Houzz Tour: Elegant Carmel Beach Bungalow
Contemporary art and a sandy beige palette give this classic board and batten beach house in California a subtle coastal flair
Jennifer Bishop
June 10, 2012
It's always refreshing to see a coastal home that hasn't overdone the beach theme, and this is exactly what designer Regan Baker did in this beach bungalow in Carmel, California. The client wanted her home to reflect the surrounding beach town, but in a modern way. Baker focused on a balance of finishes to create a subtle coastal feel.
Big, comfy upholstered seating makes the family room a great gathering place. Baker was careful to take storage into consideration to keep the room neat and clean — even the television can be stored away behind the custom cabinet.
Baker based the home's design on natural elements like shells, rattan, cotton and grass cloth. Using natural elements is part of what makes up her signature look. "They help create depth and bring in a natural yet comfortable element to a space," Baker says.
Paints were kept fairly neutral to represent the sand outside. But the master bedroom was designed to represent the water with a soft blue.
Wall paint: Rainwashed, Sherwin-Williams
Wall paint: Rainwashed, Sherwin-Williams
Board and batten walls bring in another layer of texture to the home. The look is often used in traditional beach cottages and adds to the sense of the beach surroundings.
The house originally had carpet, vinyl windows and an outdated kitchen complete with butterfly tiles on the backsplash. Initially, the plan was to just update the space. But after the clients discussed possibly retiring here, the scope of work changed.
A structural wall was removed in the kitchen to add space and a larger entryway. The ceilings were also raised for a open feel, and new windows make the ocean view a focal point.
A structural wall was removed in the kitchen to add space and a larger entryway. The ceilings were also raised for a open feel, and new windows make the ocean view a focal point.
A seashell shape is represented in various spots throughout the home, such as in this lattice-pattern rug. Combined with the farmhouse sink and bridge faucet, the pattern keeps this kitchen's style classic but fresh. The shelving to the left of the sink opens up the space without sacrificing too much cabinet storage.
White bamboo chairs in the dining room are another great textural element; they keep the dining room from feeling too dark and heavy.
All the artwork in the home is abstract for a modern feel. Baker chose pieces in ocean-inspired colors to continue the coastal vibe.
The homeowners got the beach theme out of their systems by going a little more literal in smaller spaces, like the powder room. The sconces were chosen as a modern interpretation of a seashell and the starfish cabinet pulls (seen in mirror) are a fun, whimsical touch.
The home's soft and neutral color palette was carried into the bathroom, combined with contrasting metals. The mix of satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze makes the space more interesting, and the dark wicker mirror helps tie in the darker colors found in the rest of the home.
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
Love Carmel..got to live there about 6 months years ago and hope to move back someday. Love the decor, love the BR paint color, love the small entry hall decor solution. But my all-time favorite Carmel cottage is this one, only about 1700 sf. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6J1mZKKrfcQ To me, it's perfect..wouldn't change one thing but the naked lady photo in one of the baths. :) Going to use ideas from it for my own SoCal house.