Once we determined so as to add 1,000 sq. ft to our Malibu seashore home as a part of the renovation, I initially envisioned dividing it amongst completely different areas—extending the first suite, perhaps including a brand new lavatory and closet, increasing the kitchen. That kind of factor. So when our architect, Doug Burdge, introduced his first draft of the renovation plans, I used to be stunned to see all the extra sq. footage allotted to a single area labeled “The Nice Room.“
At first look, I noticed one expansive, open-concept kitchen with a hearth at one finish. My rapid response? Are we certain that’s the perfect use of area? However as I studied Doug’s imaginative and prescient, I spotted he was designing with a distinctly fashionable method—one which prioritized our wants and private values over conventional expectations.
For our household, creating an environment of connection and making folks really feel welcome is our prime precedence. And what higher strategy to foster that sense of togetherness than with a spacious, open room designed for gathering? As I flipped by my inspiration pictures and imagined household holidays and dinners with buddies on this home, I grew extra excited concerning the area and all the things it might be.
Earlier than we dive into the plans, let’s check out the kitchen because it stands right now—so you possibly can see precisely why we’re ranging from scratch.
Right here is the present kitchen:
The kitchen “before”. Our up to date kitchen will probably be utterly relocated to the brand new addition.
The present bungalow kitchen is wedged right into a nook of the again of the home. After I’m cooking or doing dishes, my again is turned to anybody else within the room. Total it has a closed-off feeling that’s not conducive to my type of cooking, which is all about casually conversing with Adam or my children whereas I chop.
I’ve a long-held dream of an enormous kitchen window above the sink that floods the room with sunshine.
It’s a design factor I’ve by no means had in a home that I’ve lived in, therefore why my “Dream Kitchen” Pinterest board is roofed in big kitchen home windows.
Right here’s the brand new location for our Nice Room / Kitchen:
And right here’s a birds eye view to present context for a way the addition will match into the area:
The Renderings
We labored with Yousee Studio to create 3D visualizations of Doug’s plans. The renderings have been extremely useful in area planning, and it’s additionally helped us visualize how the supplies and coloration palette will come collectively.
Initially, there was a built-in banquette on one finish of the room, however after seeing it within the render, we realized that it will make the room really feel a bit too tight. So we eliminated it, and as a substitute positioned a small sitting space close to the hearth that may double as a lounge space and a eating area for two – 4 folks.
Beneath, I’ve paired every rendering with a particular characteristic of the room as an instance how this area will perform.
Wall of doorways that absolutely open
I believe that each home ought to have one factor that makes a serious assertion. It’s the design second that, if visitors keep in mind little else, no less than they received’t neglect that one particular factor. In our seashore home venture, the 30-foot wall of pocket doorways that open straight to the surface is, no doubt, that assertion. Since one of many causes we’re drawn to Southern California is the flexibility to spend 12 months of the yr outdoors, considered one of our prime priorities is making a pure circulate between the indoors and out. All of our home windows and doorways are coming from Marvin, and I’m actually excited concerning the stunning wood-framed choices we’re going with.
Plus, this seamless transition allows us to show the coated terrace into an out of doors eating room that may really feel like a part of the nice room area. No, it’s not a traditional method to a eating room, however for a household that likes to eat as many meals outside as doable, it really works.
Outsized kitchen island
The Nice Room’s point of interest is a 13-foot kitchen island that initially felt virtually too large, however upon additional investigation, is scaled good in context with the dimensions of this room. This can be a hardworking island that may greater than earn its preserve—not solely will it’s the central gathering place for kitchen prep and informal eating, however it’ll additionally home the cooktop and principal sink, plus tons of storage. The inside facet of the island may have deep drawers the place we’ll preserve all the things from plates and bowls to flatware. The facet dealing with outward may have open shelving for cookbooks and show objects on the corners with area for barstools within the heart. Since the remainder of the kitchen has minimal cabinetry, we’re counting on this island to carry so much.
