Pro Portfolio: Spanish home in Manhattan Beach gets an updated take on traditional
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Every Monday we post a recently built, remodeled or redecorated home with commentary from the designer. In part of this week’s project, a new fireplace, above, transforms what had been generic space, below right:
Lead interior designer: Erinn Valencich, Erinn V. Design Group
Project: Turn a nearly empty Spanish-style home into a warm, inviting and family-friendly space that also accommodates entertaining.
Location: Manhattan Beach
Designer’s statement: This is a newer home, and the fireplace was incredibly generic. The living room has double-height ceilings, creating a loft-like effect as you walk to the master bedroom and look down onto the living room. To take advantage of the height, I built out the fireplace to stretch up to the ceiling. The mantel was made to look old -- classic and Spanish -- and we chose beautiful tile for the hearth.
The living room chairs are my design. We searched and searched for a coffee table that wasn’t too large and wouldn’t block the view of the fireplace. I found a white wicker table, spray-painted it bronze and added the glass top.
To see more of the house, keep reading ...
To take further advantage of the height in the living room, I built a 12-foot-tall bookcase, which set the tone for the space. The diamond doors and elegant finish worked well in the space.
Accessorizing the bookcase was an all-day affair. I found a few sets of antique books and brought in objects in a neutral color palette so that nothing stood out too much. The drama of this room is its simplicity.
Walking to the dining room from the living room, you’re drawn by warm honey and rust tones. The walls are papered in grass cloth, which I used throughout the home. The patterned shade is offset by simple white linen drapery panels.
The front door is flanked by two wrought-iron stools, covered in a rust- and cream-colored modern floral fabric. Above each stool is a framed piece of fan coral.
The curved staircase from above ...
... and below. The curved console is part of my Erinn V Maison collection. The accessories are from Barclay Butera Home.
This breakfast room is one of the most popular areas of the home. Blue leather dining chairs surround the client’s table. Leather is a great option for a breakfast room because it’s easy to clean. The room was all wood and cream, so the blue brought in a bit of color from the adjacent family room rug without being overwhelming. The wrought-iron pendant adds a modern complement to the Spanish vibe.
The existing family room fireplace was left alone. I styled it with the client’s blue African cameroon, hung off center. The chocolate mohair armchair sits next to a teak table.
A carved wood sofa table that’s part of my Erinn V Maison collection separates the kitchen from the family room. The wood bowl is by Seva Home.
The client’s sofa was well loved, so I just changed the base and recovered it.
The new base was an easy update! It made the sofa look more tailored and elegant. I love higher legs on a sofa. They can keeps the piece from looking too heavy.
In the master bedroom, this dresser got a quick update with new hardware. The oil painting is from Barclay Butera Home. The walls are covered with an ivory grass cloth to add texture.
A pop of color livens the master bedroom sitting area. The ottoman is covered in Osborne & Little fabric.
I designed this leather turned-leg bench for the master bedroom. In the background, a band of Kravet fabric was added to the bottom of the otherwise plain linen drapery for a bit of color.
In the guest room, which doubles as the client’s home office, I designed a small cabinet to house the printer and keep office utilities out of sight.
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-- Lisa Boone
Pro Portfolio appears here every Monday. Submit projects to home@latimes.com.
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