When you’ve worked on a home renovation for this many years, some rooms start to live in your imagination long before they exist in real life. I can’t calculate the time I’ve spent fantasizing about what life will feel like in our new spaces—and the place my brain has spent the most time living in is, without a doubt, our primary bedroom.

Over the past five years of planning and permitting our Malibu beach house remodel, I’ve found myself drifting into daydreams of quiet mornings—waking up in a sun-drenched, Japandi-inspired bedroom, opening the French doors to let the ocean breeze carry in the scent of orange blossoms, and hearing the waves crash on Zuma Beach below. It’s the first place I go in my mind when I imagine the home being finished, and the vibe I’ve always envisioned is minimalist, calming, and deeply connected to nature.

For today’s installment of Renovation Diaries, I’m excited to share a first look at the architectural renderings of the Primary Bedroom and Bathroom, along with the design feature that will anchor the space.

A Built-In Bed to Ground the Room

Whenever I share photos of our Austin home, one of the top questions I get is about our bed. Designing and working with a team to custom build it was one of the best decisions we made, so I knew I wanted to design and construct something just as special for our Malibu bedroom.

A custom-built bed feels fully integrated into the architecture of the space—solid and grounded, minimal and inviting. Built from natural wood, the design will include a low platform that extends beyond the mattress, doubling as nightstand ledges on either side. It eliminates the need for separate furniture, keeping the visual landscape clean and serene. This decision was rooted in the Japandi philosophy of intentional simplicity: Everything has a purpose, and nothing is extraneous.

Warm Lighting with Hanging Pendants

Rather than using traditional bedside lamps, we’re opting for pendant lights to hang above each side of the bed. This simple switch instantly makes the space feel more modern and elevated. The pendants free up surface space on the nightstands, add sculptural interest, and provide a warm, downward glow perfect for evening reading. We’re currently sourcing options in woven materials to echo the natural elements throughout the room.

Woven Pendants I’m Loving:

Maude Rattan Scallop Pendant

$395 at Casa Zuma

Kasbah Rattan Tall Pendant

$245 at Casa Zuma

Kasbah Rattan Pendant

$295 at Casa Zuma

Ocean Views Through French Doors

One of the elements I’m most excited for will be the French doors that open directly onto a patio facing the ocean. The doors are framed in natural wood and designed to blur the lines between indoors and out. To the left, the patio will lead to an outdoor sauna, making the suite feel like a wellness retreat within the home. When the doors are open, the scent of the sea and the sounds of waves will drift throughout the space.

Vaulted Ceilings and a Palette Inspired by Nature

One of the biggest changes we’re making to the home is vaulting as many of the ceilings as possible to make each room feel more airy and open. We leaned into that spaciousness by keeping the materials palette grounded in nature: light-toned woods, warm neutral textiles, and soft stone finishes. The goal? To create a Japandi-inspired bedroom that feels like a true place to relax and exhale.

A Fireplace Rooted in Scandinavian Design

Since open-flame fireplaces aren’t allowed in this area of Malibu, we’re installing a VITA Vapor fireplace from Custom Fireplace & Design. It gives the cozy ambiance of a real fire without the safety concerns—and it’s city-approved. This particular model produces a beautiful, flickering vapor that mimics flame and adds a soothing focal point at the end of the bed. On cooler evenings, I imagine curling up under a linen throw, the vapor fireplace casting a gentle glow across the room.

A Light-Filled Bathroom With a Freestanding Tub

Let’s move into the Japandi-inspired bathroom—designed to be the most serene, light-filled spot in the house. The first piece we chose for this room was the Duravit Soleil by Starck Freestanding Bathtub. It’s sculptural and simple, with clean lines that echo the calm of the bedroom. Next to it, we’re installing a floor-to-ceiling window that brings in gorgeous natural light.

To maintain privacy, we’re building a stone wall outside the window—high enough to offer seclusion, with beautiful stone detail that will feel like part of the room’s decor. We’re using Country Rubble in Bella, from Eldorado Stone.

Soft and Textured: Roman Clay Walls

Choosing the right wall finish has been a major decision, as we’re planning to lock on one shade of plaster and use it throughout the entire house. After living with sample swatches for weeks, we narrowed it down to a few options from Portola Paints’ Roman Clay collection.

Initially, I wanted to try a soft terracotta on the walls of the Primary Bathroom, to add warmth and earthiness. But when we saw the 3D renderings comparing it to a cleaner white Roman Clay, the decision was clear in the way the white reflected the light and made the space feel more expansive. It just felt like the spa-like retreat we envisioned. The texture adds depth and softness to the walls, giving the entire room a handmade, organic feel without it feeling stark.

Here’s the side-by-side comparison—which do you prefer?

Unlacquered Brass Fixtures That Age Beautifully

We’re using unlacquered brass fixtures from Kallista’s One collection throughout the bathroom, and I love how they’ll patina over time. The warm tones of the brass add richness and depth, and they’re a subtle nod to the wabi-sabi beauty in imperfection. As the fixtures age and develop their character, they’ll add a rich sense of story to the home.

A Space-Saving Archway

Since the bathroom isn’t that big, we decided to remove the small set of doors pictured above and instead leave the entry to the primary closet open with an arched opening to create a sense of flow. This small design tweak makes the entire suite feel more expansive. The arch adds a soft architectural detail that ties in beautifully with the natural materials and curved forms elsewhere in the home.

A Streamlined, Hardworking Closet

To keep the bathroom feeling calm and clutter-free, I’ll be putting my vanity table in the closet where I’ll get ready. I’m working with California Closets to design a compact but efficient space that still feels serene and gets the job done. From pull-out organizers to soft-close drawers and integrated lighting, we’re intentionally designing every detail to simplify my daily routine and keep things beautiful in the process. I’ll share more on the design process of this space soon!

