La Jolla Contemporary Retreat: The Before and After
There is something especially meaningful about transforming a home that already holds a family’s history. This La Jolla mid-century home had been in our client’s family for years, and he came to us ready to completely reimagine it as a part-time retreat for himself and his partner. Architect Caroline Dooley recommended us for the interior design, and together we helped transform the original house into a modern, serene retreat while still honoring its history and sense of place. When the couple is not enjoying the home, it is offered as an Airbnb, so the design needed to feel personal and welcoming while also being durable, functional and inviting for guests. What began as a renovation became a near gut remodel with thoughtfully designed additions.
We opened and modernized the interiors, bringing in light, warmth, natural materials and a stronger connection between indoors and out. A new dining area was added to expand the home’s living and gathering spaces, along with an outdoor dining area that embraces the Southern California lifestyle. Off the pool, we added a new pool bath and a combined laundry and craft room, making the outdoor living areas as functional as they are inviting. The primary couple’s bathroom suite became another favorite transformation, with an open-concept design that feels spacious, intimate and retreat-like.
Some of my favorite moments are in the details. The bar backsplash became a beautiful focal point, while in the kitchen, a precisely positioned window was carefully engineered to frame a view of the greenery outside—turning an everyday moment into a connection with nature. It is a small architectural gesture that speaks to the Gaia Inspired philosophy: design can influence not only what we see, but how we feel in a space.
Outside, we updated the pool area to create a resort-like setting for relaxing and entertaining, while the entry and gate were redesigned with a clean, modern aesthetic to provide greater privacy and a sense of sanctuary from the moment you arrive.
The before-and-after photographs tell the story beautifully. This was far more than a cosmetic update—it was the near-total transformation of a beloved mid-century family home into a deeply personal, contemporary retreat designed for the couple’s own escapes and for welcoming Airbnb guests. Every space was created to support living, gathering and connecting with nature, while offering the comfort, durability and ease expected of a true Southern California getaway.
before-and-after.
the kitchen.
the living room.
the den.
the pool.
project gallery.
