Costera Moderna in Newport Beach
Costera Moderna— Coastal Modern, but with a Spanish accent: that’s what these clients requested for the media room in their gracious Santa Barbara style home.
Costera Moderna— Coastal Modern, but with a Spanish accent: that’s what these clients requested for the media room in their gracious Santa Barbara style home:
The Design Brief: a cozy lounge area for comfortable viewing, styled with elegance on par with the rest of the house.
The Challenge: a small space, and retired clients with a desire for supportive seating (plus discerning taste).
Read on for details!
1.
Small Space Seating
This couple first came to us concerned about layout: each felt they were not being placed directly in front of their media area. Their original sofa was too large, pushing the existing armchair, preferred by the husband, out of the ideal viewing zone. The wife didn’t want to lose sofa seating, and the chance to snuggle with grandkids when they visited for a movie night. The husband, at 6’3,” enjoyed the support of a lounge chair when watching his Formula One races. They’d pushed things around and run out of ideas—that’s where we came in.
We started by defining the space with an 8’ x 10’ rug centered on the television. This gorgeous Loloi rug from the Legacy Collection not only set the palette, but determined the size of seating we needed. We ordered a petite 5’ sofa with a low back and arms to keep it looking proportional. Then we found a vintage mid-century leather lounge chair and footstool that provided some contrast as well as total comfort.
Previously, the couple had used a beautiful oak chest as a coffee table. We moved this downstairs and custom designed an ottoman perfect for putting your feet up, and making the sofa feel like an extra-large armchair (note—we loved this piece so much, there’s a whole post about ottomans coming up in the Design Log.)
Now everyone has a good view in total comfort.
2.
The Perfect Lounger
They just don’t make chairs like this anymore. This mid-century lounger designed in Brazil has it all: wood, leather, a recliner, a headrest, and upholstered armrests. Note to furniture designers—every male client of a certain age that I’ve ever designed for wants all these features. And this beauty achieves the brief in a gorgeous bentwood design, an organic detail you won’t find in the ever popular Eames version.
As this chair was designed some time in the 1960’s we had it refurbished by a specialist. I’ve never found another one, but if you’re looking for something similarly special, try vintage sites like Chairish and 1stDibs.
Mid Century Modern Ilmari Tapiovaara Lounge Chair with Ottoman from 1stDibs $2,750
Ekornes Mid Century Gray Stressless Lounge Chair and Ottoman from Chairish $1,750
3.
Notes on Style
To make so many pieces work together in such a small space, we relied on a cohesive palette as well as just enough contrast to keep things balanced. The seating elements all had distinct textures: leather and wooden curves for the lounger, soft laundered linen on the sofa, and nubby distressed wool from a vintage kilim for the ottoman.
To harmonize everything, we stuck to a palette inspired by early California and the Santa Barbara style of the home; all the silvers, teals, and blues of the ocean, earthy terracotta and brown, and black accents that recall Spanish ironwork (also found throughout the home.) Rustic linens and handwoven fabrics for the cushions (try Shoppe Amber Interiors) contributed patina, while modern ceramics from Heath, Leif, and Esquelito mirrored the design era of the lounger. To bring in the Spanish influence, we included a cast iron side table, the slope arm of the sofa, real terracotta accents, and the Moorish-inspired lattice that opens up the space above the stairway but protects little ones from tumbling over.
Lastly, no space is complete without art, and as these clients are collectors of early California watercolors, hunting down the perfect piece was a great way to celebrate the project. We found inspiration in the work of Carolyn Lord, known for her color work and classic California subjects. The work we chose featured a favorite location—Point Lobos in Carmel—and condensed our palette into a vibrant, saturated focal point. Here’s our selection, plus a couple other pieces we loved:
“Autumn Afternoon at the Pacific” Watercolor ‐ Paper ‐ 22" x 30"
“Fish Rock Retreat” Watercolor ‐ Paper ‐ 22 x 30
“Shell Beach Opalescence” Watercolor ‐ Paper ‐ 22 x 30
We’re so pleased with how the Costera Moderna project came together—working with dream clients to create beauty, function and comfort all in one space. We hope you’ve found some inspiration. Thanks for following along with the Design Log!