Tadelakt and Caesarstone: Dream Shower Combo

For the shower, we’re leaning toward using tadelakt—a traditional waterproof plaster that’s both gorgeous and highly functional. It has a smooth, slightly mottled surface that feels like stone but is sealed and water-resistant. For the shower floor, we’re considering using one of Caesarstone’s slip-resistant surfaces. The stone is so gorgeous and we’re using it in several spots through the house, so it feels both streamlined and cohesive with our minimalist palette.

Yes, I’m Excited About Our Toilet

If you didn’t know it was possible to get excited about a toilet, think again. We chose a wall-mounted ME by Starck Wall Mounted Toilet from Duravit, and it’s so functional and beautifully-designed. Sleek, minimal, and comfortable—it’s the kind of small luxury that elevates everyday routines in the best way.

The post Natural Light, Roman Clay, and Ocean Breezes: A Peek at Our Plans for the Malibu Bedroom appeared first on Camille Styles.

When we decided to add 1,000 square feet to our Malibu beach house as part of the renovation, I initially envisioned dividing it among different areas—extending the primary suite, maybe adding a new bathroom and closet, expanding the kitchen. That sort of thing. So when our architect, Doug Burdge, presented his first draft of the renovation plans, I was surprised to see all the additional square footage allocated to a single space labeled “The Great Room.“

At first glance, I saw one expansive, open-concept kitchen with a fireplace at one end. My immediate reaction? Are we sure that’s the best use of space? But as I studied Doug’s vision, I realized he was designing with a distinctly modern approach—one that prioritized our needs and personal values over traditional expectations.

For our family, creating an atmosphere of connection and making people feel welcome is our top priority. And what better way to foster that sense of togetherness than with a spacious, open room designed for gathering? As I flipped through my inspiration photos and imagined family holidays and dinners with friends in this house, I grew more excited about the space and everything it could be.

Before we dive into the plans, let’s take a look at the kitchen as it stands today—so you can see exactly why we’re starting from scratch.

Here is the current kitchen:

The current bungalow kitchen is wedged into a corner of the back of the house. When I’m cooking or doing dishes, my back is turned to anyone else in the room. Overall it has a closed-off feeling that’s not conducive to my style of cooking, which is all about casually conversing with Adam or my kids while I chop.

I have a long-held dream of a massive kitchen window above the sink that floods the room with sunshine.

It’s a design element I’ve never had in a house that I’ve lived in, hence why my “Dream Kitchen” Pinterest board is covered in huge kitchen windows.

Here’s the new location for our Great Room / Kitchen:

And here’s a birds eye view to give context for how the addition will fit into the space:

The Renderings

We worked with Yousee Studio to create 3D visualizations of Doug’s plans. The renderings have been incredibly helpful in space planning, and it’s also helped us visualize how the materials and color palette will come together.

Initially, there was a built-in banquette on one end of the room, but after seeing it in the render, we realized that it would make the room feel a bit too tight. So we removed it, and instead placed a small sitting area near the fireplace that will double as a lounge area and a dining space for 2 – 4 people.

Below, I’ve paired each rendering with a specific feature of the room to illustrate how this space will function.

Wall of doors that fully open

I think that every house should have one element that makes a major statement. It’s the design moment that, if guests remember little else, at least they won’t forget that one special thing. In our beach house project, the 30-foot wall of pocket doors that open straight to the outside is, without a doubt, that statement. Since one of the reasons we’re drawn to Southern California is the ability to spend 12 months of the year outside, one of our top priorities is creating a natural flow between the indoors and out. All of our windows and doors are coming from Marvin, and I’m really excited about the beautiful wood-framed selections we’re going with.

Plus, this seamless transition enables us to turn the covered terrace into an outdoor dining room that will feel like part of the great room space. No, it’s not a conventional approach to a dining room, but for a family that loves to eat as many meals outdoors as possible, it works.

Oversized kitchen island

The Great Room’s focal point is a 13-foot kitchen island that at first felt almost too big, but upon further investigation, is scaled just right in context with the size of this room. This is a hardworking island that will more than earn its keep—not only will it be the central gathering place for kitchen prep and casual dining, but it will also house the cooktop and main sink, plus tons of storage. The interior side of the island will have deep drawers where we’ll keep everything from plates and bowls to flatware. The side facing outward will have open shelving for cookbooks and display objects on the corners with space for barstools in the center. Since the rest of the kitchen has minimal cabinetry, we’re relying on this island to hold a lot.

We’re using kitchen appliances from Bertazonni, an iconic Italian brand that I’ve loved for years. I can’t wait to finally have their design-driven pieces in my home.

Materials inspired by nature

As I shared in my Beach House materials post, we’re using natural elements throughout the house—stone, wood, linen, and clay. These materials bring an organic warmth that feels both grounding and timeless. As we’ve refined our selections, these elements have guided our decisions, illuminating the earthy hues that naturally come with them. Here are the materials that will define the Great Room space:

For the walls: Roman Clay by Portola (color TBD). I want to capture the cloudlike shade and texture seen in the renderings—not too creamy, but not too grey, either. As it gets closer, I’ll work with the Portola team to find the right color (or combination) and likely sample a few options.

For the countertops: Caesarstone Porcelain in Aluminous. I’ve been drawn to a shade that resembles concrete—I love the interplay with natural wood. But I wanted the durability and functionality of Caesarstone porcelain. The shade called Aluminous is described as “a light, neutral surface that looks like fresh cement, porous and slightly uneven, contrasted by fine-grey grains and a soft stony appearance that add a rocklike texture.”

For the floors: We’re using Stuga flooring in the shade “Ingrid“. These are engineered hardwood floors with a truly gorgeous natural aesthetic. The wide planks will bring warmth and timelessness to the space and I love the matte finish of this one.

