This house sits on a hill overlooking Rim Rock Canyon in picturesque Laguna Beach, California, but its roots reflect another locale as well. The 1940s adobe cottage blends luxe, laid-back, beach-cottage style with the aesthetic of a beautiful, effortless lake house.
"Nicole Anderson, the homeowner, is from Michigan and her husband, Peter, was born and raised in California," says Kelly Shannon, owner of K Shan Design and a friend of the family, says. "It truly does mix the two styles for perfect results." Nicole adds, "Peter and I love classic and simple but elegant design."
Undergirded by the vision of combining the styles of a lake house and beach cottage, the couple focused on designing a new kitchen, redoing the bathrooms, creating better use of the outdoor living space and installing new white oak floors and stairs. And, of course, what is a remodel if you don't move a few walls to open the floor plan? They did just that to convert the living/dining/kitchen area into one open space. Though the renovation was extensive, they had the right team for the task as they turned to their community: Peter's brother and father are contractors and they are also surrounded by talented friends.
"We had wonderful people to help us with our vision," Nicole says. They used local craftsmen and showcased their artist friends' works while also turning to close friends like Kelly and designer Corinna Thavirat from Corinna Lee Thavirat Design. The house was truly reborn with tender loving care.
FOREVER HOME... TAKE TWO
This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of Cottages and Bungalows.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August - September 2023 edition of Cottages and Bungalows.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The POWER or Patience
Learn how collecting décor over time, rather than filling areas quickly to appear finished, can transform the appeal of your spaces and ensure your home reflects you
Destined for Design
See how Cara Fox, the force behind The Fox Group and our partner for Project House Utah, achieves her career goals with the support of her family
Clearing Clutter, Adding Color
A designer creates more space, adds storage and warms up the neutral palette of a guest house with accent colors
A Return to Minden
We revisit our 2022 Project House Louisiana for an update since the project was completed and see The Carrie, the final unit at The Villas
Gathered at the Table
Create a charming fall tablescape with items collected over time
Vacation Venture
The hunt for a short-term rental with good design inspires a new properties business
Farms Fresh Flowers
Pumpkins and colorful blooms abound on this South Dakota flower farm, which has quickly become a beloved hub in its community with its special events and U-Pick gardens
The House Next Door
Ready to downsize, a couple builds their new home in the location they still loved
Memories Made Modern
Family heirlooms, bright colors and sumptuous textiles transform a home from basic build to bespoke beauty
Fall Décor Harvest
Our 2023 brand ambassador fills her home's interiors with welcoming warmth and seasonal wonder