The ocean view in Carlsbad, California, isn’t evenly distributed. One side of a street can offer sweeping vistas of the Pacific, while the other offers little more than a glimpse of rooftops. This particular street was no exception. The homeowners, already residents of the neighborhood, recognized the opportunity when a property became available directly across from their existing home—this time, on the ocean-facing side. The new home was positioned on the west side of the street, ensuring expansive, unobstructed ocean views from the deck, which was a key factor in their decision to purchase.
Designer Abbie Naber of A. Naber Design was brought in to transform the house into something both distinctive and deeply personal. The clients, particularly the wife—a vintage dealer with a sharp eye for detail—drew inspiration from Naber’s own bathroom and a past project in her portfolio. But the goal wasn’t replication. “But I wanted to reinterpret those designs and create something that felt fresh and uniquely their own,” the designer explains. The collaboration between Naber and the homeowners focused on blending unexpected textures and colors while maintaining a cohesive aesthetic.
The renovation began with a structural challenge. The original layout was fragmented, with a large wall separating the kitchen and living area, and a hood obstructing the view from the entry. Removing a support beam was necessary to open up the space, but it required careful planning to ensure structural integrity. The existing cooktop’s hood was positioned directly in the sightline upon entering, further emphasizing the need for an open floor plan. The result was a reconfigured floor plan that prioritized the ocean view while introducing a dedicated dining area, a more functional kitchen, and an expanded living room. The view, now unobstructed, became the centerpiece of the design, with every seating area oriented toward the Pacific.
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Bold colors and textures redefine coastal style
Naber’s team made bold material choices to reinforce the home’s character. A blue-stained kitchen island stood out as an unexpected focal point, drawing the eye and adding a layer of personality to the space. The choice of blue was intentional, as it complemented the coastal setting while introducing a bold contrast to the neutral palette. Meanwhile, a burl wood vanity in the primary bathroom added texture and warmth, serving as a natural counterpoint to the sleek lines of the rest of the space. These selections weren’t just aesthetic, they reflected the homeowners’ desire for a space that felt intentional, not just visually striking.
The project faced an unexpected delay when the original hardwood flooring took longer than anticipated to acclimate and cure. Humidity and weather fluctuations slowed the process, creating a ripple effect across the renovation timeline. Trades had to pause and return, and finish work stalled until the flooring was ready. “Because so much of the finish work depended on the flooring being installed, the extended curing time had a ripple effect throughout the project schedule,” the designer explains. Despite the setback, Naber emphasized that preserving the original wood was critical to the home’s identity. “Preserving and restoring the original hardwood was important to the overall character of the home and well worth the extra time,” she says.
Balancing view and design without compromise
Naber’s approach balanced the home’s coastal setting with deliberate, layered interiors. The final result wasn’t just about the view, it was about creating a space that felt lived-in, with unexpected details that held their own against the natural beauty outside. The homeowners’ must-haves, unique tile, thoughtful material pairings, and a considered use of color, were delivered with precision.
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The renovation succeeded in making the most of the location without letting it overshadow the design. Coastal homes often rely on their surroundings for impact, but this project ensured the interiors had their own story to tell. The result is a home where every choice, from the blue island to the burl vanity, feels intentional and personal. The design process also highlighted the importance of balancing modern functionality with timeless details, ensuring the space would remain relevant and cherished for years to come.
Patience and craftsmanship shape the home’s soul
Designers often face the tension between preserving a property’s existing elements and introducing fresh ideas. In this case, the solution wasn’t to choose between the two but to blend them. The original hardwood, for instance, wasn’t just restored, it became part of a larger narrative about patience and craftsmanship. The delays, while frustrating, reinforced the value of taking time with materials. Similar projects in high-demand coastal markets sometimes rush finishes to meet timelines, but this renovation treated the process as part of the design itself, emphasizing that quality and intentionality should never be sacrificed for speed. The homeowners’ willingness to adopt the unexpected, whether in material choices or timeline adjustments, ultimately strengthened the project’s authenticity.
The final touches, subtle yet striking, ensure the home feels cohesive. The ocean remains the backdrop, but the interiors now carry their own weight. For a property where location is a selling point, the renovation proves that the best coastal homes don’t just frame the view. They make the view feel like part of the story, while the interiors stand as a sign of thoughtful design and personal expression.
