Beach Modern Remodel
A Second Home Designed for a Family on the Move
When these homeowners purchased this La Jolla home, they were no strangers to change. With more than a dozen moves behind them, they knew what they wanted from a home — a place that felt comfortable, welcoming, and ready for their family to enjoy.
As a second home for their family of four, the goal was to create a relaxed coastal retreat that felt personal while also making the process as seamless as possible. This was a true turn-key interior design project — from the remodel and finish selections to furnishings, bedding, accessories, and final installation. Because the homeowners lived out of state and would not be present throughout the entire process, we were able to create something special: a true project reveal. When they arrived, they walked into a completely transformed home — fully furnished, accessorized, and even with the beds made and ready for their first night.
Creating a Coastal Home With Personality
The original home had good bones, but it needed to better reflect the lighter, cleaner coastal aesthetic the homeowners loved. We focused on creating spaces that felt fresh, comfortable, and collected over time. The home was designed for real family living, balancing beautiful details with the practicality needed for a second home.
We had fun adding personality through wallpaper, including a statement dining room and a memorable entry moment that immediately set the tone for the home. Every piece was thoughtfully selected — from furniture and rugs to artwork, accessories, and bedding — creating a cohesive home where every room felt complete.
A Collaborative Process That Kept the Project Moving
One of the things that made this project especially enjoyable was the homeowners’ trust and confidence in the design process. She was decisive, engaged, and quick to make selections, which helped keep the project moving efficiently and allowed us to stay focused on the overall vision.
A successful remodel requires hundreds of decisions, and having a collaborative client who understands the process makes it possible to create a beautiful home while maintaining momentum and staying mindful of the budget.
When a Second Home Becomes Home
For nearly five years, this La Jolla property served as their family getaway. During that time, the husband continued working in the turbine industry, a career that required frequent moves. When he transitioned into consulting, their family was finally able to relocate from Florida to La Jolla and make this home their primary residence.
With the home now serving a completely different purpose, they decided it was time to revisit the remaining spaces. During the original remodel, we intentionally left the bathrooms untouched because, although the existing Tuscan travertine finishes did not align with their preferred aesthetic, they were in excellent condition. Now that the home had become their everyday residence, we returned to transform those spaces as well — replacing the heavier Tuscan style with the cleaner, more refined coastal aesthetic we had created throughout the rest of the home.
Designing Homes That Evolve With Life
This project is a wonderful example of how a home can evolve alongside the people who live there. What began as a second-home transformation became the foundation for their next chapter in La Jolla. Through interior design, remodeling, furnishings, and project management, we created a home that was not only beautiful from the first reveal but continued to serve their family as their lifestyle changed.