A Layered Coastal Spanish Bungalow
The best homes are the ones that translate the feeling of their surroundings as soon as you walk through the door — and today’s home tour is the perfect example of what happens when a designer leans into their environment. This layered coastal Spanish bungalow in the historic surf town of San Clemente, California, is equal parts laid-back and elevated, making it the perfect Après Surf living space for a young coastal family.
Designer Hillary Calvert re-imagined the space to reflect her client’s lifestyle while keeping the home’s original character and adding beautiful custom details that take everything up a notch.
After remodeling the home to allow for better use of space, more natural light, and increased functionality, Hillary brought this home to life with her expert eye for detail.
Design: Hillary Calvert | Photography: Charlotte Lea Photography
A Vibrant Textural Kitchen
Hillary convinced her clients to give the original Mexican Salt Terracotta flooring a chance in the initial stages of the project, and we love how they add character to the light and bright kitchen. Warm brass and vintage accents throughout the space pull the tone from the flooring, while a custom wood island and a lime-washed brick backsplash add depth and material contrast.
Rattan is the perfect material to achieve that coastal but not too beachy themed look, and these Crate & Barrel stools hit the mark and add a nice curved detail to soften the kitchen lines. Regardless of where you stand in the floating shelf vs. upper cabinets debate, you have to admit that it’s hard to imagine this kitchen without the shelving built into the cabinetry (especially considering there are appliance garages behind those surrounding doors).
The Coastal Chic Living Room
The kitchen opens right into the living room, giving Hillary’s clients the perfect open-concept flow for family meal time, movie time, and entertaining. Our favorite detail in this space is the checkered Zellige tiled fireplace, which brings a playful feeling to the entire room and is the perfect contrast to the reclaimed wood mantel. Complete with a cozy sectional, a coffee table for card games or TV dinners, and a mix of custom and vintage accessories; this space is ready for easy living.
Hillary collaborated with Jen Mac Beth of California Casa Interiors to style the project and Jordan Page of High Desert Studio to incorporate her stunning collection of wool pillows and throws and original artwork pieces throughout the home. Jordan is an expert at elevated Cali cool, and her pieces add that extra special something to make this space feel thoughtful and curated.
A Multi Functional Dining Nook
We love a dining nook moment, especially when it includes layered pillows, natural light, and added storage. Hillary designed the seating with pull-out drawers for maximum functionality and completed the space with more goods from High Desert Studio.
A pin-striped bench cushion adds some subtle pattern, and the woven pendant light ties in the textures from the counter stools and rug. Can’t you just imagine yourself drinking your morning coffee and answering emails here?
BY: ANASTASIA CASEY