Malibu Dream House
Malibu, nestled along the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway in Southern California, is a place that seems to exist in a dream-like state, with its beaches, rolling hills, and luxurious homes. As a designer based in Los Angeles, it is always a privilege to work on projects in this exclusive enclave, where the beach lifestyle is synonymous with luxury living. Our team has had the opportunity to work on several Malibu estates, each time pushing the boundaries of what a beach house can be.
However, despite the allure of this idyllic location, the reality of obtaining construction permits in Malibu can be a significant challenge. The process can be notoriously slow and arduous, often taking years to secure the necessary approvals, and causing delays that can put projects on hold or even scrapped altogether.
Unfortunately, the Malibu Dream Home project that we were working on was one of those that fell victim to the difficult permitting process. Our vision for the space was to create a warm and modern retreat that was clean and uncluttered, with a design that maximized the stunning ocean views. We had envisioned a large open plan, directed towards the vast expanse of the Pacific, with natural materials used in the simplest way possible.
A large open plan directed to the view of the ocean in this Malibu Dream Home.
The large open plan living room in this Malibu Dream Home was thoughtfully designed to maximize the stunning ocean view. Natural materials were utilized in a simplistic yet elegant manner to complement the surrounding environment. To showcase the homeowners' love of wine, a wood and bronze wine cellar was created to blend seamlessly with the wall, allowing the incredible ocean view to remain unobstructed. The living room steps down, creating an unobstructed sightline of the ocean from every angle. The use of travertine floors throughout the living room and beyond was a practical choice, providing an easy-to-maintain surface that can withstand sand and saltwater. The combination of the natural materials and clean lines of the furnishings work together harmoniously to create an atmosphere of serenity and relaxation, perfectly capturing the essence of the Malibu lifestyle.
A Malibu living room uses travertine floors for an easy to maintain surface.
Looking back into the home from the beach, you can see how the step really opens up the living room and how simple the furniture layout is. When you are at the beach it is all about that view and the being outside. We used travertine floors throughout to create an easy to maintain surface.
A Malibu kitchen uses white European oak and calacatta marble.
The kitchen in this Malibu Dream Home is an impressive space that seamlessly blends functionality and style. White European oak cabinets add warmth to the room while the calacatta marble countertops and backsplash add elegance and sophistication. To make the most of the kitchen space, we designed a spacious butler's pantry that houses all the necessary appliances, storage, and prep areas, keeping the main kitchen area clear and open. The pantry also adds an element of luxury to the home, as it allows for more elaborate meal preparation and entertaining.
This Mailbu powder room is a quiet arrangement of flooring elements, from the back lit mirror to the thick marble slab countertop with the integrated sink.
The powder room in this home is a serene oasis that showcases our attention to detail. The backlit mirror and thick marble slab countertop with an integrated sink add an element of luxury to the room. We also included a floating cabinet along the side wall, which provides ample space to place personal items while using the restroom. The overall effect of this beautifully designed powder room is one of calmness and relaxation, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day.
This Malibu library is a sophisticated space using wood paneling to create warmth and a light bronze shelving system that keeps the whole look open and airy.
The library in this Malibu Dream Home project was designed to provide some relief from the ocean, which can be seen from other parts of the house. To achieve this, we decided to go for a more sophisticated and cozy feel in the library. We incorporated wood paneling on the walls, which added a sense of warmth and comfort to the space. We also used a light bronze frame shelving system to keep the look of the library open and airy.
The shelving system served multiple purposes, including providing ample storage space for books and decorative items while also serving as a design element that complemented the wood paneling. The shelves were positioned in a way that allowed natural light to filter through and highlight the textures of the wood paneling and the books on the shelves.
The combination of the warm wood paneling, light bronze shelving system, and the soft lighting in the library created a comfortable and inviting space that is perfect for relaxing with a book or catching up on some work. Even though this project may not come to fruition, we hope that this glimpse into our design process has helped you envision the potential that this Malibu Dream Home had to offer.