To beach or not to beach

Our long-time blogger/interior designer friend Mark Cutler emailed us with some photos of a project he recently completed that we HAD to share. The home is in Santa Monica, CA, and was a huge remodel (it was actually raised to add a new basement - the architect was William Hefner). "We tried to create a home that has a modern interpretation of a traditional home. Our goal was to try and create a home that felt at home at the beach but wasn't trying to be a typical 'beachy' house. The use of natural stone on both the interior and exterior gives the house a real warmth and great personality. I intentionally kept the furniture selections a little eclectic. I wanted it to feel like a collection that came together over years, not like a soulless decorators fantasy." AH MAH GAWD. This home takes my breath away. The stonework is spectacular, and I really like Mark's unexpected touches throughout - particularly the unique light fixtures. (Frankly, I could live in that closet). Thanks Mark!!

Comments

[Sing]

The ottoman grouping is a wonderful idea.

[Ashley]

OMG! That closet! That kitchen! That view!

I'll take 2!

[Pearl]

Love the color palette, love the surfaces, love it all!

[wanessa essig]

Perfect!

[polish chick]

i can't decide if i love or hate the footstool in the second picture.

[eileen]

I am always interested in what the people look like who live in such amazingly stunning places. I understand the need for anonymity, but I wish the photographers would include them because, frankly, I think I'd look fabulous in this house. It is the perfect combination of modern and warm. I don't know how the designer pulled it off; I think those touches of blue, i.e. in the one bathroom, and traditional moldings and trim.

[RLG]

Love the wood, and mostly the restraint.
This is what I hope to achieve (some fine day).
Warm and clean w/o clutter.
xoxo

[patricia]

I run along the bike path in this area of Santa Monica. I always wondered how the houses looked inside. Amazing!

[Leigha]

That kitchen is gorgeous. Really, really GORGEOUS! The stools, the pendant lights, the finishes. Lovely.

Leigha

[Mandy]

Nice !!!

[Renata Gross!]

Frankly, I could live in this house...! :-) For sure...

[Priscilla]

I grew up near this spot. I've been on that beach like a gazillion times. One of my mother's friends lived in a shack very near this spot. A SHACK, i tell you. Bizarre.
Oh, and this house is to die for!

[Mike]

Beautiful house - however, the exposed beams on the ceiling "cutting" the bed exactly in half screams feng-shui taboo! those things have got to go!

[Katherine 'at auction']

I love the details, especially the lighting. Each room has a fabulous light fixture.

[Jane]

Seems cosy!

[Tess]

No kids or pets in this household, I would think.