Overlooking the dramatic cliffs of Sea Ranch, California, this 1990s home was transformed into a sanctuary where nature and design coexist effortlessly. Tama Bell Design, Inc. reimagined the space, preserving much of the original floor plan while enhancing its functionality and incorporating the warmth of organic materials. A simple yet effective change—converting a closet into a powder bath—improving the home’s flow, creating a comfortable retreat for family and friends alike. Captured by photographer Stephanie Russo, the home stands as a testament to thoughtful design that honors both place and purpose.
From the designer… In the fall of 2021, our clients reached out with a clear and direct request: to modernize their 1990s Sea Ranch home. Looking back at their intake form still makes me chuckle. The client’s top five issues?
- Ugly home interior.
- That pretty much sums it up…LOL.
Just 1 and 2—no 3, 4, or 5. Straight to the point, and we appreciated their honesty! We began with a walkthrough of the space, which featured a fairly traditional Sea Ranch layout: bedrooms on the entry level, with the living areas and primary bedroom upstairs. It’s a smart design, maximizing sight lines to the spectacular ocean views this home offered. However, even good layouts can benefit from thoughtful adjustments.
When we review a floor plan, our goal is always to simplify and optimize. We look to eliminate wasted space, improve transitions, and make the most of what’s already there without altering the footprint unnecessarily. In this case, one major issue stood out: the lack of a powder room for the living areas upstairs. Guests had to walk through the primary bedroom to use the only bathroom on that floor—a common issue in Sea Ranch homes, where bedrooms often have dedicated baths but public spaces don’t. We were able to create a small hall and use a walk-in closet to create a powder bath that feels like it was always there.
Grasscloth walls add both texture and softness, tying the space together with natural, timeless appeal. Grasscloth, in particular, is one of our favorite ways to incorporate color. It’s bold yet classic, allowing for longevity in design.
– Tama Bell
Once the floor plan adjustments were complete, we turned our attention to materials. For this project, we drew inspiration directly from the surrounding environment—the sand and sea. Our goal was to create a modern, organic, and natural aesthetic that felt perfectly at home in Sea Ranch. The primary bedroom transformed dramatically. Gone was the sharp teal paint, replaced with a grayed, textural blue grasscloth. This subtle yet impactful change enveloped the room in softness and created a serene, calming retreat. It’s incredible what the right color can do to redefine a space.
With every decision—from reworking the layout to selecting materials—we aimed to honor the natural beauty of Sea Ranch while bringing this 1990s home into the present. The result is a space that feels fresh, modern, and deeply connected to its surroundings. Sometimes, simplicity speaks volumes—just like our client’s intake form. And we love that.
Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Tama Bell Design, Inc. · Photography: Stephanie Russo · Contractor: Estrada Construction