The Edit | Ottomans
We recently created a custom ottoman from a vintage kilim rug ordered from Turkey. Not only does this piece bring patina and beauty to the space, it provides a place to put up your feet, have a seat, or rest a tray of goodies. Are ottomans the new coffee table? They’re certainly not just for casual spaces anymore. Here’s a few of our favorites.
For our recent project, Costera Moderna, we created a custom ottoman from a vintage kilim rug ordered from Turkey. Not only does this piece bring patina and beauty to the space, it provides a place to put up your feet, have a seat, or rest a tray of goodies. Is the ottoman the new coffee table? They’re certainly not just for casual spaces anymore. Here’s a few of our favorites:
1.
the Amelia Ottoman by Sixpenny
We love the rustic minimalism of this linen slipcovered piece. Available in 2 fills and 16 colors. $749
2.
Torres Round Leather Ottoman by The Citizenry
Handcrafted in Portugal but evoking Joshua Tree desert modernism, these are available in two sizes, and look beautiful alone or together. $796—$1,195
3.
the Topanga Cube by Shoppe Amber Interiors
Solo or paired, these cubes make a great focal point. Plus, they’re easy to move around for additional seating. $795
4.
the McKay Woven Ottoman by McGee & Co
Leather handles provide a nice accent, and make it easy to move this round ottoman as needed. Plus, we love the nubby texture. $800
5.
the Morrison Ottoman by McGee & Co
Leather and metal provide the perfect counterpart to upholstered seating. Available in 2 colors. $3250
6.
India Wool Ottoman by Fragments of Identity
Created from vintage textiles from India. $2895
Style your ottoman with a tray to keep decor items stable, or drape a throw blanket on for another accent. And don’t forget to leave room to put up your feet! Ottomans should be of level or slightly greater height (1”) for comfort. If you need help with a custom design, we’re always here to help.
Welcome to the Design Log
Welcome to the Design Log!
I’ve created the Design Log to share what inspires me and encourage you to design your life beautifully. I’m excited to share sources, advice, and guidance on how to bring your vision to life, with or without a designer.
Welcome to the Design Log!
I’ve created the Design Log to share what inspires me and encourage you to design your life beautifully. I’m excited to share sources, advice, and guidance on how to bring your vision to life, with or without a designer.
This will be the space where I’ll indulge my passion for California’s design heritage, highlighting its influences, movements and most iconic homes. I’ll discuss my design ethos and talk about how I bring a room together, providing practical advice and links to my favorite sources. I’ll outline what it’s like to work with a designer, and how to get the most out of your collaboration. I’ll share what new products and brands move me, as well as how to avoid trends, and hone a design style that’s timelessly you.
Here’s to the design journey—thanks for following along!
Yours in the pursuit of beauty,
Elizabeth
The Edit | Kid’s Room Magic
Six ideas for bedrooms that capture the magic of childhood.
A child’s room should be a pocket of magic at harmony with the family home; a space worthy of the precious memories created there. We all have those memories—who hasn’t rummaged through an old box of keepsakes and turned up a small worn object that brought back all the innocence, wonder and immediacy of those days? I remember the antique embroidered chair that my grandmother bought me, which I used to sit at my art table, and the fringed lamp that cast shadows around my small room while I drew by its light. These items were a bit impractical, but they inspired me to dream. Below is my guide to creating a nest for your little dreamers: magic in six steps.
1.
Stick with Your Style… Plus a Pinch of Fairy Dust
While its true that the short-lived decor of a kids’ room makes it the one place where you can get away with trends, I’m more inclined to make them classic. Fully themed rooms can feel discordant within a home, whereas kids rooms that continue the palette and style of the rest of the house feel connected—which is what little ones need most. The key is adding those little details that spark the imagination. So stick with your style, and then collaborate with your child on a few special elements, such as art or wall treatments (more on that later) that will set the space apart and make it their very own.
2.
Whimsical Walls
Wallpaper or murals offer bold impact with low commitment, and can be selected to work with your decor. Above, the dark palette of this woodland wallpaper keeps it from being too busy, and complements the cozy antique furnishings and traditional feel of the home. In a modern home, a geo-centric mural could warm things up while maintaining a purity and freshness of design. Try Hygge & West, Cole & Son, or John Derian for creative but sophisticated designs, or commission a wall piece from an art student at your local college.
