A street in Carlsbad, California, presents a striking split between properties: one side enjoys sweeping ocean views, while the opposite side does not. The home in focus occupied the coveted side, positioned directly across from the owners’ existing residence. Interior designer Abbie Naber’s firm was hired to reshape the interior, aiming for a distinctive blend of personal taste and bold design choices.
The renovation began with structural modifications that required careful planning and coordination among contractors. The original layout featured a large dividing wall separating the kitchen from the living area, which blocked the ocean view as soon as one entered the space. Additionally, a hood over the cooktop further impeded sightlines.
To address these issues, Naber’s team relocated a support beam, eliminating the wall and the obstructive hood. This change opened the floor plan, allowing a seamless flow from kitchen to dining and living zones. The new arrangement centered the interior around an unobstructed waterfront perspective, creating a unified environment.
Design decisions leaned heavily into boldness. The kitchen island received a striking blue stain, a color that injected personality into the heart of the home. In the main bathroom, a burl wood vanity served as a standout element, adding texture and warmth. The homeowners, including a vintage dealer with a keen eye for detail, worked closely with the designer to balance unexpected textures and colors while preserving overall cohesion.
The original hardwood flooring posed a significant challenge. Before reinstalling the planks, the wood required extensive acclimation and curing, a process complicated by the region’s humidity and fluctuating weather conditions. These factors delayed the project timeline and created scheduling hurdles for the trades that followed. Nonetheless, preserving the original wood remained a top priority for the owners, ensuring the residence retained its authentic character.
Final design priorities emphasized unique tile and thoughtful material pairings, and a considered use of color. Rather than allowing the ocean views to dominate the aesthetic, the designer crafted interiors with their own distinct identity. The finished home is layered and personal, with just enough unexpected detail to rival the view outside.
Coastal homes often rely on their location for appeal, but this remodel demonstrates that thoughtful interior design can produce a residence as memorable as its setting. The completed space showcases the preserved hardwood flooring alongside the bold blue island and the burl wood vanity, offering a harmonious blend of original elements and contemporary flair.
