Basic Instincts

• Jeffrey Knecht05.19.2011

  Matt is one of the most amazing and kind people I will ever meet.

• Sharon05.24.2011

  This fire-pit is stunning and functional - a rare combination. Would you be willing to share a name... was it off-the-shelf or are there instructions to make it? Thank you.

• jaclyne Brander05.25.2011

  What a great article. I find Matt and Kristopher extremely inspirational and genuine! Thank you for showing them in the light they deserve!

• Judi05.25.2011

  Less is definitely more! Clean and uncluttered. Sleek and efficient.

• rich montena05.25.2011

  Can you provide the name of the manufacturer of those great square street-side awning windows? Nice project. I share Matt's values and design sensibilities. Tx, Rich

• Warren05.26.2011

  Any idea where to find that awesome bookshelf/desk/credenza?

• Matt05.26.2011

  Thx for the kind comments... The windows were custom and built 5' square by Metal Window Corp in SoCal. The fire pit was designed by Michael Lee at Michael Lee Architects in Manhattan Beach The Nelson CSS (bookshelf, desk, credenza) is a vintage piece, and a bit tough to find.... David Limberger at Studio 110 Modern in Palm Springs usually has CSS in stock Peace, MJ

• catrinka05.28.2011

  you must have amazing parents that gave you the design gene.....it is clear that this design gem came from a lifetime of a keen eye....and a love for the beach....every angle is just stunning...i bet the light makes it look spectacular at different times of day into night....it's stream line...yet very cozy at the same time...that's tough to pull off....but not for you clearly....i salute you...a beautiful job....i will save and savor this issue of Dwell. Catrinka

• Michelle05.30.2011

  Hi Matt, I noticed the wood on the ukulele right away. They are both gorgeous. How do they sound? This really makes the room and the design complete and I love how you combined the rigorous desire to live more simple with even the musical instruments. Is this a soprano? A tenor? What kind do you play? I can't read the brand on the photo. Would love to know more about the ukulele's.

• Matt06.01.2011

  The tenor Uke is a kanaka from the '60's. The matte black bodied soprano is a vintage Martin that was heavily crazed. I had a great luthier matte black lacquer the body to satisfy a crazy desire for a high quality matte black Uke. I've blogged about the ukes at www.focusonthedonut.com. Peace. MJ

• Matt06.08.2011

  Sharon The fire pit was designed by us and Michael Lee and poured in place by the concrete contractor, Larry Krikorian and Tim Ferguson, from Manhattan Beach. I found the fire ring online, http://www.firepitguys.com/category_name_Fire-Pit-Rings_path_11950-8200.html, and we just built it around that with a removable key for the gas on the outside of the square. We used the same ipe that we used for the bench and for the stairs. Peace, MJ

• Olivier06.27.2011

  Gorgeous and so inspiring. What are the woods used for the ceiling and flooring ? Thanks in advance !

• Joseph Beyer06.27.2011

  Matt has great taste in all things, obviously. The fact that he's such a swell guy and so enjoyable to be around is a natural bonus. So cool to see him featured here.

• pat and jerry kinnan06.28.2011

  Matt: We're thrilled for you! We've walked by the remodel and watched the progression with great interest. Rose shared the Dwell article with me today! WOW! You've created the perfect space.(Your former neighbors on Marine Avenue.) Continued happiness and success to you, Matt

• kyaphe08.15.2011

  This house is beautifully done. The landscaping is gorgeous. I love the sliding door in the kitchen. The furniture is perfectly suited for the space. To reiterate a question from above - what type of wood was used for the flooring? I love the wide planks.

• pamela Oberman08.22.2011

  I compliment you on your less is more theory - whilst doing justice to history, this beach cube is "le bomb" even over here in Australia, we have a similar problem with people building out of place mediterranean villa's where original beach houses once stood (doing justice to the topography) now when I look at the replacements the expression that comes to mind is "all the gear $ and no idea"

• Matt09.08.2011

  Thanks for the comments, Pamela and Kyaphe...Much appreciated. The flooring is an engineered wood from Indonesia. It was chosen not only for the look, which we love, and super durability off the beach, but because it was easy to install, immediately available and well under $10/sq foot installed....Peace, MJ

• Nathan Morgan09.16.2011

  Great photos by Dave!

• Paul09.18.2011

  Inspiring remodel! I'm curious: what kind of wood was used on the exterior steps and garage door? How do you expect it to change--if at all--with weathering? Again, kudos.

• Ede09.20.2011

  I love the interior grooved walls. What did you use? I have resorted to asking you only after asking my builder, my architect and two different material suppliers. Is it a panel product? MDF? Supplier? I love it and any info would be greatly appreciated. Beautiful, inspiring home. Ede

• Matt09.24.2011

  Paul..The exterior wood is Ipe, which actually holds up really well,if teak oiled quarterly. I've been using the teak oil from West Marine, putting it on pretty thick, and letting it soak in. I used this on the Ipe stairs at the house next door, and if done regularly, stays great...We actually were originally looking for reclaimed wood, and when we couldnt get what we wanted, we were going to let the Ipe grey out...Now we like it with the warm oiled color...Thx much Peace, MJ

• Matt09.24.2011

  Ede, The panels are actually MDF, which was routed to give it the panel look. The MDF is set in birch frames. The completed doors were sprayed at the cabinet shop, Design Support, in Torrance,CA nad have a fantastic finish. We were inspired to use the MDF for its stability--no warping in the wet beach air, and by an installation designed by artist Jorge Pardo at LACMA. I'd contact Bruce at Design Support for any other particulars. Thanks for the kind words. Peace, MJ

• JC10.04.2011

  Hi Matt & Kris Its look amazing & really gorgeous. You have done a great job Matt. Outside seating design look really great !! JC

• Adele11.28.2011

  Love the one-in one-out plan. Awesome way you simplified your life - an inspiration! Love, Adele

• Ray12.30.2011

  Great Space...where did you get the bed?

• am12.30.2011

  love the bare bulb lights. where did you get them?

• Matt12.31.2011

  Ray, the bed is vintage George Nelson for Herman Miller...The edison bulbs are from Rejuvenation, available on their website. Peace, MJ

• MotherLodeBeth01.02.2012

  Would be interesting to hear how they frame and treat art for an area like a bathroom.

• Matt01.03.2012

  MLB No special treatment for the pix in the bathroom... I just made sure to have great ventilation, no big steam from the shower in that bathroom.... Also, the pieces are far from the shower and sink.... MJ

• Tony McNamara02.12.2012

  Matt- Can you comment on the pebble flooring used in the fire pit area. Is it a pebble-tech flooring similar to what you see in Pinkberry stores?

• Matt02.17.2012

  Tony, they are actually just loose pebbles/rocks thatwe placed between the poured pavers... Pace, MJ

• allie02.29.2012

  would love to know the master bedroom paint color behind the headboard? also, who installed the garage door? we are up here in ventura and looking for a similar look. thanks.

• Allen05.05.2012

  Hey Matt! Really love your home and it's vibe. I am looking to get a similar garage for my home in San Diego. Who did you use and what kind of wood is it?

• matt jacobson05.09.2012

  Allen The wood is Ipe, which matches the stairs. I'll see if I can find the details on the garage door supplier, but it wasnt a big deal for them, as we supplied the wood. Thx for the props. Peace, Matt

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