When interior designer Abbie Naber and her husband, Malik, purchased their single-level home in San Diego in 2015, they did so expecting to make improvements over time. The couple, then newlyweds, sprung for a TLC-ready residence in their ideal location, Cardiff—a “special little gem of a beach town,” says Abbie—knowing it would take some imagination and elbow grease to make the dwelling their own. Two small renovations—and two kids—later, the family’s need for more space became omnipresent.

Treasuring their beachside community, Abbie and Malik weren’t interested in moving inland to acquire more space. Instead, they focused on expanding the home they already loved. While the initial renovations involved cosmetic updates, layout tweaks, and a modest expansion of the dining room, the couple decided this renovation would focus squarely on creating more usable space for the family of four. So, they built both up and out. A horizontal addition now holds a laundry room, powder room, and office, while a vertical addition adds a second level to the home and includes a primary bedroom suite and a second office.

When making design decisions for the newly established spaces, the couple favored bright, neutral, and family-friendly finishes—nothing too delicate or fussy. Abbie was careful to make selections that would stand the test of time and “wouldn’t be read as too trendy,” says the founder and principal designer at A. Naber Design. “I truly want to love the space in ten years.”

Light hues and earthy textures predominate in the breezy main bedroom, as well as in Abbie’s serene office. “I was concerned about longevity and not tiring of color or pattern,” says the interior designer.

Keeping the larger spaces restrained and neutral allowed Abbie freedom to play with color in some of the smaller areas—including the new laundry room. The airy space features plywood cabinetry, white fixtures, terrazzo counters, and Dwell x Concrete Collaborative Strands Stringer tile on the floors. “I was drawn to the subtle, acacia-colored dashes,” says Abbie of the patterned tiles. “I love that it is a simple spin on a classic hexagonal shape.”

The terrazzo countertops, also from Concrete Collaborative, have specks of yellow that tie in harmoniously with the tone of the floors, despite their departure in pattern and scale. “To me, the laundry room feels fresh, approachable, and unfussy,” says Abbie.

The additional space has given the couple and their kids, now five and two, much needed breathing room, enhancing the ease of their Southern California lifestyle. “California living is laid back and approachable,” Abbie says. “I identify with young families who want a unique, thought-out space, but also a home that is livable and approachable for family life,” she continues. “I think I can find that balance well.”

For more information about the Dwell collection or to order samples, visit the Concrete Collaborative website. Specs and other style information can be found here.

A Bright Addition With Surprising Pops of Color Makes Room for a Young Family in Southern California