Color Is King in This Manhattan Beach Home

Expand

There are two types of people: Those who like group projects, and those who just do all the work themselves and tell everyone else to go home. The owners of a new Manhattan Beach home are part of the former group, and luckily, so is Caitlin Murray, founder of the Los Angeles-based design firm Black Lacquer Design, which undertook the 1,700-square-foot home's overhaul.

The result is a collaboration between Murray; the architect, Jonathan Starr of Starr Design Group; and the family, who were hands-on to the point of even designing the ombre tile layout in the bathroom. "Of course there's always a bit of a challenge when you are working to balance design choices that can sometimes conflict. In this case, we set off to create spaces that were simultaneously modern, inviting, kid-friendly, and full of a wide range of colors," Murray said. "But the project developed so organically that it almost feels effortless in retrospect."

Video of the Day

Expand

1 of 10

Living Room

[object Object]

In the living room, a custom sofa and custom coffee table are paired with a coral-hued tripod lounge chair made of plywood by Kardiel. White walls, interrupted by minimalist window openings, provide an unadorned background for a living room filled with color.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

2 of 10

Living Room

"Pops of color was such a perfect way to introduce warmth and interest while also being kid-friendly and modern," Murphy said. On the custom-designed sofa, the bright blue fabric is accentuated by round pillows that echo the other hues in the room.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

3 of 10

Sitting Room

An emerald-hued cowhide rug mirrors the color of the Kartell hanging light. Natural elements like a rattan coffee table by Anthropologie temper the brightness of color.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

4 of 10

Dining Room

The house features custom flooring throughout. A White Macaubas Quartzite countertop separates the space between the dining area and kitchen. A custom dining table, built from walnut wood and powder-coated steel, is paired with a set of Calligaris Bloom chairs.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

5 of 10

Kitchen

In the kitchen area, a pair of Tom Dixon pendant lights line the ceiling. Custom-made windows lend the perfect amount of natural light while cork flooring in the kitchen and dining room provide the shared area with a sense of earthiness.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

6 of 10

Office

High design meets geometric playfulness in the home office, complete with a thin-framed desk by Lawson-Fenning and pink stools designed by architect Frank Gehry. A muted pale rug from Anthropologie stands out in a background of walls painted in Champion Cobalt from Benjamin Moore.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

7 of 10

Bedroom

In the private areas of the house, color is used in more daring ways. Wallpaper from Astek Inc. sets a wild tone. A custom-made bed and minimalist light fixture outfit the room with elements of minimalism to create a sense of balance.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

8 of 10

Bedroom

In a room that is both simple and chock full of bright colors, a Kartell chair is paired with a clear table from Urban Outfitters. Framed art, custom made by Paper Jam Press, is simultaneously bold and minimal.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

9 of 10

Bathroom

A geometric wallpaper in the bathroom became the color guide for the rest of the house. The backsplash was created by combining Cole & Son's circus wallpaper with Ann Sacks wall and floor tile.

Image Credit: Mary Costa

Expand

10 of 10

Bathroom

The family had a hand in designing the shower wall tile design, opting for a blue and white ombre style.

Image Credit: Mary Costa