For the plumbing fixtures: Unlacquered brass plumbing fixtures from Kallista were one of the first design choices I made for this space! It’s a small detail that makes a major difference. I love the warmth and patina that unlacquered brass brings to a kitchen, and it will feel right at home in the wabi sabi, sun-bleached palette I’m envisioning for the house. We’ll have two sinks in the kitchen, and both faucets are from the One Collection.

Fireplace to anchor the room

Since we’re not adding a designated “living room” to the house, we’ve carved out one end of the great room as the area where we’ll cozy up with a glass of wine and a good book. And there’s nothing like a fireplace to welcome everyone to kick up their feet —plus it’s a design element that will provide clear differentiation between the “cooking” part of the room and the “relaxing” part of the room, even though they won’t be separated by an actual wall. We’re planning to position a round table surrounded by low-slung chairs in front of the fire—an inviting spot for a cozy dinner for two or game night with the kids.

Beverage station

I wanted to design the more “lounge-y” side of the great room (near the fireplace) in a way that flowed with the kitchen, but didn’t feel like you were still in the kitchen. However, since we traded in most of our upper cabinetry for a massive kitchen window (more on that below), we needed all the extra storage we could get. So, I designated the wall that runs perpendicular to the fireplace as a bar and beverage station. It will hold practical items like wine storage, coffeemaker, mugs, and glassware. And it will also feature more design-forward elements, like our vintage turntable and sculptural objects on the open shelving, to keep it from feeling too much like part of the kitchen. 

And Finally… My Dream Kitchen Window

As mentioned, I’ve long dreamed of a statement kitchen window that floods the space with sunshine. And not only will our 10-foot wide x 7-foot high window let in tons of natural light, but it is also a fully functioning window that opens up to the back patio. There will be a counter on the exterior side that’s perfect for serving drinks and passing food to throw on the grill.

I can’t wait until the day when I’m prepping for dinner with the music turned up, glass of wine in hand, and ocean breezes blowing in through the open doors!

One design decision I’m still contemplating is what type of tree to plant just outside this window. As the visual focal point to this room, it’s as crucial to the design elements as any interior piece of art, so I’m approaching it with the same level of thoughtfulness. As of now, my top contenders are either a gnarly, twisting ornamental olive tree, or a lush citrus tree—just imagine being able to open up the window and pluck a ripe orange right off the branches! Feel free to weigh in in on the comments.

The post Yes, Our 1,000 Square Foot Addition Is Basically One Giant Kitchen—Here’s Why appeared first on Camille Styles.

If you’ve been following along, you know that we’re deep in the process of transforming a 1950s Malibu beach bungalow into our family’s retreat (get caught up on our Renovation Diaries here!) After a years-long permitting process, we’ve finally begun construction. The silver lining is that all those delays gave us ample time to plan every possible design detail.

Today we’re diving into one of my favorite design topics: how to curate the perfect mix of materials for a home. Read on for my approach—and the materials we’re using in our Zuma Beach House renovation.

Materials really matter—here’s why

You know that feeling of sinking your feet into a super soft rug when you climb out of bed in the morning? That cocoon-like state is the exact feeling I want to evoke whenever I’m home. Textures and materials have a profound impact on how a space feels, shaping our everyday experiences and emotions.

For me, material choices are just as important as color and form. They can create a sense of warmth, serenity, or even excitement in a space.

Through materials, we can enhance our daily experiences—whether that’s the smooth coolness of stone underfoot, the warmth of wood grain, or the handcrafted irregularities of clay tile.

Define the Vibe

I started this process by creating a mood board that defines the materials and color palette I want to carry throughout the beach house. While some love the idea of using a different tile and paint color in every room, I crave a sense of continuity and calm. I prefer a neutral palette with consistent materials, adding depth and interest through texture—mixing hard against soft, smooth next to rough.

I’m always drawn to natural elements—stone, wood, linen, and clay. These materials bring an organic warmth that feels both grounding and timeless. As we’ve refined our selections, these elements have guided our decisions, illuminating the earthy hues that naturally come with them.

Order samples

Throughout the process, I’ve been ordering as many samples from potential vendors as possible. I’ve started laying them out, side by side, to see how each element plays against the others. Especially when working within a neutral palette, it’s these subtle textural contrasts that bring depth to a home, creating the contrast and tension that invites the eye to linger, absorb, and find unique beauty in each space. 

The Materials We’re Using in Our Zuma Beach House Renovation

My goal is to let these materials shine in their natural state—keeping finishes unvarnished wherever possible to allow their raw beauty to take center stage.

For the Exterior Cladding: Redwood

Some of the most impactful design decisions are the ones you agonize over the most—because they have the power to define a home’s entire aesthetic. Choosing our exterior material was one of those moments.

While we’ve always loved stucco homes (as evidenced by our current Mediterranean-style home), the soul of this beach house is rooted in surf shack vibes. A timber-clad exterior felt like the right way to honor that essence. After much research, we landed on California redwood, sourced from Humboldt Sawmill (one of our Sunset Idea House partners.) Redwood is naturally resistant to insects and decay, making it a highly durable choice. Plus, sustainability is a core value of this renovation, and Humboldt Sawmill’s operations are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

I love the warm tones of redwood even more with age, so we’re working with our builders to treat the wood so that it develops that beautiful patina even faster. Stay tuned.

For the Walls: Plaster and Sheetrock

Wall finishes have been one of our biggest debates. Adam and I both love the depth and texture of plaster, but it’s a bigger investment and takes more time to apply (you can read about our journey to plaster walls in our Austin house.) The alternative—smooth sheetrock painted in a soft, semi-matte white—also captures the airy, beachy feel we’re going for.

So, we’re doing a mix: Plaster in key areas like our great room addition and primary bedroom, where we’ll embrace negative space with subtly textured, earthy walls. Sheetrock everywhere else—painted in a custom-matched hue so the transition between materials is seamless.

For our plaster finishes, we’ll be using Roman Clay by Portola—color TBD. Our sheetrock will be painted a coordinating shade of Benjamin Moore paint, which is always my go-to for its high-quality and beautiful array of colors.

For Exterior Accent Walls: El Dorado Stone

To add dimension and a sense of organic beauty to the exterior, we’re incorporating El Dorado Stone in Country Rubble on select accent walls. I’ve always loved the depth and character that this manufactured stone brings—it has the authentic, aged look of natural stone while being more lightweight and sustainable. This will tie together the natural elements of the redwood siding and give the home a rich, textural appeal.

For the Countertops: Caesarstone

I’m endlessly fascinated by the various types of stone—there’s something romantic and almost mysterious about a dramatic vein running through a slab of marble, or a timeless piece of moody soapstone. But when it came to choosing a beautiful and durable stone for our countertops and backsplashes, I really didn’t consider anything besides Caesarstone, which I’ve used and loved on the last three major design projects I’ve tackled. My current kitchen countertops have stood up to massive wear and tear without so much as a scratch or a stain. 

Since I’m incorporating it in both the kitchen and baths (even as slabs on the floor and walls in the primary bath!), I’m mixing a few different colors:

• Aluminous – “Concrete meets porcelain in a light, neutral surface that looks like fresh cement, porous and slightly uneven, contrasted by fine-grey grains and a soft stony appearance that add a rocklike texture.”
• Mirabel – “An ivory base mixed with washed clay in a bold and complex metamorphic structure…the opaque depth of hard marble with the soft translucency of alabaster.”
• Marenstone – “A dry neutral base infused with ivory and beige granules, like fine particles of sand and crushed shells that morphed into an ancient stone over millennia. Mottled highlights and brown scuffs evoke the rugged appearance of a humble sedimentary rock.”

Natural Wood Floors and Cabinetry

Throughout the house, we’re using Stuga flooring in the shade “Ingrid“. Made in Europe, Stuga’s engineered hardwood floors have a stunning natural aesthetic, with wide planks that bring warmth and timelessness to the space. Their matte finish and light, neutral tones will perfectly complement our beachy, airy design aesthetic.

We’ll also be doing custom cabinetry in White Oak, which is one of our higher ticket investments on this renovation. Every design project has taught me a little more about where to save and where to invest, and for me, cabinetry is one of those areas where it’s worth it to go with a very well-built high-quality option.

Terra Cotta Tiles

I’m obsessed with the terra cotta tiles from Clay Imports that we’re incorporating into a couple key spaces. These gorgeous tiles are handcrafted in Mexico and so special. In the outdoor kitchen, these tiles will add a warm, earthy texture that makes the space feel like a true outdoor room. We’re also considering using them in the bunk room bathroom, adding a rustic contrast that enlivens what is currently a more neutral space.

• In the outdoor kitchen: Thin Brick Antique Matte 2.5”x8”

Clay Zellige Tiles

Every renovation needs an element that gives you butterflies, and for me, that’s clay zellige tiles. Unlike overly decorative tile, zellige is all about organic texture, bringing warmth and dimension to a space.

These Moroccan tiles are handcrafted using centuries-old techniques. Their sun-dried, hand-glazed surface means no two are alike—giving them a wabi-sabi imperfection that I love.

Ours are coming from Zia Tile, and I’ll be using the following selections in various bathrooms, as well as the guest house kitchen:

• Powder bath (backsplash) Unglazed Natural Trapezoid Zellige
• Guest House Kitchen (backsplash) and Bath (Tub Surround): Pure White Trapezoid Zellige
• Guest Bathroom (floor and shower walls) Unglazed Natural 2×6 Subway Zellige

Even though I’m in love with this material, tile still scares me a bit! There are so many factors to consider: horizontal versus vertical, stacked versus staggered versus herringbone lay… and then there’s the grout! I’m reminding myself that, sometimes, you’ve just got to do the research and then take a leap. 

For Hardware: Unlacquered Brass

Plumbing fixtures and hardware may seem like small details, but they have a huge impact. Unlacquered brass has been on my dream list for years, and this beach house is finally the perfect place to use it. The warmth and softness that unlacquered brass brings to a kitchen or bath would feel right at home in the casual, sun-bleached palette I’m envisioning for the house.

I’ve heard many cautionary tales about using unlacquered brass (also known as a “living finish”). There’s maintenance—you have to use a special cleaner, and most experts recommend installing a water softener. You also have to embrace the patina and the age that happens over time—kind of like the decision to use marble, you have to be ready for it to look “imperfect” with use. I see charming character, whereas others might see flaws.

In my research, I’ve learned that it takes about a year for unlacquered brass to age naturally. However, if you want to speed up the aging process (like I do), you can use vinegar, salt, or a brass aging product. After looking at lots of different options, I’ve settled on Kallista’s unlacquered brass fixtures, mainly from the gorgeous One collection. 

More to Come…

Designing a home from the ground up means there’s always more to decide—but that’s what makes it exciting. As we finalize additional materials, I’ll share updates here, so stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes details on our Zuma Beach House renovation.

The post Materials Matter—How We’re Bringing Natural Beauty Into Our Beach House Renovation appeared first on Camille Styles.

Two weeks ago, our living room was torn apart. The drywall and flooring were removed, then the insulation, to reveal framing that hadn’t been exposed in 75 years. It was a moment we’d been waiting for over 4 years since the day we bought the beach house and began our journey of endless permitting delays with the City of Malibu.

When we started the project, our youngest, Henry, hadn’t begun kindergarten. Now, as we’re finally beginning construction, he’s halfway through fourth grade. The journey of this house has been a masterclass in patience and pivots, teaching us that the only thing that’s really in our control is choosing the next right step… continue reading on Substack.

The post This Post Took Four Years to Write appeared first on Camille Styles.

It’s no exaggeration to say that I’ve been waiting to share this post with you for years. If you’ve been following for a while, you’ll know that in 2020, we went all in on our big dream to renovate a beach house in Malibu. We fell in love with an acre of land overlooking Zuma Beach, with views of a beautiful horse farm and gardens overflowing with wild roses and olive trees. The breezes carried the scent of jasmine and salt water, and at night the sun set just at the point where the ocean meets the mountains. It was love at first sight.

A couple of months later, we got the keys to the house and our journey began. We hired Doug Burdge, our beloved Malibu-based architect, to reinvent the floor plan and add 1,000 square feet. We got all our ducks in a row and submitted everything to the city. And then began three years of waiting as we slogged through the permitting process with the City of Malibu. We didn’t know at the time how much patience and uncertainty this dream of ours would require, but throughout, we held tightly to our vision and refused to give up.

In my Substack today, I shared a lot more about our personal journey and what it taught me, and the range of emotions that come from building in a place that’s so recently been rocked by tragedy. If you want the full story (including why we’re “crazy” enough to build in a high-risk area) head over to the post. Over here, we’re kicking off the first post in our Renovation Diaries series, because we have officially begun construction!

Since I’m going to have a lot to share about our Zuma Beach House project in the coming months, this will be the official spot where you can follow along. My hope is that, for those of you who are as design-obsessed as me, it will become a resource for your own renovation journeys, as well as a place for inspiration and ideas. We’ll be getting granular on the details: how we designed the kitchen island, exactly what materials we’re using in every space, and solving those tricky decisions that come up in every renovation project. And yes, I’ll be asking you to weigh in, too.

It feels right to begin with a birds-eye view: a zoomed-out look at how the house will change, what we’re keeping and what we’re changing, and an overview of the design style and references that have inspired us.

First, the “Before”

What to know about the current house:

• 1950’s ranch-style bungalow—although it has some charming elements, this house is really all about the property.
• 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms and two bathrooms
• 600-square-foot guest house above the garage
• The property is just under an acre overlooking Zuma Beach, with towering palm trees and lush citrus and avocado trees.

Issues with the current house:

• A large electrical pole. It was smack dab in the center of our beach view. After two years of working with the city, we finally got it taken down and had the power lines buried. It was a major investment, but so worth it to open up the view.
• No clear front entrance. While there technically is a front door, it’s been used by exactly zero people since we bought the house. When you pull into the driveway, the path leads you down a sidewalk straight to the back door. So, no one is quite sure whether to circle around to the front of the house, or enter straight into the door of our laundry room.
• Lack of space. Aside from the awkward floor plan, we’re also lacking space in general. It’s a cozy fit for our family of four, so when family or friends come to stay with us, we’re bursting at the seams. There’s also nowhere for me and Adam to work (which is a problem when you both work from home), so one of us usually ends up taking calls from the bedroom while the other sits at the kitchen table with Air Pods in, praying that the kids won’t get into a fight in the meantime.
• Closed-off rooms. If you’ve seen our Austin house, you know that Adam and I are big on an open layout. We gravitate toward an airy vibe, so a house made up of small rooms that are separated from each other makes us feel claustrophobic. We can’t wait to open this space up.
• Low ceilings. In my opinion, low ceilings are one of the most concerning things about a house because they can be really difficult to change—and often, can lead to a house feeling dark and crowded. So, when we first considered the purchase of this house, making sure that we’d be able to raise the ceilings was a prerequisite. More on that later.
• Tucked-away kitchen. For me, the kitchen is the heart and center of a home, so having a small kitchen awkwardly tucked into the corner of the house (with dated granite and cabinetry) was going to be the first thing to go in any renovation.

I gave a full tour of the old house here and answered a bunch of FAQs about the property and location, if you want to dive deeper.

The Renovation Plan

• The addition: We’ll add a 1,000 square foot great room (a large open kitchen with living space). Our architect Doug brilliantly found a way to keep the original footprint of the current house, but we’ll rework the non-load-bearing walls to completely reimagine the interior floor plan.
• Create a clear front entrance. As mentioned above, the current house lacks a clear entrance and leaves guests confused about where they should go. In the remodeled layout, we want anyone who arrives at the house to know exactly where to park, with a clear plan for how to enter. Did you know there’s an actual name for this topic? It’s wayfinding, and includes principles like creating “well-structured paths” and avoiding “too many navigational choices.” Not sure why I’m obsessed with this topic, but I find it endlessly fascinating.
• Open floor plan. For the areas where we live, eat, and play together as a family, I prefer a wide-open space that preferably opens to the outdoors. If you keep reading, you’ll find out how we’re achieving that with a 1,000-square-foot addition that is basically one big kitchen.
• Vaulted ceilings. When we considered purchasing this house, I knew that for the investment, we’d need to be able to raise the ceilings. Thankfully it wasn’t too complicated here, especially since we’re keeping it to one story. We’ll be vaulting the ceilings, which means that we’re extending into the triangular space between where a ceiling would normally sit and the top of the roof. This will not only help the rooms feel larger than they actually are, but it’ll also let more natural light into each space.
• Room for guests. While we wanted to keep this a fairly modest-sized house, we also knew that this was a place we anticipated hosting family and friends for years to come. By adding a guest suite and a bunk room, we’d make room for an additional four to five people to stay with our family in the main house.
• Big kitchen for entertaining. Since the kitchen is my happy place, I naturally want to be able to spend time in it surrounded by family and friends. I need a kitchen large enough to accommodate cooking projects, recipe photo shoots, and lots of people, since most dinner parties end up with everyone gathered around the island. Based on the current tucked-away corner kitchen, I knew this would require a complete reimagining of the space.
• Natural light. The current house already has great light, but we knew that by raising the ceilings and adding more windows and doors to the back of the house, we could create an even more light-filled space.

The Style: Japandi Modern Beach House

We’re calling this a Japandi Modern Beach House because it combines the minimalism, clean lines, and natural materials of Scandinavian design with the warmth, tranquility, and focus on craftsmanship from Japanese design. Our priorities are simplicity, functionality, and harmony, bringing the indoors and outdoors together in a seamless flow. We want this house to feel like a sanctuary, using natural materials, neutral tones, and handcrafted details.

(Here’s another article I wrote about Japandi design and how to create it in your own home here.)

The Visualizations: Where We’re Headed

We’ve been working with the team at YouSee Studio to create realistic 3D renderings of our plans so we can truly visualize what we’re creating. I can’t recommend this process enough. Not only has it allowed us to make spacial decisions about the architecture, but being able to test out different materials and room layouts has already saved us from multiple decisions we would have regretted.

I can’t wait to share these visualizations of each space in the house as we go through the design process over the next few months—we’ll be able to look at different comparisons and options together as we make all those final decisions to bring the project to life.

Here’s the property overview that shows the new exterior. To the left, you can see the great room addition with the outdoor terrace. The right side is the existing house that becomes the bedrooms, bathrooms, and media room.

Features of our Japandi Modern Beach House:

It’s important to Adam and me that every element of this project is an intentional blend of beauty and functionality. Here are a few design decisions that are guiding the entire project:

Exterior Design:

• Scandinavian-inspired wood cladding. We’re using beautiful redwood from Humboldt Sawmill Company in Northern California.
• Large windows and doors that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors.
• Corrugated metal roofing, adding a contemporary edge to the minimalist design.

Interior Materials:

• Natural wood floors and cabinetry for warmth and texture. Our floors are by Stuga, a direct-to-consumer wood flooring company that’s based in the US and works with Scandinavian manufacturers.
• Stone accent walls that ground the space and reflect the surrounding environment. I can’t wait to show you guys the stone that we chose from Eldorado Stone—it’s gorgeous and will be such a statement.
• Simple, functional layouts that maximize space and light.

Design Philosophy:

• A focus on natural elements like olive and citrus trees, agave, and native grasses in the landscape.
• A neutral color palette of black, wood, creamy plaster, concrete, and stone for a calming vibe.
• An emphasis on craftsmanship and high-quality, long-lasting materials.

Overall Atmosphere:

• A blend of Scandinavian hygge (coziness) with Japanese wabi-sabi (beauty in imperfection).
• Spaces designed for peace, relaxation, and connection to nature.

The Team

• Architect: Burdge and Associates Architects
• Builder: RS Wood Construction
• Landscape Architect: Fiore Landscape Design
• Design: Camille Styles

The post Zuma Beach House, Ch. 1: The Journey Begins appeared first on Camille Styles.

Our family is spending the last couple weeks of summer at Zuma Beach House, and we’re sincerely hoping that it’s one of the last times we’ll be able to sleep here before construction starts. Because that would imply that construction is starting sometime in the near future. But even though nails aren’t being hammered yet, things are definitely happening behind-the-scenes on this project. Permits are filed, and we’ve been meeting with our builders to hammer out interior elevations as we make decisions like the kitchen cabinet and drawer configurations, or the placement of the tub fillers and sink faucets in each bathroom. Our goal is to get ahead, so that once we’ve got those approved plans in hand, we can hit the ground running on construction.

So far, I’ve shared the backstory and our overall inspiration for this project. We’re creating a serene, minimalist beach bungalow, while keeping the 1950s ranch elements that give the house its character. Now, I’m excited to start diving into the nitty-gritty details of the design and renovation itself, and there’s no better place to start than by walking you through the new beach house floor plan. Ready to see how we’re laying it all out, and exactly what the added square footage will include? Come on in…

Let’s revisit the existing house floor plan…

Here’s the breakdown of the current house…

Square footage:

1421 square feet in the main house

Room Layout:

The current 2 bedroom / 2 bathroom house has an undeniably awkward floor plan. It’s the only time I’ve ever seen people get lost in a house this small, because the floor plan makes absolutely no sense. The kids’ room connects directly into the living room (divided by a curtain, no less), and the “primary” bathroom is separated from the primary bedroom by a small den that was added on to the house at some point.

Issues with the current house

No clear front entrance. While technically there is a front door, it’s been used by exactly zero people since we bought the house. When you pull into the driveway, the path leads you down a sidewalk straight to the back door. So, no one is quite sure whether to circle around to the front of the house, or enter straight into the door of our laundry room.

Lack of space. Aside from the awkward floor plan, we’re also lacking space in general. It’s a cozy fit for our family of four, so when family or friends come to stay with us, we’re bursting at the seams. There’s also nowhere for me and Adam to work (which is a problem when you both work from home), so one of us usually ends up taking zoom calls from the bedroom while the other sits at the kitchen table with air pods in, praying that the kids won’t get into a fight while you’re on an important call.

Closed-off rooms. If you’ve seen our Austin house, you know that Adam and I are big on an open floor plan layout. We gravitate towards an open, airy vibe, so a house made up of small rooms that are separated off from each other makes us feel claustrophobic. We can’t wait to open this space up.

Low ceilings. In my opinion, low ceilings are one of the most concerning things about a house because they can be really difficult to change—and often, can lead to a house feeling dark and crowded. So, when we first considered the purchase of this house, making sure that we’d be able to raise up the ceilings was a prerequisite. More on that later.

Tucked-Away Kitchen. For me, the kitchen is the heart and center of a home, so having a small kitchen awkwardly tucked into the corner of the house (with dated granite and cabinetry no less) was going to be the first thing to go in any renovation.

GOALS for the new house

Clear front entrance.

As mentioned above, the current house lacks a clear entrance and leaves guests confused about where they should go. In the remodeled layout, we want anyone who arrives at the house to know exactly where to park, with a clear plan for how to enter the house. Did you know there’s an actual name for this topic? It’s wayfinding, and includes principles like creating “well-structured paths” and avoiding “too many navigational choices.” Not sure why I’m obsessed with this topic, but I find it endlessly fascinating.

Open floor plan.

For the areas where we live, eat, and play together as a family, I prefer a wide-open space that feels expansive and preferably, opens up to the outdoors as well. If you keep reading, you’ll find out how we’re achieving that with a 1000 square foot addition that is basically one big kitchen.

Vaulted ceilings.

When we considered purchasing this house, I knew that for the investment, we’d need to be able to raise the ceilings. Thankfully it wasn’t too complicated here, especially since we’re keeping it one-story. We’ll be vaulting the ceilings, which means that we’re extending into the triangular space between where a ceiling would normally sit and the top of the roof. This will not only help the rooms feel larger than they actually are—it’ll also let more natural light into each space.

Room for guests.

While we wanted to keep this a fairly modest-sized house, we also knew that this was a place we anticipated hosting family and friends for years to come. By adding a guest suite and a bunk room, we’d make room for an additional 4 – 5 people to stay with our family in the main house.

Big kitchen for entertaining.

Since the kitchen is my happy place, I naturally want to be able to spend time in it surrounded by family and friends. I need a kitchen large enough to accommodate cooking projects, recipe photo shoots, and lots of people, since most dinner parties end up with everyone gathered around the island. I knew that, based on the current tucked-away corner kitchen, this would require a complete reimagining of the space.

Lots of natural light.

The current house already has great light, but we knew that by raising the ceilings and adding more windows and doors to the back of the house, we could create an even more light-filled space.

Floor plan version 1

Our architect, Doug Burdge, pretty much nailed the new layout on his first pass. We had thought that the addition would probably be comprised of a primary bedroom suite, however Doug totally reimagined the footprint of the current house to include all the bedrooms/bathrooms, while adding a 1000 square foot great room that would become the home’s focal point. He truly understood our desire to make this house about entertaining and hosting, and created an open floor plan that was really all about gatherings.

For this first pass, Doug experimented with an interesting vision for a modern “hacienda-style” entrance, where once people entered the main gate from the driveway, they could roam around to the front of the house and enter through the huge glass sliding doors. However, for us this plan was missing a few things… namely, a clear front door. We liked the concept, but felt like it ultimately wouldn’t be conducive to everyday life.

Floor plan version 2:

Our second floor plan introduces the new front door, and (surprise!) it’s actually on what is currently the back side of the house. We basically flipped the entrance so that when you walk down the path from the driveway, you enter down a long tree-lined path and enter right into the new Great Room.

One other concern we had from the first set of plans was that our Primary Bathroom was tiny. So, in version 2 we expanded the Primary Bath by stealing the closet from Guest Room 2 (sorry guests!) We’ll add a built-in to that room to serve as the closet. It would have been cool to have an actual closet there, but a small primary bath is just not a great option since I want this one to feel airy and spa-like.

We also turned Guest Room 3 into a bunkroom to make room for lots of kids to sleepover. We added a large floor-to-ceiling corner window in the Great Room to maximize the ocean views from inside the house. And we removed the bar in the Great Room and replaced it with a banquette/breakfast nook.

The one thing this plan was still missing for me was an entryway—I wanted an entrance “moment” when people walk in the front door, and right now they’d be looking at the side of a banquette. Which brings us to…

Beach House Floor Plan version 3:

Here are the details of Floor Plan 3 which is close to where we’ve finally ended up…

Square footage:

2500 square feet (includes a 1000 square foot addition)

Room Layout:

The new house will have 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms (including the new powder bath), plus a lounge and a great room with open kitchen and living area. The dining room will be outside under a covered trellis (yes—the only dining room will be outside! The beauty of Southern California.)

It feels like we’re adding on so many rooms and usable space, but in actuality, we’re only adding 1000 square feet to the main house. It’s an example of what a difference it makes when a floor plan is designed to be smart and efficient, thanks to the brilliance of our architect, Doug Burdge. He was able to turn the existing footprint of the house into our bedrooms, bathrooms, and lounge. Then we could let the addition stay one big open room that’ll make the entire house feel more expansive, and invite the indoor-outdoor flow that we knew we wanted for this property.

Round 3 changes included:

• Opening up the entryway to make room for a console table and artwork—we did this by removing the banquette and the pocket door to the laundry room.
• Extending the square footage in the Primary Bedroom. We wanted to keep the current footprint of the house as much as possible to save on cost, however we knew that adding a few feet to the Primary Bedroom would be a worthy investment and make that room feel much more open and luxurious.
• Vaulted ceilings throughout—we decided that it would be worth it to go ahead and raise the ceilings in the guest rooms as well. It added on some cost, but for me, high ceilings are a worthy splurge.

And then there’s the guest house.

We haven’t even talked about the guest house yet! It’s a one-room apartment above the garage, with a weird little kitchenette and fridge that share a space with the bed. The downside is that you have to climb a creepy carpeted staircase from the garage to access it. The upside? It already has gorgeous light, and expansive views of Zuma Beach from every window. We’ll be keeping the current footprint, but getting very creative to turn it into a one-bedroom suite with boutique hotel vibes. The guest house project deserves its own post, so stay tuned to see how we’re doing it.

The post Our Floor Plans for Zuma Beach House—And the Design Journey We Took to Get There appeared first on Camille Styles.

