Colorful & Charismatic
A small beach bungalow achieves a blend of contemporary and classic cottage style with daring patterns and playful décor pieces.
The new look starts with a pop at the front door, where the exterior was transformed with bright-blue shake shingles in a whimsical pattern and a door in a chipper lime green.
Known for its spectacular sunsets, white sandy beaches, wild waters and friendly vibes, San Diego is a place that calls to many.
It welcomes relaxed living at its best, drawing inspiration from its natural surroundings. Fresh flowers, seashell décor, bright colors and eclectic patterns play well together and infuse this home with coastal character. When Senior Interior Designer Marisela Contreras, of Jackson Design and Remodeling, began working on the design for this beach cottage, she aimed to incorporate these cheerful themes into the home. Working with the homeowner of 19 years, Anne, she selected décor pieces, furnishings and a color palette that reflect the West Coast and emulate Anne’s personal, modern and vintage tastes.
A POP OF COLOR
The cottage exterior was in a state of disrepair when the Jackson and Design Remodeling team happened upon it. Rather than opting for the traditional beach cottage colors, Anne opted for fun and vibrant colors to reinvent the look
of her home. The new look starts with a pop at the front door where the exterior was transformed with bright blue shake-shingle siding and a door in a chipper lime green. While the bright blue is unconventional, Anne’s sister gave her all the encouragement she needed when she declared, “That color is you.”
These bright colors are perfectly at home in the seaside neighborhood and create a welcoming entrance that makes the front porch not only usable but very enjoyable for the long talks and beachside lounging that often happen there.
RECLAIMING SPACE
Balance, in terms of style and functionality, was a priority in the interior of the home; the small 1950s layout of the cottage clashed with Anne’s modern lifestyle. Anne sought to add space to her cottage and employ smart storage solutions. When the renovation was complete, the cottage had grown from 942 square feet to 1,215 square feet.
In the kitchen, the Jackson and Design Remodeling team transformed the layout by knocking down the wall that separated the kitchen and dining room to allow more light in. Marisela says, “The kitchen and dining room were swapped, giving room for a nice L-shaped kitchen with a good size island.”The new island seats four, creating an area for entertaining. No additional square footage was added
“The glass liner with the marble backsplash in a chevron pattern is a nice mix of fresh and traditional.”
to the kitchen; these layout changes simply make better use of the space. The entrance to the deck was also relocated, creating room for a pantry and baking corner. The baking corner was one of Anne’s top priorities; she wanted her appliances tucked away, leaving ample room for preparation and baking.
“Next to the pantry we added a cabinet with a mixer lift for easy access to her Kitchen Aid mixer and stored the microwave in the upper cabinet,” Marisela says. The team also installed a sleek hood and pot filler above the range for convenience.
“For the master bedroom and bathroom, our main goal was to expand the bedroom to include its own bathroom and a walk-in closet. We were actually able to get two closets in the bedroom, for extra storage,” Marisela says.
CLASSIC & CONTEMPORARY
“For the interior color palette, we went with the classic cottage colors, whites and pale blues, to make the space feel bigger and brighter,” Marisela says. These pale colors unify the home’s theme, while stained wood floors add contrast throughout.
White Shaker-style cabinetry and glossy quartz countertops predominate in the kitchen, while cove crown molding, fixtures and appliances add a more modern feel. Patterns offset the simple color scheme with contemporary flair. “The glass liner with the marble backsplash in a chevron pattern is a nice mix of fresh and traditional,” Marisela says.
In the bathroom, “We selected greens and blues inspired by the ocean, shown in the tile and wall colors,” Marisela says. The three different tile patterns in the shower create a gorgeous oasis, while dark and playful floor tiles add a twist. The patterned flooring was a must for Anne, to balance classic colors with a contemporary touch. Marisela says, “We found these great 12"x 12" deco porcelain tiles, from San Diego Tile & Marble, that add a vintage touch but are also easy to maintain.”The final look comes together with the vanity, which is stained quartersawn oak and topped with durable and stylish quartz.
DESIGN TIPS
What was on Anne’s personalized wish list? “Have fun with bold exterior colors to add some life and uniqueness to the home,”
“For the interior color palette, we went with the classic cottage colors, whites and pale blues, to make the space feel bigger and brighter,” Marisela says.
Marisela says. While a small interior will benefit from light colors, the exterior is the perfect place to be bold and add lots of color. When it comes to achieving balance, she says: “Mix vintage finds or traditional items with fresh and modern fixtures to give a rustic twist to the ordinary beachside cottage.” Key elements of décor, including lighting, moldings and appliances, provide contemporary appeal. Glamorous pendants and chandeliers help to do the trick.
Use vintage fabrics, patterns and textures on curtains and décor pillows to offset other materials. Marisela’s final tip is to make your home reflect your own lifestyle. “Mainly collect items that are personal to you and create your own style,” Marisela says. Whether it be family heirlooms, travel pieces or thrift-shop finds, decorate your home with a little more you.