We’re formally within the thrilling a part of our Malibu renovation—concrete has been poured for the addition, framing is completed for the unique footprint, and we’re presently framing out the brand new nice room/kitchen. Each week, it’s feeling somewhat extra actual (comply with together with real-time updates on my Instagram.)
In the present day, we’re diving into an area I’ve been fascinated about since we first started this journey 5 years in the past: We’re calling it the “Media Room” and it’ll function our comfortable household room area. This room would be the web site of film nights, plus all of the stress-free and hanging out collectively as a household. It’s “Operation: Cozy,” and right here’s how we’re designing an area that feels linked and design-forward.
Vaulted Ceilings for a Extra Spacious Really feel
One of many largest transformations on this room would be the ceiling. I keep in mind once we first toured the home with our realtor—all of us agreed that its largest unfavourable was the low ceilings which made the whole area really feel a bit cramped. So, considered one of our first design selections was to vault the ceiling, and the change will likely be dramatic. Whenever you stroll into the brand new area, it’ll really feel expansive and ethereal—while not having to extend the sq. footage of the room itself.
The Earlier than—and Our Plans for the After
Constructed-Ins Made to Be Stunning and Purposeful
The guts of the room will likely be a full wall of built-ins—open shelving, drawers for storage, and a Body TV. This would be the solely TV in the home, which is an intentional selection (sorry, youngsters!). Our imaginative and prescient for this home is that it fosters a life-style round time spent outside, gathered across the desk, or sharing gradual mornings collectively—not continually on screens. This room will likely be the place we pile on the sofa for film nights, to play board video games, or curl up with a ebook on overcast days.
The open cabinets are designed for extra than simply storage, although we positively want it. It’s additionally the place we’ll show favourite books, sculptural items, vessels, and picked up finds. I would like the built-ins to really feel refined and built-in into the house’s design, fairly than overly utilitarian. We’ll be incorporating closed cabinetry alongside the decrease half for issues like board video games, further blankets, and gadgets.
Oak vs. Cane: Selecting the Cupboard Fronts
For the built-in cabinetry, I explored two instructions: strong oak and cane-front panels. Cane brings such lovely texture, and we modeled each choices within the area to match aspect by aspect. Ultimately, we determined to go together with strong oak for its simplicity and timelessness. The aim is for this area to really feel heat and welcoming, and I wished to keep away from something too stylish that we’d tire of down the road. Listed here are the visualizations so you possibly can see each choices. Which will get your vote?
Framing the Doorway With an Arch
Initially, the design plans confirmed a regular door opening connecting the Nice Room to the Media Room. I instinctively knew it may have extra character and architectural curiosity, so we modeled it with an arch and cherished the replace. It’s a small change that provides a lot character. I like how the curve softens the transition between areas and brings an elevated, customized really feel that nods to the Mediterranean influences all through the house.
Blurring the Traces Between Indoors and Out
As in the remainder of the home, we wish as a lot indoor-outdoor circulation on this room as potential. To attain this, we’re putting in two units of glass pocket doorways from Marvin that can absolutely open to the yard and ocean view. These doorways will enable us to fully blur the boundaries between indoors and out—once they’re open, it’ll really feel like one massive indoor-outdoor area.
So as to add softness and filter the pure mild, we’ll be utilizing Graber’s floor-to-ceiling material. The monitor will likely be recessed into the ceiling for a seamless look that doesn’t distract from the structure.
Making Area for What Issues
I’ll be trustworthy, at first I used to be nervous that this area was going to really feel extra utilitarian than the remainder of the home. I didn’t need it to revolve across the TV or storage wants. I’m so pleased with our last designs, which really feel simply as design-driven as the remainder of the plans and match proper into our Japandi Seashore Home aesthetic. I can already visualize the recollections we’ll make on this room—board recreation tournaments, cozy film nights, and the easy pleasure of being collectively. Each design resolution we’ve made, from the vaulted ceilings to the curated built-ins, helps that feeling of consolation and intention.
I can’t wait to see this area come to life—and share the completed end result with you quickly!
