Tiny Laguna Beach condo feels roomier with ship-shape design concepts

Jones inserted a pane of vertical reed glass into a 1940s paneled front door, which sets the period tone upon entering.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A vintage seahorse doorknocker greets guests at the front door.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

When it came time for the designer to decorate the condo, he treated the space as if he were designing a boat. “Everything had to be very intentional and purpose-driven,” says the former vice president of visual merchandising for Quiksilver.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

He began by stripping the apartment of its Mediterranean villa trappings with the idea of turning the condo into a classic 1940s beach abode. Painting the brown-and-beige walls a bright white made the space appear larger. His new custom-made daybed features a lift-up storage compartment.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Multifunctional pieces are another good idea for a small space, he says. The living room space is defined by a low bookcase that can hold art objects.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A quirky assortment of seashells and sea-themed collections decorate Stevem Jones’ 320-square-foot condo.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Walls were hung with surfer art, and he brought in some campy accessories, such as a ‘50s leaping fish lamp, sea horse candlesticks and an array of fish objets.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A window by the bed gives a sweeping view of the ocean.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A new dresser that separates the kitchen from the bedroom space has shelves on either side for books. He also built it shallow, 15 inches deep, “so it didn’t stick too far out into the room.”   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Jones advises keeping the material palette “super simple” when designing a small space, “to keep the busyness down.” In addition to painting all surfaces white, he kept other interior appointments - appliances, sinks, countertop and window shades - a snowy hue as well.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

He also used the same 1-inch glass tiles in the shower, on the bathroom floor, on the kitchen splash and floor, and around the living room fireplace.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

A small balcony off Steven Jones’ condo overlooks St. Ann’s Beach.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Other furnishings were well-edited to a few essential pieces: a lounge and a pair of vintage chairs, a coffee table, a bed.   (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)