I See A Lot of Beautiful Home Tours, But This One Is Blowing My Mind

For most of you reading this who have been to California, you know the sunny coast style is brimming with Cali-cool vibes and a laid-back approach to interior design. It's quintessential to the region and suits the mostly warm weather and bright light (along with sorbet-colored sunsets) that accompanies it. So, of course, as an interior designer living in So-Cal, you can't help but tap into that spirit when decorating people's homes. 

That's exactly what Allison Boesch of Allie Boesch Designs did when she approached this stunning home in the heart of Venice Beach, California. Originally built in 1942, the house was originally intended to be staged for a flip. "It needed to be comfortable and eclectic, reflective of the typical Venice lifestyle," explains Boesch. "I imagined it to be suitable for a young couple who enjoy having a few friends over for dinner, or just a cozy movie night in.

Before the renovations, the 1329-square-foot home squeeze three small bedrooms and one bathroom inside but Boesch converted those into two bedrooms and two bathrooms instead. She admits it isn't the most desirable floor plan but they decided that eliminating a bedroom meant they could grow the primary suite to include space for a walk-in closet and the most gorgeous primary bathroom we've ever seen.

Step inside and take the tour through this striking beachside home and be blown away by the all-white kitchen, the primary bedroom with exposed beams for a ceiling, and a bathroom that's to die for.

Before Boesch got her hands on it, this home was very traditional in style and lacking any bells or whistles. "The original floorplan was choppy and enclosed," she explains. "So we added new windows, beautiful crown moldings, marble tile in both baths, and new Rohl nickel fixtures throughout to enhance the traditional modern feel we were going for."

This living room, like most Boesch designs, started with the rug. "To me, the rug anchors the room and is my working canvas," she says. "I then move on to the sofa and complimenting accent pieces." To elevate the look of a space, Boesch likes to combine items of bohemian influence with more structured pieces like the Mexican Equipale chairs paired with the MCM media console. "Vintage pieces like the carved wood side table are the key to adding soul to a space," she adds.

The all-white kitchen truly is the hero of this house (next to the primary bathroom that is) with its stunning traditional modern mix fusing an old-world feel with a contemporary color palette. It feels so fresh and cool.

Boesch likes to add visual interest to open shelves with found objects and vintage ceramics. "It’s easy to get carried away with having too many things on your countertops," she explains. "Designate storage areas for things you may use less often and opt for a more minimal approach." If you are having guests over, Boesch suggests buying that extra-large bag of fruit or veggies at Costco to dress your favorite serving piece or vintage basket. "It will add the perfect pop," she says.

Hand made pottery and ceramics turn this open shelving into an artwork.

A vintage faucet and farmhouse-style sink feel homely and comfortable while the neutral palette ensures it doesn't look dated.

Boesch knocked out the original galley kitchen, opting for an open kitchen/dining experience with brand new cabinets, Ann Sacks tile blanketing the walls, Calacatta countertops, and open shelving for a more curated feel. Extra storage space was added in secret cupboards filled with transparent glass doors so you always know where everything is.

When a new project comes her way, the treasure hunt is always on. Boesch loves finding vintage pieces to add an element of uniqueness to her creations just like this insanely cool vintage bamboo bar cart which she sourced from a local estate sale for $75. "I appreciate layers of texture and like to incorporate natural elements including linens, worn wood tones, and woven materials," she says. "I am a sucker for African textiles and vintage rugs. I like to think my spaces are thought out and real. Every client deserves to smile when they enter their sacred lair."

The color palette tends to be more neutral with vintage textiles but Boesch added a hint of contrast to add depth and interest. "Being by the beach, I think we did a good job of this while adding some cooler undertones to make for a calm living space," she says.

Reclaimed beams were installed to open up the ceiling in the primary bedroom and add visual interest. It also helped to create a more spacious and relaxing environment.

For Boesch, there is something about fresh white linens that evoke the most soothing feeling. "Parachute has one of my favorite collections, which was used in the primary," she says. But in order to achieve the most serene bedscape, Boesch suggests adding a family of vintage throw pillows or even one killer lumbar as shown in this space. 

While she admits the side tables are a bit too matchy-matchy for her taste, the outlet price just couldn't be beaten. "Don’t be afraid to mix wood tones and metals, ever," she adds. "Also, If you have the option to add 3-way lighting with a switch next to your bedside, it’s a nice feature to not have to get out of your nest to cut the lights."

One of Boesch's greatest finds is the pair of vintage stoneware bedside lamps she sourced from a local thrift store for just $10 each. It's all about that treasure hunt and mixing high with low.

They also stripped and bleached the original wood floors laying the foundation for the coastal cool Venice vibe.

Boesch seemed to infuse her global and collected, yet confident and cozy design style into this primary bathroom. There is clearly an elevated appeal to this space with the crystal chandelier looming above, but it doesn't feel overdone or unrelatable quite the opposite. I don't know anyone who wouldn't want to slip into this tub and enjoy the view. (Fun Fact: the light was originally used over the head table at Boesch's wedding.)

This is also Boesch's favorite place in the house. "It sets the tone for permanent vacation vibes," she says. "The open flow draws your eye to the small, but gorgeous tub situation which has you feeling pure zen without even turning the water on."

The neutral palette extends into the ensuite bathroom shower. The marble tiles are a modern touch and are a nice juxtaposition with the vintage faucets.

She kept the neutral colors warm by adding natural textures like timber that connect nicely with the exposed beams.

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