California Coastal
Author:Lindsey ShookBlackband Design curates a colorful and entertaining third home for a couple who wanted to be closer to their family in Newport Beach
“Blackband Design is a full-service interior design and renovation team based in Orange County,” says Wendy Blackband, co-owner of Blackband Design with her husband, Greg. “Form and function are our focus in creating beautiful spaces that work well for our clients. Layers of high-quality materials, unexpected pattern and color, and thoughtful details define our ever-evolving sophisticated and eclectic approach to design.”
They introduced bold color and dynamic textures inside this 3,700-square-foot two-story home that their team was hired to modernize through renovation and design. “Our clients were looking for a home near their children and grandchildren—which narrowed the search down to this neighborhood,” she recalls. “This home offered their ideal location with the perfect balance between indoor and outdoor space. They split their time between the mountains, the islands and the West Coast, and wanted the home to reflect the best of California style. ”
In need of a space where they could host the entire family for holidays and notable celebrations, the clients wanted each room to be filled with color and character. “They hoped for a beautiful and colorful home with loads of areas dedicated to fun—hence the game room with darts and billiards, a re-designed outdoor pool, horseshoes and tetherball in the yard, and open space to run around,” says Mary Meek from Blackband’s design team. “The green-stained entertainment wall is a prominent and unexpected design element that speaks to the authenticity of the home design. Its rich pigment mirrors the lush landscaping that the great room opens to for seamless indoor-outdoor living and entertaining.”
They juxtaposed modern elements with traditional details to deliver the desired California cool style. “With the dramatic updates that we had in store for this home, it was crucial to meld the classical architecture with the more current design features,” Blackband says. “We added dimension back into the grand stairwell walls with a square grid of new wall paneling and designed an espresso stain-grade and glass China cabinet to enrich the contemporary, bright kitchen.”
In order to make ample sleep space, the Blackband Design team had to get crafty. A detached single-car garage was converted into a bunk room and the casita now houses a king-size guest room, two ensuite bathrooms (one accessible from the backyard to act as a pool bath) and an exterior shower. “Our clients were also very involved with the landscaping design and drought-tolerant details,” Meek proclaims. “Coming from Hawaii, they’re used to being surrounded by beautiful views and gorgeous outdoor spaces so they wanted to emulate that feeling in their California home and yard with water-wise selections.”
When asked how their clients’ felt about their new homebase, Blackband responds, “Our clients loved it! They were very pleased with the final reveal and started filling up their party calendar right away. It’s always a good sign when the homeowner’s want to share and show off their space!”
