Guided by the vision of Leigh Jendrusina of SALTHOUSE collective this charming Cali beach house was transformed into a warm and collected space for a young family. Her design blends modern updates with coastal-inspired touches, creating a fresh, inviting atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and relaxed. Through Charlotte Lea’s lens, this home’s design beautifully unfolds, highlighting the seamless flow between the kitchen, dining, and family spaces—perfect for casual living.

From the designer… My client bought a 1960s home from the original homeowner, and we completely transformed and modernized the space to how we live today. We started with the layout. On the main level, the original home was broken up into rooms for each function – kitchen, dining, family living, formal living. My clients are a young family with three kids and wanted to feel more connected when living and entertaining in their home. So we knocked down walls, and opened up the space to have a better flow from family living to kitchen to dining. The formal living room is still separate but more of the adult after dinner hang space now. Once we felt good about the layout, I layered in the style. I wanted it to feel lighter and brighter, but also cool and collected. Like a fancy-casual space where things weren’t fussy, but it also looked done at all times. We also live in a beach town, so there’s nods to beach life in art, books and materials throughout the space as well.

In the kitchen and bar area, I paired the warmth of the slab front white oak cabinetry with skinny white scalloped door fronts, and then layered in a beautiful Taj Mahal quartzite stone to bring in just the right amount of pretty. The open arched bentwood stools brought the whole space together.

The rest of the home plays off of the kitchen design – there’s nuanced tiles throughout the bathrooms, white oak cabinetry with a little fun in the door fronts, funky mirrors and lighting. We kept a few original elements, like the stained glass panel in the front entry and the brick fireplace surround in the adult living room; but otherwise transformed the space so it feels fresh, warm and totally and elevated California style home.

Like what you see? Take a peek at the talent behind the story… Interior Design & Styling: Leigh Jendrusina, SALTHOUSE collective · Photography:  Charlotte Lea Photography