Once we determined so as to add 1,000 sq. toes 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 rest room 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 shocked 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 quick response? Are we positive that’s the very best use of area? However as I studied Doug’s imaginative and prescient, I noticed he was designing with a distinctly trendy strategy—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 high precedence. And what higher approach to foster that sense of togetherness than with a spacious, open room designed for gathering? As I flipped by way of my inspiration photographs and imagined household holidays and dinners with buddies on this home, I grew extra excited in regards to the area and all the pieces it might be.
Earlier than we dive into the plans, let’s check out the kitchen because it stands at this time—so you’ll be able to see precisely why we’re ranging from scratch.
Right here is the present kitchen:
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 model 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 ingredient 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 the 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 colour 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 an alternative positioned a small sitting space close to the fireside that may double as a lounge space and a eating area for two – 4 folks.
Under, I’ve paired every rendering with a selected function of the room as an instance how this area will perform.
Wall of doorways that absolutely open
I feel that each home ought to have one ingredient that makes a significant assertion. It’s the design second that, if friends keep in mind little else, at the least they gained’t overlook that one particular factor. In our seashore home challenge, the 30-foot wall of pocket doorways that open straight to the surface is, surely, that assertion. Since one of many causes we’re drawn to Southern California is the power to spend 12 months of the 12 months outdoors, one in all our high priorities is making a pure move between the indoors and out. All of our home windows and doorways are coming from Marvin, and I’m actually excited in regards to the stunning wood-framed picks we’re going with.
Plus, this seamless transition allows us to show the lined terrace into an outside eating room that may really feel like a part of the nice room area. No, it’s not a traditional strategy to a eating room, however for a household that likes to eat as many meals outdoor as attainable, it really works.
Outsized kitchen island
The Nice Room’s focus is a 13-foot kitchen island that at the beginning felt virtually too massive, 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 hold—not solely will it’s the central gathering place for kitchen prep and informal eating, however it should additionally home the cooktop and important sink, plus tons of storage. The inside facet of the island could have deep drawers the place we’ll hold all the pieces from plates and bowls to flatware. The facet dealing with outward could 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 a lot.
We’re utilizing kitchen home equipment from Bertazonni, an iconic Italian model that I’ve beloved 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 convey an natural heat that feels each grounding and timeless. As we’ve refined our picks, 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 (colour 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 crew to seek out the fitting colour (or mixture) and sure pattern just a few choices.
For the counter tops: Caesarstone Porcelain in Aluminous. I’ve been drawn to a shade that resembles concrete—I like the interaction with pure wooden. However I wished the sturdiness and performance of Caesarstone porcelain. The shade referred to as Aluminous is described as “a lightweight, impartial floor that appears like recent cement, porous and barely uneven, contrasted by fine-grey grains and a delicate stony look that add a rocklike texture.”
For the flooring: We’re utilizing Stuga flooring within the shade “Ingrid“. These are engineered hardwood flooring with a very attractive pure aesthetic. The large planks will convey heat and timelessness to the area and I like the matte end of this one.
For the plumbing fixtures: Unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures from Kallista have been one of many first design selections I made for this area! It’s a small element that makes a significant distinction. I 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.
Hearth to anchor the room
Since we’re not including a chosen “lounge” to the home, we’ve carved out one finish of the nice room as the world the place we’ll cozy up with a glass of wine and a superb e book. And there’s nothing like a hearth to welcome everybody to kick up their toes —plus it’s a design ingredient that may present clear differentiation between the “cooking” a part of the room and the “enjoyable” a part of the room, despite the fact that they gained’t be separated by an precise wall. We’re planning to place a spherical desk surrounded by low-slung chairs in entrance of the hearth—an inviting spot for a comfy dinner for 2 or recreation evening with the children.
Beverage station
I wished to design the extra “lounge-y” facet of the nice room (close to the fireside) in a method that flowed with the kitchen, however didn’t really feel such as you have been nonetheless in the kitchen. Nonetheless, 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 fireside as a bar and beverage station. It is going to maintain sensible gadgets like wine storage, coffeemaker, mugs, and glassware. And it’ll additionally function 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 large x 7-foot excessive window let in tons of pure mild, however it’s also a totally functioning window that opens as much as the again patio. There can 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 way of the open doorways!
One design determination I’m nonetheless considering is what kind of tree to plant simply outdoors this window. Because the visible focus 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 degree of thoughtfulness. As of now, my high contenders are both a gnarly, twisting decorative olive tree, or a lush citrus tree—simply think about having the ability to open up the window and pluck a ripe orange proper off the branches! Be at liberty to weigh in in on the feedback.
