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Collection by Caroline Wallis

An Entertaining Renovation That Can Host Beach Parties for Days

A family’s Laguna Beach home features an expansive open-air entertainment space for the masses.

Jeff and Tamara Deckey love a good dinner party. So when the couple found their Laguna Beach home, they renovated the house into an expansive and versatile space for entertaining. Designed by Laidlaw Schultz Architects, the couple sought to incorporate aspects of the old house. “Architecturally we were able to simplify the home’s form–creating an archetypal gable, clad in the same copper as the roofing for the primary wing of the residence. This gesture at once captures the essence of the cascading hillside, and homes beyond, while drawing our attention to the picturesque valley in the distance.” Craig Schultz of Laidlaw Schultz says.

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The ground floor features the master bedroom suite, living room, dining area and kitchen in addition to a huge wrap-around balcony. To accommodate so many floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, Schultz had to get creative with structural elements, as seen here with three black steel poles supporting the cathedral ceiling. The living area features a B&B Italia sofa.
The ground floor features the master bedroom suite, living room, dining area and kitchen in addition to a huge wrap-around balcony. To accommodate so many floor-to-ceiling retractable glass doors, Schultz had to get creative with structural elements, as seen here with three black steel poles supporting the cathedral ceiling. The living area features a B&B Italia sofa.
In describing their vision for the interior, Jeff and Tamara emphasized two things: sophistication and timelessness. Steel elements allude to standing the test of time and the material is incorporated into some pieces of the furniture like this Van Dyke dining table from Minotti. The dining table can comfortably seat 14 people with Ligne Roset dining chairs.
In describing their vision for the interior, Jeff and Tamara emphasized two things: sophistication and timelessness. Steel elements allude to standing the test of time and the material is incorporated into some pieces of the furniture like this Van Dyke dining table from Minotti. The dining table can comfortably seat 14 people with Ligne Roset dining chairs.
Jeff and Tamara also wanted a home they could stay in once their kids eventually leave for college. The two Deckey daughters’ bedrooms are located on the lower level, allowing the potential for future guests to enjoy an entire floor to themselves. Keeping the main living area on the ground floor also improves accessibility. A pair of contrasting B&B Italia Tulip chairs accent the living area.
Jeff and Tamara also wanted a home they could stay in once their kids eventually leave for college. The two Deckey daughters’ bedrooms are located on the lower level, allowing the potential for future guests to enjoy an entire floor to themselves. Keeping the main living area on the ground floor also improves accessibility. A pair of contrasting B&B Italia Tulip chairs accent the living area.
The combination of steel and glass railings with aged oak treads, keeps with the flavor of the original home while introducing consistently sleek elements throughout. Downstairs is where the girls and their friends like to hang out, keeping the upstairs relatively clutter-free. A Scenario Modular sofa from Roche Bobois anchors the combined media room and library.
The combination of steel and glass railings with aged oak treads, keeps with the flavor of the original home while introducing consistently sleek elements throughout. Downstairs is where the girls and their friends like to hang out, keeping the upstairs relatively clutter-free. A Scenario Modular sofa from Roche Bobois anchors the combined media room and library.
The couple’s love for cooking and entertaining led Schultz to design a storage wall of wine that displays the bottles. The kitchen is articulated with sculptural Kartell Masters stools around the kitchen island.
The couple’s love for cooking and entertaining led Schultz to design a storage wall of wine that displays the bottles. The kitchen is articulated with sculptural Kartell Masters stools around the kitchen island.
The master bathroom features a spacious vanity area and a frosted glass shower. A blue lava stone wall and Almond bathtub by Porcelanosa add a soft touch in the otherwise linear bathroom.
The master bathroom features a spacious vanity area and a frosted glass shower. A blue lava stone wall and Almond bathtub by Porcelanosa add a soft touch in the otherwise linear bathroom.
The bathroom counter extends into the bedroom as a desk. A sliding door can fit on a track between the bathroom countertop and bedroom desk to seamlessly partition the two rooms. A blue Niche Modern pendant light adds flair to the bedroom.
The bathroom counter extends into the bedroom as a desk. A sliding door can fit on a track between the bathroom countertop and bedroom desk to seamlessly partition the two rooms. A blue Niche Modern pendant light adds flair to the bedroom.
“The decision to open up the back of the home played multiple roles: it provided a link between the upper and lower levels, engaged us with the park, ocean and valley just beyond, and at night turned the home into a lantern – marking the entrance to this hillside community.” Schultz says. Outdoor furniture from Gloster and Les Jardins make for ample poolside seating.
“The decision to open up the back of the home played multiple roles: it provided a link between the upper and lower levels, engaged us with the park, ocean and valley just beyond, and at night turned the home into a lantern – marking the entrance to this hillside community.” Schultz says. Outdoor furniture from Gloster and Les Jardins make for ample poolside seating.