We’re utilizing kitchen home equipment from Bertazonni, an iconic Italian model that I’ve liked for years. I can’t wait to lastly have their design-driven items in my house.
Supplies impressed by nature
As I shared in my Seashore Home supplies submit, we’re utilizing pure components all through the home—stone, wooden, linen, and clay. These supplies carry an natural heat that feels each grounding and timeless. As we’ve refined our choices, these components have guided our choices, illuminating the earthy hues that naturally include them. Listed here are the supplies that may outline the Nice Room area:
For the partitions: Roman Clay by Portola (coloration TBD). I need to seize the cloudlike shade and texture seen within the renderings—not too creamy, however not too gray, both. Because it will get nearer, I’ll work with the Portola workforce to seek out the proper coloration (or mixture) and sure pattern a couple of choices.
For the counter tops: Caesarstone Porcelain in Aluminous. I’ve been drawn to a shade that resembles concrete—I really like the interaction with pure wooden. However I needed the sturdiness and performance of Caesarstone porcelain. The shade known as Aluminous is described as “a light, neutral surface that looks like fresh cement, porous and slightly uneven, contrasted by fine-grey grains and a soft stony appearance that add a rocklike texture.”
For the flooring: We’re utilizing Stuga flooring within the shade “Ingrid“. These are engineered hardwood flooring with a really attractive pure aesthetic. The extensive planks will carry heat and timelessness to the area and I really like the matte end of this one.
For the plumbing fixtures: Unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures from Kallista had been one of many first design decisions I made for this area! It’s a small element that makes a serious distinction. I really like the heat and patina that unlacquered brass brings to a kitchen, and it’ll really feel proper at house within the wabi sabi, sun-bleached palette I’m envisioning for the home. We’ll have two sinks within the kitchen, and each taps are from the One Assortment.
Fire to anchor the room
Since we’re not including a chosen “living room” to the home, we’ve carved out one finish of the nice room as the realm the place we’ll cozy up with a glass of wine and guide. And there’s nothing like a hearth to welcome everybody to kick up their ft —plus it’s a design factor that may present clear differentiation between the “cooking” a part of the room and the “relaxing” a part of the room, despite the fact that they received’t be separated by an precise wall. We’re planning to place a spherical desk surrounded by low-slung chairs in entrance of the fireplace—an inviting spot for a comfy dinner for 2 or sport evening with the children.
Beverage station
I needed to design the extra “lounge-y” facet of the nice room (close to the hearth) in a approach that flowed with the kitchen, however didn’t really feel such as you had been nonetheless within the kitchen. Nevertheless, since we traded in most of our higher cabinetry for an enormous kitchen window (extra on that beneath), we wanted all the additional storage we may get. So, I designated the wall that runs perpendicular to the hearth as a bar and beverage station. It should maintain sensible gadgets like wine storage, coffeemaker, mugs, and glassware. And it’ll additionally characteristic extra design-forward components, like our classic turntable and sculptural objects on the open shelving, to maintain it from feeling an excessive amount of like a part of the kitchen.
And Lastly… My Dream Kitchen Window
As talked about, I’ve lengthy dreamed of a press release kitchen window that floods the area with sunshine. And never solely will our 10-foot extensive x 7-foot excessive window let in tons of pure gentle, however it is usually a completely functioning window that opens as much as the again patio. There will probably be a counter on the outside facet that’s excellent for serving drinks and passing meals to throw on the grill.
I can’t wait till the day once I’m prepping for dinner with the music turned up, glass of wine in hand, and ocean breezes blowing in by the open doorways!
One design choice I’m nonetheless considering is what sort of tree to plant simply outdoors this window. Because the visible point of interest to this room, it’s as essential to the design components as any inside piece of artwork, so I’m approaching it with the identical stage of thoughtfulness. As of now, my prime contenders are both a gnarly, twisting decorative olive tree, or a lush citrus tree—simply think about with the ability to open up the window and pluck a ripe orange proper off the branches! Be happy to weigh in in on the feedback.
