Perched quietly atop a hill in Palos Verdes Estates, this 1960s home sits unassumingly on its expansive, private lot. 

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With sweeping Queen’s Necklace views and strong structural bones, the home offered incredible potential but lacked architectural clarity. The client envisioned a design that embraced California’s relaxed lifestyle while nodding to the region’s red-tiled roofs and Spanish influences.

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After five years of living in the space, the homeowners had a clear vision of how they wanted to use every room. With over 5,500 square feet, the focus wasn’t on adding square footage, but rather reimagining the layout to improve flow and functionality. Existing standard-height windows and doors failed to capture the home’s stunning rear views, and despite soaring ceilings, the rooms felt weighty and closed off. We raised headers and replaced all windows and doors, opening the home to its surroundings and encouraging a true indoor-outdoor way of living, punctuated by large multistack sliders off the main living spaces.

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At the heart of the home, the kitchen was calling for connection. By removing a dividing wall, we opened it to the adjacent family room, creating a warm, cohesive gathering space. One of the clients, an avid chef, now enjoys a light-filled kitchen where he can cook while staying fully immersed in family life, especially during the late afternoons and weekends.

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Throughout the home, a sense of calm and retreat guided our design approach. In the living room, a dated brick fireplace was reimagined with a hand-carved limestone surround, adding quiet depth and timeless character. The room is now a layered, tranquil retreat where the client unwinds fireside with a glass of wine on winter evenings. Her office is tucked away from the energies of the center of the home. A color drenched room with saturated hues give a sense of calm and facilitates focus and concentration. The rich tones are balanced by newly installed French doors opening to a courtyard, inviting in natural light and fresh air.

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The primary suite once felt disconnected, awkwardly situated with oddly placed windows and entry points. We reworked the floor plan and opened the ceiling, allowing light and air to pour in. Now, the couple begins and ends each day with uninterrupted views of the coastline, framed perfectly from their bed.

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Antique architectural elements and collected furnishings were carefully restored and integrated, bringing soul and story to each space. In the primary bathroom, 18th-century doors from Northern Italy set the tone, a romantic yet grounded palette, with soft textures layered against deep-stained wood, reminiscent of Spanish and Old World design traditions. 

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The result is a home that feels deeply personal, rooted in the clients’ vision, lifestyle, and love for the land it sits on. Every detail was thoughtfully chosen to support the way they live day to day, while also creating space to slow down, gather, and enjoy. It’s a home that reflects not just their style, but their story.

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