the ultimate beach house in newport beach

Located at the world famous "Wedge" on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, this home has the ultimate location. Not only is this a premier surfing and body surfing spot, but the beach setting is a virtual paradise.  

As one of the 8 homes featured on the Newport Harbor Home Tour, the outward appearance of this european style facade is only a cloak to its interior decor.  

The interior is light, airy and beachy. It's California beach living at its best, with subtle references to cottage French and Swedish decor, especially in the master bedroom. And, the view of the Pacific and intoxicating ocean breezes are priceless.

   The cozy great room sets 

the tone for this beach house... 

with an oyster shell chandelier 

in the dining area.

 The views from here are spectacular.

 Upstairs, the master bedroom 

is done in a neutral palette,

with just a hint of a soft ocean blue.

The large sitting area is across from the bed.

The hand-painted ceiling in an adjacent room 

reminds me of something you'd see in

 an early California mission. 

I love the chaise lounge centered in the room.

Here's the view of the Wedge

from the master bedroom,

and looking out toward Catalina Island.

The guest room features

a variety of mismatched

reclaimed wood planks on two walls.

I love the gorgeous teal and orange color scheme

in another guest room.

It's so elegant for a beach house.

Don't you love this old crate used for the orchids?

Seashells and coral highlight the antique books.

Lovely coastal details

highlight the shelves.

The rooftop deck has

all the amenities for entertaining

plus almost 360 degree

views of Newport.

 

enjoy your weekend ...

ciao! fabiana

For more Newport Harbor Home Tour inspiration,
check out this brand new book:

minnie driver's English country boho style

Celebrity homes always seem to be a popular subject matter on the blog, and today we have chic home style by  British actress Minnie Driver.

In fact, it’s a bit of a triple header as we have two of her homes that have been featured in magazines and pieces from her new English country furniture line on One Kings Lane.

Her fun furniture line captures the coziness of English décor, but she’s designed it to fit in with a more modern farmhouse style. It’s also got a touch of shabby chic charm going for it as well.

"It was lovely and charming, but I wanted something that really worked as a space to entertain in, and it does that now."— Minnie Driver

What do you think of Minnie's new furniture lifestyle brand?

"It is so beyond what I expected... Seeing it go from rendered drawings to actually there in the space, it’s made me so happy. I absolutely love it." — Minnie Driver

Now we move on to Minnie’s Hollywood Hills home that was featured in 2017 in Elle Décor. She describes the style as “English gypsy” which translates to a sophisticated color palette with boho chic style.

You had me at the gorgeous blue front door and amazing peacock chair, Minnie!!

 

And now here’s a look at Minnie’s fun little Malibu pad. It’s light-hearted, cute and the decor centers on casual California beach style.  

Of the three styles, English country, boho chic, or fun California beach decor, which one’s your favorite?

ciao! fabiana

photos:  Elle Decor and One Kings Lane

a cozy cottage in Venice Beach

This Venice Beach home has a casual relaxed elegance

 that’s perfect for a family with dogs and kids.

Slipcovered furniture and rugged hardwood floors

are a must in this California beach house.

Vintage finds and salvaged pieces

set the tone for the dining room.

Seashells, hand blown glass and a vintage map

bring a beachy vibe into the entryway. 

I also love the unexpected use of

an exotic rug on the fun tile floor.

A paneled ceiling sets the tone for 

this bright kitchen and

the rusty light fixtures

anchor the space.

 Luxurious materials like carrara marble 

were used in the master bathroom

along with romantic lighting.

 Everything was kept light in the master bedroom.  

Dark furniture pieces were painted pastel colors 

to achieve a relaxed coastal look.

Mint green and bright orange liven

up this little girl's room, 

and is a slight departure from the

neutral colors in the rest of the house.

Hooks for beach towels and hats and a cozy built-in 

with storage and are functional as well as beautiful.

Do you have a favorite room?

ciao! fabiana

photo credit: Coastal Living

a house by the water

There’s nothing quite like

a house by the sea.

Living near the ocean is a luxury for most,
especially here in southern California,
but visiting the coast is only 
a short ride away for me.

The air there is different.

The sounds around you are muffled

by the roar of the sea

and the moody coastal winds.

The beach kind of encloses you inside a bubble.

The rest of the world seems like a far off thought.

I know I love going

to the beach to feel recharged.

Whether it’s a day at the beach

with the family,

or a quiet solitary walk,

the sound, air and water is

scientifically proven to be

a mood booster.

If you don’t live by the sea,

visiting a lake, river or waterfall

can have similar benefits.

Just being in touch with mother nature

grounds me gives me a

whole new outlook on the day!

“The cure for anything is salt water:

sweat, tears or the sea.”

--Isak Dinesen

“Every time I stand before a beautiful beach,

its waves seem to whisper to me:

If you choose the simple things and find joy

in nature's simple treasures, 

life and living need not be so hard.  

--Psyche Roxas-Mendoza

“Look at that sea, girls--all silver and shadow

and vision of things not seen.

We couldn't enjoy its loveliness any more

if we had millions of dollars and ropes of diamonds.”

 ― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

“My soul is full of longing for the secret of the sea,

and the heart of the great ocean

sends a thrilling pulse through me.”  

― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The heart of man is very much like the sea,

it has its storms, it has its tides

and in its depths it has its pearls too”   

― Vincent van Gogh

“To judge a man by his weakest link or deed

is like judging the power of the ocean by one wave.”

― Elvis Presley

“One learns first of all in beach living

the art of shedding;

how little one can get along with,

not how much.

--Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Locally, I love walking in 

Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Corona del Mar 

and visiting Coronado Island.

Of course, Hilton Head is dear to my heart.
We've been visiting that glorious island 
since we got married,
and it's always a nice change of pace 
from our own fabulous beaches on the pacific.

As a young girl, 
I spent a few summers in 
Cape Cod, which was my first 
real experience at the beach.

Such fun times! 

What's your favorite beach! 

ciao,  fabiana

💕

While I’m here today, I wanted to share some of my "Tablescaping Essentials" with you. I have a whole page on the Amazon website with my favorite picks for setting a beautiful table.

Quite often time is of the essence, and I have last minute projects or events to work on, so I turn to Amazon for one or two day delivery. You’d be surprised at how many amazing items they have to offer! And I'm constantly updating this page with my new favorites. 

You can check it out here, at “Tablescaping Essentials”.

For more coastal cottage inspiration,
check out this brand new book: