Austin and Chris moved into their 1931 bungalow on Vandelia in 2020 and have already transformed the house into a stylish home. The house reflects the young couple’s fresh sense of style. It’s also a testament to how to retain the charm of the past while still accommodating modern needs.
As soon as they saw the white cottage and opened the door to the expansive living area and then caught a glimpse of the backyard pool, they were hooked on this house. The pool needed work with its old coping and cracked concrete and the largest bedroom was still tiny without access to a bath, but they knew the bones were there. They made the changes to the primary bedroom, borrowing spaces and creating a fabulous owner’s suite with a walkout onto the pool deck. They then took a while to decide on the main color of the home, which would be painted everywhere for cohesion. (They finally decided on Ibis White by Sherwin Williams, by the way) The decorating began at that point. All whites and creamy neutrals give the interiors a California coastal look, especially with the light wood flooring.
The couple loves to gather around the fireplace in the colder months and watch television on the sectional and then spend most of the warmer months around the pool and outdoor decks, entertaining.
Chris enjoys pairing up high and low-end items to give the home a relaxed and lived-in vibe. Not only the placement of items, but the fragrance is important to him as well. You will find perfectly placed, luxury candles in every room. There is a front den off the living room where you can entertain a few friends and see the neighbors walk by. The guest house is a favorite of anyone visiting since it shows a sense of fun and you almost expect to look out the window and see the waves come softly up the sand. Of course what you do see is a chic, perfectly arranged pool with loungers, a table shaded by a pergola, usually set for an alfresco meal.
The bedrooms carry an airy, casual vibe throughout the house.
The office, although lovely, is the next to get a makeover into more of a sophisticated gentlemen’s lounge where you could choose from collected bourbons and have conversations. The house is perfectly dreamy and perfect for this busy, professional couple.
Gorgeous virtual tour and evocative descriptions of this lovely home! Thanks to Chris and Austin for letting us peek into their beautifully decorated nest, and to Tom for guiding us through it so eloquently!