After 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 type of factor. So when our architect, Doug Burdge, offered 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 fire at one finish. My rapid response? Are we certain that’s one of the 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 individuals really feel welcome is our prime precedence. And what higher option 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 every part it could possibly be.
Earlier than we dive into the plans, let’s check out the kitchen because it stands right now—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. Once I’m cooking or doing dishes, my again is turned to anybody else within the room. General it has a closed-off feeling that’s not conducive to my fashion of cooking, which is all about casually conversing with Adam or my children whereas I chop.
I’ve a long-held dream of a large 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 enormous 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 might 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 hearth that may double as a lounge space and a eating area for two – 4 individuals.
Beneath, I’ve paired every rendering with a selected function of the room as an instance how this area will operate.
Wall of doorways that totally open
I believe that each home ought to have one factor that makes a serious assertion. It’s the design second that, if visitors bear in mind little else, at the least they received’t neglect that one particular factor. In our seashore home mission, the 30-foot wall of pocket doorways that open straight to the skin 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 12 months exterior, one among 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 alternatives 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 standard strategy to a eating room, however for a household that likes to eat as many meals outside as potential, it really works.
Outsized kitchen island
The Nice Room’s focus is a 13-foot kitchen island that initially felt nearly too massive, however upon additional investigation, is scaled excellent in context with the scale of this room. It is a hardworking island that may greater than earn its maintain—not solely will it’s the central gathering place for kitchen prep and informal eating, however it’s going to additionally home the cooktop and predominant sink, plus tons of storage. The inside aspect of the island can have deep drawers the place we’ll maintain every part from plates and bowls to flatware. The aspect going through outward can have open shelving for cookbooks and show objects on the corners with area for barstools within the middle. 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 cherished for years. I can’t wait to lastly have their design-driven items in my residence.
Supplies impressed by nature
As I shared in my Seaside Home supplies put up, 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 alternatives, these components have guided our selections, 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 wish 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 group to seek out the suitable 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 really like the interaction with pure wooden. However I needed the sturdiness and performance of Caesarstone porcelain. The shade referred to as Aluminous is described as “a light-weight, impartial floor that appears like contemporary cement, porous and barely uneven, contrasted by fine-grey grains and a mushy 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 extensive planks will convey 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 have 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 residence 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 delegated “front room” 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 very good guide. And there’s nothing like a fire to welcome everybody to kick up their toes —plus it’s a design factor that may present clear differentiation between the “cooking” a part of the room and the “stress-free” a part of the room, although 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 recreation night time with the children.
Beverage station
I needed to design the extra “lounge-y” aspect of the nice room (close to the hearth) in a method that flowed with the kitchen, however didn’t really feel such as you have been nonetheless in the kitchen. Nevertheless, since we traded in most of our higher cabinetry for a large kitchen window (extra on that beneath), we would have liked all the additional storage we might get. So, I designated the wall that runs perpendicular to the hearth as a bar and beverage station. It can 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 extensive x 7-foot excessive window let in tons of pure mild, however additionally it is a completely functioning window that opens as much as the again patio. There can be a counter on the outside aspect that’s good 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 determination I’m nonetheless considering is what sort of tree to plant simply exterior 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 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 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.
