In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

Conceptual design & copyright by ZieglerBuild Design development & documentation by Urban Design Solutions
Inspiration for a contemporary exterior home remodel in Brisbane

Large victorian beige three-story wood exterior home idea in New York with a gambrel roof

To create a unique kitchen, we take inspiration from the personality of our clients; it’s a collaborative effort to develop the exact look and feel that best suits their lifestyles. The challenge of this kitchen was to re-build the existing kitchen and adjoining full bath, creating a much better flow with plenty of storage for this active family (as they often entertain seaside). The two-toned cabinetry in both white and laguna blue reflected a true beach-feel adorned with a terrific choice of starfish and shell shaped hardware to draw attention to this creative and beautifully transformed seaside kitchen. We remind our clients that in order to be unique, do something unique! And this is nicely demonstrated in both the layout, color scheme and backsplash design details. Our client selected several hand painted decorative ocean creatures for the backsplash, drawing from colors in the room, and this created a truly unique conversation piece! A glint of sparkle from the white quartz countertops brings you closer to the beach in this impressive oceanfront home. From flooring to ceiling, we created a picture perfect beautiful beach house kitchen that is not only functional but provides a relaxed and inviting feel for these seaside owners.

Transitional beige floor, double-sink and vaulted ceiling bathroom photo in Denver with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, beige walls, a drop-in sink, white countertops and a built-in vanity

Trendy master bathroom photo in Chicago

Example of a mid-sized tuscan beige one-story stucco exterior home design in Phoenix

Kitchen featuring dark charcoal shaker cabinetry, waterfall quartz island with black bar seating, white subway tile backsplash, statement black pendant lights, glass panel upper cabinets, and professional stainless appliances. Parade of Homes Grand Award winner. Photography by Stephen Allen.

Steven Thompson
Mid-sized tuscan l-shaped brick floor dedicated laundry room photo in Phoenix with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, blue cabinets, beige walls and a side-by-side washer/dryer

Warmth and attention to detail make this a very special porch.
Huge elegant front porch photo in Baltimore with decking and a roof extension

The guest bathroom received a completely new look with this bright floral wallpaper, classic wall sconces, and custom grey vanity.
Mid-sized transitional ceramic tile and gray floor bathroom photo in Atlanta with an undermount sink, quartz countertops, gray cabinets, multicolored walls, black countertops and beaded inset cabinets

Design Consultant Jeff Doubét is the author of Creating Spanish Style Homes: Before & After – Techniques – Designs – Insights. The 240 page “Design Consultation in a Book” is now available. Please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com for more info. Jeff Doubét specializes in Santa Barbara style home and landscape designs. To learn more info about the variety of custom design services I offer, please visit SantaBarbaraHomeDesigner.com Jeff Doubét is the Founder of Santa Barbara Home Design - a design studio based in Santa Barbara, California USA.

This gourmet kitchen boasts natural tones and light/white cabinetry. Counter tops are indeed granite with a "leatherized" finish. Bar top is solid mahogany

stoffer photography
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized cottage l-shaped medium tone wood floor eat-in kitchen idea in Chicago with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, white backsplash, subway tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Example of a trendy master gray tile beige floor and single-sink bathroom design in Phoenix with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, an undermount sink, white countertops and a floating vanity

Laundry room - transitional single-wall gray floor laundry room idea in Minneapolis with an undermount sink, flat-panel cabinets, black cabinets, white walls, a side-by-side washer/dryer and white countertops

Ryan Garvin Photography, Inc.
Open concept kitchen - traditional galley gray floor open concept kitchen idea in Orange County with a farmhouse sink, raised-panel cabinets, beige cabinets, multicolored backsplash, paneled appliances and an island

This beautiful master bath is part of a total beachfront condo remodel. The updated styling has taken this 1980's unit to a higher level
Mid-sized transitional master gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile walk-in shower photo in Miami with recessed-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops and a hinged shower door

Exterior Lakeside
Large mountain style brown two-story wood gable roof photo in Minneapolis