Grounded in warmth and crafted for daily life, this San Diego, California home was thoughtfully reimagined by Keri Michelle Interiors and photographed by Pixels & Pigment. Transitional in spirit, the design layers timeless materials with soft architectural details, creating spaces that encourage both connection and quiet retreat. Shaped by family rhythms and influenced by Southern California’s Spanish heritage design, the home feels considered, comfortable, and enduring.
From Keri Michelle Interiors…Our clients approached us with the desire to transform their dark, dated kitchen into a timeless retreat that reflects the warmth and character of Southern California’s Spanish heritage. As a busy family of four, they envisioned a space that would not only feel like an oasis after long days but also support the rhythms of daily life with young children.
Our design sought to balance sophistication and functionality, integrating durable, family-friendly materials with thoughtful nods to Spanish architecture through arched details, natural textures, and a soft, sun-washed palette. The reimagined layout, featuring double islands, creates an open and inviting flow with designated space for the kids to play or do homework while meals are prepared. This thoughtful arrangement encourages connection and ease. The result is a soulful, serene kitchen that celebrates heritage while supporting the pace and joy of modern family life.
Hand-finished materials, from natural stone quartzite and artisan-made tiles to warm limestone floors, layer texture and quiet sophistication throughout. Plain-sliced white oak, soft sculptural plumbing fixtures, and warm, earthy paint tones add depth and richness, creating spaces that feel both grounded and elevated.
The primary bathroom was envisioned as a private sanctuary, a restorative space where our clients could unwind and reconnect at the end of each day. Inspired by the same Southern California Spanish heritage that guided the kitchen design, we brought a warm, timeless sensibility to this intimate retreat through curated materials, thoughtful architectural details, and a palette drawn from the surrounding coastal landscape.
Our goal was to create a bathroom that balances calm with character. A sculptural soaking tub anchors the space, framed by arched windows and a textural chandelier, then softened by layers of natural light. Hand-finished tilework, warm limestone floors, and veined natural stone surfaces bring texture and quiet elegance, while unlacquered brass fixtures add a subtle, lived-in patina over time.
The space was designed not just for beauty, but for a sense of grounding. Custom white oak vanities provide ample storage, while a generous walk-in shower with a soft marble surround and rain shower head offers a spa-like experience. Every material was chosen for its tactile quality and longevity, creating a room that invites pause, comfort, and daily ritual.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Keri Michelle Interiors · Photography: Pixels & Pigment · Styling: Keri Lainas & California Casa · Builder: California Home Builders
