Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Ocean-Inspired Home for Two in Newport Beach
Designer Jessica Bennett creates an intimate nest for California newlyweds
The young couple who owns this apartment in Newport Beach, Calif. think they probably won't stay in this house forever, but they still wanted to make it a special home where they could nest for a while. They hired interior designer Jessica Bennett to help them create a home for their new lives together. She blended new products, ocean-inspired decor, and antiques from the couple's family to create a space that feels stylish and livable.
The desk opposite the bed serves as a place for the couple to do work and catch up on email when they're not hosting guests. Bennett chose accessories in the same style and color palette as the rest of the room, focusing on a simple but fun style. "I'd describe this home as 'sophisticated comfort'," says Bennett. "It's definitely my style. Plus, I got to go crazy with accessories, which are my absolute favorite parts about this home."
Desk: Pottery Barn
Artwork: Trowbridge
Chair: Baker
Desk: Pottery Barn
Artwork: Trowbridge
Chair: Baker
The master bedroom was done in a soft shade of golden beige, which Bennett carried through various accessories. Crisp white bedding and dark side tables add a refreshing element of contrast, preventing the room from becoming single-toned. "It's nice enough to entertain in and want to show off, but still completely livable," Bennett says. "Every room is used. There are no 'hands off' parts of this home."
Bedframe: Pottery Barn
Side tables: Baker
Mirror: Consignment piece
Bedframe: Pottery Barn
Side tables: Baker
Mirror: Consignment piece
A dainty antique bench that Bennett found sits at the foot of the bed — a perfect place to put shoes on or just sit and read. Bennett used a combination of family heirlooms, antiques, consignment pieces, and new products to give this home an elegant, but lived-in look.
Bennett wanted the home to feel special for the newlyweds, so she incorporated personal touches that truly make the house feel like home. Sweet little vignettes of old photos, scented candles, and treasures from the beach litter shelves and side tables throughout the space.
This three-tiered gold antique étagère in the master bedroom is one of Bennett's favorite pieces she found for this house.
While the house embraces the indoor/outdoor lifestyle of Southern California. Bennett found the chairs for the patio at World Market, and accessorized them with simple pillows from Pottery Barn. Basic terracotta planters were filled with easy-to-care-for plant life for some added greenery.
Many pieces used in the home's design are beautiful hand-me-down pieces. The Barbara Barry dining table and the mirror came from the wife's family, and the beautiful apothecary chest belonged to her great-grandmother.
Since this is an apartment, Bennett and the couple decided to leave the kitchen as-is.
Table: Barbara Barry
Chairs: Hickory Chair, Baker
Since this is an apartment, Bennett and the couple decided to leave the kitchen as-is.
Table: Barbara Barry
Chairs: Hickory Chair, Baker
Bennett was careful to choose pieces that would blend with the antiques. And when it came to accessories, she stuck to a similar theme — a coastal feel with shells and candles — for unity.
Like the rest of the house, Bennett stuck to simple classics in the living room. She didn't want to buy anything too extreme or trendy — not just because it wasn't the couple's style, but also because she wanted them to be able to hold onto this furniture and take it to their next home.
Couch: Pottery Barn
Armchair: Custom Upholstery
Couch: Pottery Barn
Armchair: Custom Upholstery
Bennett loves to find unique items at consignment shops, so she did quite a bit of hunting at local stores in Orange County to find just the right accessories for this couple. The coffee table in the living room was a lucky find. It's a classic piece that's built well, so the couple will be able to use it for many years.
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More Houzz Tours:
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Floor lamps: Consignment shop
Bedding: Sferra Brothers Hotel Collection with throw pillows from Etsy
Bookshelf: Palecek