Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Elegant Carmel Beach Bungalow
Contemporary art and a sandy beige palette give this classic board and batten beach house in California a subtle coastal flair
It's always refreshing to see a coastal home that hasn't overdone the beach theme, and this is exactly what designer Regan Baker did in this beach bungalow in Carmel, California. The client wanted her home to reflect the surrounding beach town, but in a modern way. Baker focused on a balance of finishes to create a subtle coastal feel.
Big, comfy upholstered seating makes the family room a great gathering place. Baker was careful to take storage into consideration to keep the room neat and clean — even the television can be stored away behind the custom cabinet.
Baker based the home's design on natural elements like shells, rattan, cotton and grass cloth. Using natural elements is part of what makes up her signature look. "They help create depth and bring in a natural yet comfortable element to a space," Baker says.
Paints were kept fairly neutral to represent the sand outside. But the master bedroom was designed to represent the water with a soft blue.
Wall paint: Rainwashed, Sherwin-Williams
Wall paint: Rainwashed, Sherwin-Williams
Board and batten walls bring in another layer of texture to the home. The look is often used in traditional beach cottages and adds to the sense of the beach surroundings.
The house originally had carpet, vinyl windows and an outdated kitchen complete with butterfly tiles on the backsplash. Initially, the plan was to just update the space. But after the clients discussed possibly retiring here, the scope of work changed.
A structural wall was removed in the kitchen to add space and a larger entryway. The ceilings were also raised for a open feel, and new windows make the ocean view a focal point.
A structural wall was removed in the kitchen to add space and a larger entryway. The ceilings were also raised for a open feel, and new windows make the ocean view a focal point.
A seashell shape is represented in various spots throughout the home, such as in this lattice-pattern rug. Combined with the farmhouse sink and bridge faucet, the pattern keeps this kitchen's style classic but fresh. The shelving to the left of the sink opens up the space without sacrificing too much cabinet storage.
White bamboo chairs in the dining room are another great textural element; they keep the dining room from feeling too dark and heavy.
All the artwork in the home is abstract for a modern feel. Baker chose pieces in ocean-inspired colors to continue the coastal vibe.
The homeowners got the beach theme out of their systems by going a little more literal in smaller spaces, like the powder room. The sconces were chosen as a modern interpretation of a seashell and the starfish cabinet pulls (seen in mirror) are a fun, whimsical touch.
The home's soft and neutral color palette was carried into the bathroom, combined with contrasting metals. The mix of satin nickel and oil-rubbed bronze makes the space more interesting, and the dark wicker mirror helps tie in the darker colors found in the rest of the home.