative feedback.
12 months ago · Like
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Midcentury Minx I love the way they've mixed contemporary with Spanish - not the typical mission style that seems to be the norm with these. Formerly being a city loft owner/liver, I now live in a 1940's so Cal Spanish so its been a challenge to blend my modern sensibility while respecting the classic architecture. Good to see that its been successfully be done here. Lovely yellow sofas too!
12 months ago · Like
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CAROLE MEYER Wow.....this is a really interesting home...love the art!
12 months ago · Like
anncastro Stunning in every way. So clean and defined and perfect! But still has so much personality and uniqueness. Bravo!!
12 months ago · Like
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Miguel Hernandez Loved it!; mediterranean is fascinating, simple and yet flexible for decorating. I'm still working on my own house deco and this article is very helpful for new and bright ideas.
12 months ago · Like
Shannon Ggem ASID- Ggem Design Co LLC I want to sit in the stone bench!
12 months ago · Like
morgana44 Great decorating...loved the entire house. Wonderful. Great advice to parents everywhere...you can stilll have a beautiful home and have children at the same time.
12 months ago · Like
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Marni Shuster Interiors They hired a designer, they have Holly Hunt furniture and art gallery art, of course it's fabulous and perfect. I like when I see people rework furniture, incorporate second hand items with a few new items, make there own art or find it in a dumpster (my dream) and generally have a cool, soulful personal space.
12 months ago · Like
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Jo Longobardo The inherited chandelier is a custom sized Jamine from Canopy Designs. They also make the Black Florentine chandelier featured in another photo.
12 months ago · Like
rlklaguna I know this home, and it is so much prettier in person.. Wish you had pics of the master bath and the views. Just amazing, so special.
11 months ago · Like
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casitacherry The green oudoor bench with throw pillows wouldn't be a very nice place to sit while the Wisteria was flowering...loads of bees!
10 months ago · Like
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davisbj After seeing this house, I want to buy all new furniture!! So gorgeous!
7 months ago · Like
jackiemcheffey Amazing colours and I love the winding staircase half shown in the first photos.
7 months ago · Like
crane2014 I guess when you have 3400 sq feet of space you can have nicer things in parts of the home and teach your kids to treat them well. In smaller abodes I think it's unfair to the kids to not be able to relax in their own home. Is your design aesthetic more important than the kids feeling comfortable and at home?
5 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on June 20, 2012.
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