Those who adore the commanding roar of the Pacific Ocean waves, the gentle caress of a crisp breeze, and the brilliant sunsets over the coastal horizon flock to Southern California’s Newport Beach, where the local mentality and the unwavering weather make for a perpetual summer. When the calendar summer season arrives, however, part-time residents excitedly retreat to their high-style homes to relish in three months at the beach without any barriers. Fulfilling such a fantasy was the challenge for designer Natalie Umbert.
An active member of ASID, Umbert debuted her Corona Del Mar, California-based atelier Natalie Umbert in 2007 after ten years of training and design experience and a lifetime of varied emphases and adventures. “I know the whole mixing [styles] thing is very popular right now, but for me it’s a natural extension of all my experience professionally and personally, which is what makes my work very fun,” explains Umbert. It was via an eclectic and eye-catching vignette in the window of her studio on Pacific Coast Highway that this fun project washed up on the shore. The project manager noticed her fitting style and hired her to outfit the complete remodel of a 1930s Newport Beach Peninsula home.
The 3,000-square-foot oceanfront residence was stripped down to the studs and, although reconfigured, not expanded. The new layout includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and several living spaces for the three-generation family who would spend their future summers bonding at the beach. Umbert’s mission was to design an appropriate space for a large family with diverse needs, most important of which was being able to appreciate the marvelous views.
Umbert decided on a neutral color palette, and, to avoid competition between the created décor and the natural surroundings, she used light colors such as white and very light blue tones with thoughtful accents of orange and turquoise. The colors and decor are anything but traditional for a coastal escape. There are no blatant anchors or rope nets. This California pad is meant for the experience of the beach life, not the implication. “What I wanted to do was get away from typical nautical references, which are very common in Newport Beach,” says Umbert. “But I still wanted it to be evocative of the ocean and incorporate as many elements associated with it as I could.”
Elements such as wide-plank sun-bleached wood floors, lightweight fabrics, reflective surfaces, and glass tiles mirror the essence of the ocean. Instead of popular and high-end travertine, which Umbert regarded as too cold for this project, she used Coral Reef by El Dorado stone, which appeared more organic.
The baths were transformed into ocean cocoons with blue stone mosaics, Thassos white marble tile with a mosaic pattern, porthole-like details on the vanity, and glass tiles suggestive of treasured sea glass. The bedrooms became sunny and sandy retreats with lightweight white fabrics, mirrored-front drawers and desks, and simple shades covering strategically placed windows.
Slightly less vague nautical suggestions were ultimately incorporated into the design. The formal dining room features oak-frame chairs covered in a modern sand-dollar pattern and coupled elegantly with a wavy mid-century Venini chandelier. “I didn’t want to take anything too literally,” says Umbert. “But, at the same time, I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel.”
Another priority for the owners of this beachfront cottage was being able to entertain company. Because the vacation home would likely see a lot of foot traffic in the summer months, the owners desired appropriate spaces and seating. Umbert did so in the living room with “…flexible seating and great circulation.”
In addition to the couch, window bench, vintage swivel chairs, and nearby bar stools, open Nana doors create a seamless space where guests can freely mingle inside or bask in the fresh air on the porch. For more outdoor presence, the roof deck is fully equipped with a fireplace, seating area, and dining space.
No matter how many people fill this home with laughter during the summer, there is always space for more in the rumpus room. The quintessential party place, Umbert’s favorite room in the house acts as a casual living area, additional dining room, and a viable guest room. The rumpus room visually reflects the accessibility of this modern home that was truly designed for functional beach living. “With the washed wood floors and clean glass elements, it was really low maintenance but high style,” says Umbert.
Whether the family spends the summer playing board games in the rumpus room, enjoying the view from the back porch, or swimming in the salt water, Umbert’s design for this oceanfront residence is well equipped for stylishly lazy days. Summer’s traditional finale takes place Labor Day weekend, but this custom-designed vacation home preserves the sweet memories of family fun all year round.
