The Sea Gull Cottage

Whole Home Renovation | Santa Barbara, CA

A small coastal home that evolved over decades alongside its growing family.

I provided comprehensive interior design services including two full bathroom remodels, custom built-in cabinetry and millwork, space planning solutions, finish selection, and detailed coordination throughout construction. My role encompassed design concept development, technical drawings for custom elements, material specification, and on-site oversight.

Challenge

The home needed to function for a modern family while honoring its coastal character. Key challenges included maximizing storage and livability in a compact footprint, creating cohesive design flow throughout rooms that had been updated piecemeal over the years, and enhancing the indoor-outdoor lifestyle essential to coastal living.

Design Solution

I created a unified coastal palette that feels spacious, airy, and inviting throughout. Custom built-ins became the cornerstone of the design—adding essential storage while maintaining an open feel. Solutions included a space-saving built-in bunk bed for a small bedroom, custom “locker” style storage and shelving in the laundry area, a designed mantle with coordinating bookshelves, and an industrial-modern desk with stained wood and pipe details.

Architectural details like shiplap accent walls and built-in wainscoting add warmth and character. I selected updated flooring, a complete interior paint scheme, and curated lighting and finishes that enhance the home’s connection to its coastal surroundings. The result is a cohesive, functional home that embraces its beachside location while meeting every practical need of family life.