What’s more magical than a library? Books are portals to other worlds, and opportunities for children to travel anywhere and learn anything. Studies show that childhood literacy and access to printed materials is one of the highest indicators of future educational success. So, no matter the size, your child’s library of books deserves a celebrated place in their room. Consider a beautiful paint color for built-in or stand alone shelving, and style them with art or treasured objects. Add some plush seating and a reading light to encourage kids to settle in, or give you both a place to snuggle up together. Make library visits and book-gifting an anticipated tradition, and build your child’s library out ahead of their development, adding books for them to grow into.
Vintage series such as the Lord of the Rings, Little House on the Prairie, and Little Women can be an elegant addition, as can classic sets including titles like Black Beauty, the Wind in the Willows, and Robin Hood. Look for collections of stories and fairy tales illustrated by celebrated illustrators such as John Bauer, Kay Neilson, and Arthur Rackham. Shop at local, independent bookstores or look for self-published gems like Finding Aloha. Or shop online at Bookshop.org, which donates to local bookstores (you can even choose your favorite local shop!) and highlights collections of award winning, new, and inclusive children’s literature.
(To support childhood literacy in the US and around the world, visit Room to Read, Ferst Readers, and the Childrens’ Literacy Initiative!)
4.
Make Bedtime Special
We’ve all been inspired by the trend of creative kids’ beds—beds built into alcoves, bunk beds with built-in staircases—but if it’s not in your budget or you’re hesitant to make such major additions to your home’s architecture, there are still plenty of ways to add magic to your child’s bed. One way to do it is to change the view; add a fabric canopy, tent, or wallpaper the ceiling (a twist on step two). Lighting can also add a special touch—consider sconces ( like this one in a floral linen), a pendant (like this colorful woven one), as well as dreamy nightlights (like this papier maché moon) for when it’s lights out. Upholstered fabric headboards are another easy way to add charm and warmth to a child’s bed (you can even DIY it!)—just select your fabric (I recommend St. Frank and Susan Connor), and work with a local upholsterer on a custom design.
5.
Start an Art Collection
If there’s one thing I hope to impress upon every client, it’s the impact that artwork has in making a house a home. Whether you’re buying prints on Etsy, collecting from artisans of your heritage culture, or investing in local emerging artists, art brings craft, culture, and personality to your home. There are no rules for art (though there are some good guidelines for installing it); art is a living thing with its own prerogatives. It doesn’t need to match the couch, or anything else for that matter. It just needs to make you want to look, and keep looking (the best art contains a bit of mystery). Purchasing real art for your child’s room is one of the best ways to add magic, and modeling art appreciation for your little one is priceless. To start your child’s art collection with a celebration of nature, I recommend Julia Lucey’s abundant etchings, Carolyn Lord’s luminous florals, and Michelle Morin’s intricate wildlife watercolors. For something more abstract, look at Claire Collette’s celestial geometry, Kelly Ording’s delicate graphics, and Lena Wolf’s quilt-like constructions. For dynamic figurative works, check out Michelle Blade’s mystical utopias, Joanne Ho’s tiny happy people, and Ana Leovy’s vibrant women. For other great ways to discover artists, look up gallery walks and open studios in your city, contact a local art advisor, or attend the spring MFA graduate shows of nearby art colleges.
6.
Make Room for Creativity
One of my first memories is sitting at a child’s sized table drawing a yellow flower with a stem that grew to the size of a tree trunk, and realizing I could create anything I wanted through art. All it takes is a table, a desk; anything in your child’s size that provides a place to build, shape, and make. Whether it’s a table and bench set from Ikea, a modernist S-shaped desk from Kinder Modern, or a play table and rabbit ear chairs from Ouef, that workspace is precious. Consider a gallery wall or bulletin board to exhibit your child’s creations nearby, and creative storage solutions to keep all their favorite materials handy.
So that’s it! Six steps to making a child’s room magic while celebrating its place within the family home—I hope you have fun dreaming, playing and creating together.
WORK WITH US
Principal Designer | Elizabeth Sims
e: Elizabeth@calafiahomedesign.com
Serving the Bay Area and beyond.