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The palm print emulates the California cool style, while providing a focal point for the room, with a little edge!
produced by ANNA KOCHARIAN
photos courtesy of BECKI OWENS
interior design by BECKI OWENS
LOCATION San Clemente, CA
SIZE 5,000-sq-ft
WHO A family of six
One look inside this charming space and we were immediately drawn to its laid-back aesthetic. Our favorite part? The fact that its functionality (a comfortable home for a family of six!) didn’t compromise on style. Here, designer Becki Owens takes us through her process of creating a space that channeled the essence of California cool.
WHAT WAS THE GOAL OF THIS PROJECT?
My client wanted a fresh, new look for her family room and kitchen, so my vision was to create a modern space with a coastal vibe, without sacrificing comfort.
WERE THERE ANY CHALLENGES THROUGHOUT THE REDESIGN?
The biggest challenge was lifting the overall color of the home and brightening the decor to evoke a more livable space. We wanted to keep the decor light yet comfortable, baring in mind that it was for a family with several young children. For the existing dark sofas in the family room, I used a perennial indoor/outdoor fabric to cover the furniture, which made for durable pieces that were easy to care for.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU LEARNED FROM THIS PROJECT?
You don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort.
The basis for the coastal design was a neutral palette. I went with a large sofa in a light, linen fabric and soft, gray slipcovered-chairs to complement the walls. The Moroccan style rug, lent a more contemporary touch to the space.
A collected mix of pillows and throws were layered on the sofa and chairs to lend a note of soothing tones.
Pink leather stools lend extra seating space while adding a hint of fresh color.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE REDESIGN?
I love the watercolor textiles from Eskayel, the hammered coffee table, and the layered wall art on the mantle in the family room. I love how this space is casual and inviting, yet it also has these modern elements that give off a polished feel.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE OVERALL AESTHETIC OF THE HOME?
It’s clean and modern with a neutral palette, layered with pops of color.
WHAT IS ONE THING YOU SCRIMPED ON WHEN IT CAME TO THE REDESIGN? SPLURGED?
I scrimped on the accessories (the pink vase is an Ikea find!) and kept the overall decor simple. I splurged on key pieces such as the tripod lamp and the hammered coffee table. Those were the statement pieces we couldn’t do without.
“To maintain the cool, fresh feel of the bright kitchen, we painted the walls with Silver Drop by Behr. I updated the
with new pillows and installed European white oak floors.”