From Tuscan to Tranquil: Transforming a Home by the Sea

When a young couple in Solana Beach, California spotted a home in the popular surf spot of Terra Mar Point, they knew they had found their dream abode. But the 1980s Tuscan-style estate needed some serious sprucing up to align with their vision of a modern, beachy, and family-friendly space. That’s where interior designer Kari Arendsen came in, tasked with reshaping the interiors to capture the essence of the surrounding seascape.

As a self-proclaimed fan of the blue-and-white palette, Arendsen took her cues directly from the ocean. But she didn’t stop there – this sophisticated, worldly beach house reflects a layering of pattern, texture, and dimension that elevates the coastal aesthetic to new heights.

“Beyond the immediate serenity of the coastal hues, there are moments of great care and consideration,” Arendsen explains. From the custom wainscoting in an untraditional blue shade to the woven chairs, baskets, and rugs, every element in this home has been thoughtfully curated to create a cohesive, yet captivating, design.

Blending the Indoors and Out

The transformation of this property was no small feat. The clients had originally retained the Mediterranean-style stone exterior, but Arendsen was tasked with bringing a lighter, brighter feel to the interiors. And boy, did she deliver.

As you step inside, the first thing you notice is the breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean, visible from the entry. A hallway connecting the formal living room to the main family area overlooks the waves, with an antique Indonesian mirror placed on the wall reflecting the stunning seascape.

The family area features a custom built-in sectional with cushions in a jaunty Ralph Lauren Home stripe, paired with Henredon armchairs upholstered in a Soane fabric. A custom chandelier, coffee table, and carpet tie the space together, while a swingarm light from Visual Comfort & Co. casts a warm glow over the grouping.

In the adjacent dining area, Arendsen continued her design magic, pairing custom tables with a banquette upholstered in a Kravet fabric. Sika Design chairs and a Currey & Company light fixture complete the coastal-chic ensemble.

Embracing Natural Materials

Arendsen’s attention to detail shines throughout the home, particularly in the kitchen. Here, she kept the palette neutral, but gave it heft with natural materials like limestone floors, marble slab countertops, and marble arabesque tiles – all sourced from European Bath Kitchen Tile & Stone. The existing Viking wall ovens were kept, while Arendsen designed the metal pendants over the island to tie the space together.

This seamless blend of old and new, rustic and refined, is a hallmark of Arendsen’s design approach. “Natural materials and a global outlook flow throughout the residence,” she notes, pointing to subtle details like the textured clay vase she found while antiquing, now filled with greens from the home’s lush landscaping by Andersons La Costa Nursery.

Coastal Comforts, Global Influences

As you move through the home, the influence of Arendsen’s worldly perspective becomes increasingly apparent. In the master bedroom, she’s created an airy, Balinese-inspired retreat, with an Oly bed dressed in Pom Pom at Home linens and a headboard fabric by Soane. Suspended from the ceiling is a light fixture from BoBo Intriguing Objects, while Perennials fabrics adorn the draperies and bench.

The master bathroom is equally captivating, with clay subway tile, marble countertops, and vintage-style fixtures sourced from European Bath Kitchen Tile & Stone. A custom console, vanity chair in a Mark Alexander fabric, and a woven chandelier from Currey & Company add layers of texture and global flair.

Throughout the home, Arendsen has seamlessly blended coastal comfort with worldly influences. Ethnic-inspired textiles, textured pillows, and fringed throw blankets invite you to curl up and soak in the serenity, whether you’re indoors or out on the custom high table, gazing at the iconic Terra Mar Point surf break.

Bringing the Beach Home

As I sit here, surrounded by the calming hues and natural textures of this beautifully reimagined home, I can’t help but feel a sense of wanderlust. I’m instantly transported to a sun-dappled California coast, the sound of crashing waves lulling me into a state of pure bliss.

And that, my friends, is the magic of great design. Kari Arendsen has managed to capture the essence of the beach and weave it seamlessly throughout this property, creating a space that feels both luxurious and lived-in, sophisticated and serene.

If you’re dreaming of bringing that same coastal charm to your own abode, may I suggest starting with a visit to Sofa Spectacular? Their collection of custom sofas and sectionals, upholstered in a range of oceanic hues and natural fabrics, would be the perfect foundation for your own seaside-inspired haven.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to dive headfirst into the world of coastal style and oceanic hues. Trust me, your home (and your soul) will thank you.