Sign up here to get monthly #ZumaBeachHouse updates delivered straight to your inbox. First up? Answers to your frequently asked questions about the property, as well as the full “Before” tour.

Since we’re getting ready to dive into renovations on our beach house in Malibu, it felt like a good time to drop in with some “before” shots of the current house, as well as answer a few FAQ’s that I’ve gotten from you guys since I shared about the renovation last month. So, let’s get to it! First up:

How did you find the Malibu house?

I answered this question in our Breathing Space email, so if you’re a subscriber, feel free to just scroll on and enjoy the “Before” shots… otherwise, why not sign up here? Here’s a recap:

The story of Zuma Beach House starts during the first few months of the pandemic, with our family locked down at home in Austin. With so many distractions eliminated from our day-to-day, we found ourselves taking a fresh look at the choices we were making with our lives. Though Adam and I had talked for years about having a vacation home at the beach, it was always in the context of someday far off in the future.

But with the pandemic came a new level of flexibility—no longer did we have to be in one location to function in work, school, and life. Plus, we’d recently sold our studio space in downtown Austin, and were ready to jump into another project. Suddenly, we questioned why we weren’t actually doing this thing we’d been talking about for years.

Instead of waiting for “someday” in the vague future, could we start moving toward our big dream right now?

Above: photos from the MLS listing when we first laid eyes on the house, 2020

The next thing we knew, we were online looking at real estate on the north end of Malibu. As we searched, there was this one 1950’s bungalow listed on Redfin with a crazy floor plan that we kept coming back to. It had some issues, but it also had sunset views over the Pacific, doors that welcomed in the sea breezes, and citrus and avocado trees. When we got an alert that the seller dropped the price, we booked our flights, and 48 hours later, we were headed to see the house in person. The rest is history. (Actually, it was followed by a crazy stressful few months of trying to make it work, but I’ll spare you the details. Point is, we miraculously got the house.)

That was in August 2020, and since then we’ve been working with our architect, Doug Burdge, to reimagine the house and transform the floor plan into a space that’s more reflective of our vision and conducive to our family’s life.

Here’s the little video tour I made after our first summer in the house…

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Why Malibu? Do you have family there?

Nope—Adam’s from San Diego and I’m from Texas, but we’ve both been in Austin for over 15 years and (wonderfully) our family’s mostly live in Austin, too. However, even before we knew each other, both Adam and I have felt a pull towards the West Coast. I remember the first time I visited LA when I was 18. My brother had moved to Santa Monica, so I spent a week exploring the city and remember feeling such an instant connection, ease, and just “at home” feeling immediately.

In the years since we’ve been married, Adam and I have spent more time in Malibu together. Anyone remember this Malibu trip from back in the archives? I think that was the beginning of my love affair… and later, spending the day at Shelley Armistead’s home and then with Helene Henderson… We both felt a connection with the surf vibes and nature-focused way of life in the north part of Malibu. Here, it’s more about surfing, farms, and hiking trails than it is about paparazzi. There’s a great burrito place, a local grocery store that makes amazing smoothies, a surf shop, and not a whole lot else. We shop at the local farm stand and sit around watching the stars at night. The cell signal is terrible—just the kind of change from “normal life” that we’ve been craving amidst the crazy busy pace of our Austin lives.

above: the house as it is now in summer 2022 after a basic “freshen up” (mainly re-styling and IKEA finds) to get us through the pre-renovation period

Where is the Malibu house located?

As mentioned, it’s on the north end of Malibu, just north of Point Dume and across from Zuma Beach. We have several incredible beaches within walking distance or a short drive, and when we’re there, we spend time at the beach every single day—walking in the morning, attempting to surf, searching for shells when the tide is low. There are honestly not a lot of great restaurants around us, but that suits us just fine since it creates a daily rhythm that’s more about cooking our meals at home and often, inviting friends to join us.

What drew you to the current house?

The current house is a 1950’s ranch-style bungalow—although it has some charming elements, this house is really all about the property. It’s situated on just under an acre overlooking Zuma Beach, with towering palm trees and lush citrus and avocado trees. We’re on a quiet street with a horse farm as neighbors. The current house has some major issues that may have discouraged previous buyers (and that we had to carefully consider when we purchased the property.)

For one, there’s a large electrical pole smack dab in the center of our beach view. It’s definitely not ideal, but we’ve been working with the city to get it buried under ground. Almost two years later, we’re so close…it’s taken some persistence and a lot of patience, but I know it’ll be worth it. Another problem is that the house has low horizontal ceilings and a somewhat bizarre floor plan (the result of a not-very-thought-out addition) that somehow makes guests feel lost even though it’s only 1400 square feet. I remember the first time we saw it in person, we both laid in bed that night trying to sort out how in the world we could make the floor plan work. The answer was that we probably couldn’t, and unsurprisingly, our plans include demo’ing most of the interior walls to rework it.

However one major “pro” for the house is its natural light – every photo I take has its own beauty despite the brown granite countertops and dated flooring. When you’re there, there’s that feeling of being immersed in nature even when you’re indoors, and that’s certainly something I want to carry into the new version of the house.

What will the renovation include?

Our genius architect Doug found a way to keep the original footprint of the current house and make it make sense, but we’ll be reworking the interior rooms so that the layout works. We’ll also be adding a 1,000 square foot great room (a large open kitchen with living space) as well as vaulting all the ceilings so it feels airy and open. The 600 square foot guest house will keep its footprint, but we’ll be gut renovating the interior to turn it into a small but chic, boutique hotel-style one bedroom loft.

Be sure to sign up here if you want to get #ZumaBeachHouse updates delivered to your inbox! Next up, I’ll be sharing all my design inspiration, including the “design style” I’m going with and what materials we’re planning to use throughout the house.

The post Step Inside Zuma Beach House—The “Before” Tour appeared first on Camille Styles.