Project: Santa Monica Home
Interior Design: September Workshop
Location: Santa Monica, California, United States
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Amy Bartlam
When the client acquired this Santa Monica property, they had a unique vision: they wanted the space to feel like a welcoming home but function efficiently as an office. The immediate need was to create a workspace for a small team during the uncertainty brought about by COVID-19, but the client also had long-term plans to transform the space into a family home.
Design Approach: Combining Homey Aesthetics with Office Functionality
The design cleverly integrates office functionality within a homey atmosphere. The dining room serves a dual purpose as a conference room, while the kitchen is designed to accommodate more intimate meetings. Each bedroom is equipped with small work areas, providing the necessary privacy for focused work. A significant challenge was accommodating the client’s extensive AV and equipment needs, which were seamlessly hidden within the design to maintain the home’s aesthetic appeal.
Personalizing the Space
The house, originally built by a developer, lacked character. The design team addressed this by updating the flooring, adding or refreshing all moulding and trim, and redesigning the kitchen and bathrooms. The transformation was further enhanced by layering in carefully selected furniture, lighting, art, and decor.
A Balance of Color and Calm
While the client has a love for color, they also desired a serene environment conducive to both living and working. Each bathroom features its own unique color palette, harmonizing with the overall theme of the house. In the kitchen, a soft blue was chosen to create a calm yet lively atmosphere. The design incorporates a mix of metals—brass, white bronze, silver gilt, polished nickel, stainless steel, and matte black—adding warmth and visual interest throughout the home.
This Santa Monica home successfully merges the functionality of an office with the comfort and style of a family residence, reflecting the client’s needs both for the present and the future.
