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 at present framing out the brand new nice room/kitchen. Each week, it’s feeling a bit of extra actual (observe together with real-time updates on my Instagram.)
At this time, we’re diving into an area I’ve been enthusiastic 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 website 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 related 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 after we first toured the home with our realtor—all of us agreed that its largest unfavourable was the low ceilings which made the complete area really feel a bit cramped. So, one among our first design selections was to vault the ceiling, and the change will likely be dramatic. Once you stroll into the brand new area, it is going to really feel expansive and ethereal—with no need 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 Practical
The center 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 alternative (sorry, children!). Our imaginative and prescient for this home is that it fosters a way of life round time spent open air, gathered across the desk, or sharing gradual mornings collectively—not continuously 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 e-book on overcast days.
The open cabinets are designed for extra than simply storage, although we undoubtedly 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, moderately 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: stable oak and cane-front panels. Cane brings such stunning texture, and we modeled each choices within the area to check facet by facet. In the long run, we determined to go together with stable oak for its simplicity and timelessness. The purpose is for this area to really feel heat and welcoming, and I needed to keep away from something too fashionable that we’d tire of down the road. Listed here are the visualizations so you’ll be able to see each choices. Which will get your vote?
Framing the Doorway With an Arch
Initially, the design plans confirmed a normal door opening connecting the Nice Room to the Media Room. I instinctively knew it might have extra character and architectural curiosity, so we modeled it with an arch and liked the replace. It’s a small change that provides a lot character. I really 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 Strains Between Indoors and Out
As in the remainder of the home, we would like as a lot indoor-outdoor circulate on this room as attainable. To realize this, we’re putting in two units of glass pocket doorways from Marvin that may totally open to the yard and ocean view. These doorways will enable us to utterly blur the boundaries between indoors and out—once they’re open, it is going to 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 observe 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 sincere, 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 proud of our closing 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 sport tournaments, cozy film nights, and the straightforward 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!
