After years of home renovation, some spaces take shape in our minds long before they're real. I've spent countless moments imagining how our new rooms will feel, especially our primary bedroom.
Throughout five years of planning our Malibu beach house renovation, I've imagined serene mornings in a sunlit, Japandi-inspired bedroom. Picture opening French doors to let in the ocean breeze, the scent of orange blossoms wafting in, while the sound of waves from Zuma Beach fills the air. This room is where my thoughts drift to when I envision the home's completion, aiming for a minimalist, calming, nature-inspired atmosphere.
In this installment of Renovation Diaries, I'm thrilled to share the architectural renderings of our Primary Bedroom and Bathroom along with the design centerpiece that will define the space.
A Custom Bed as the Room's Focal Point
When I post photos of our Austin home, many ask about our custom bed. Collaborating with a team to create it was a game-changing choice, so I knew our Malibu bedroom needed something equally special.
A custom bed feels part of the room's architecture—solid, welcoming, and minimal. Crafted from natural wood, it will feature a low platform extending beyond the mattress, serving as nightstand ledges. This design choice reduces the need for extra furniture, maintaining a clean and serene aesthetic, rooted in the Japandi principle of intentional simplicity.
Stylish Lighting with Pendant Fixtures
We've decided against traditional bedside lamps, opting instead for pendant lights over each side of the bed. This switch adds a modern touch and elevates the room's ambiance. The pendants also free up space on the nightstands, introduce sculptural elements, and create a warm glow ideal for evening reading. We're exploring woven options to reflect the room's natural theme.
Woven Pendant Options I Love:
$395 at Casa Zuma$245 at Casa Zuma$295 at Casa Zuma
French Doors Opening to Ocean Views
I'm particularly excited about the French doors that will open onto a patio with ocean views. Framed in natural wood, they'll seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces. The patio will lead to an outdoor sauna, creating a wellness retreat feel. With the doors open, the ocean scent and sound of waves will enhance the room's atmosphere.
Soaring Ceilings and Nature-Inspired Colors
We're transforming the home by vaulting ceilings wherever possible to create an airy feel. To complement this openness, we're incorporating a materials palette rooted in nature: light woods, warm neutrals, and soft stone finishes. Our aim is to design a Japandi-inspired bedroom that invites relaxation and tranquility.
A Scandinavian-Style Fireplace
Due to local regulations against open-flame fireplaces, we're installing a VITA Vapor fireplace from Custom Fireplace & Design. It offers the cozy ambiance of a flame without safety concerns and meets city standards. This model produces a beautiful vapor that resembles flickering flames, providing a soothing focal point at the foot of the bed. I envision cozy evenings wrapped in a linen throw, relaxing with the glow of the fireplace.
A Bright Bathroom Featuring a Freestanding Tub
Let's step into the serene, light-filled bathroom designed in a Japandi style. The first piece we selected is the Duravit Soleil by Starck Freestanding Bathtub. Its sculptural, simple design features clean lines that mirror the calm of the bedroom. Adjacent to it, we'll install a floor-to-ceiling window for ample natural light.
To ensure privacy, we're building a stone wall outside the window—high enough for seclusion, yet beautifully detailed to enhance the room's decor. We'll use Country Rubble in Bella, from Eldorado Stone.
Soft, Textured Roman Clay Walls
Choosing the right wall finish has been crucial, as we plan to use one shade of plaster throughout the house. After testing samples for weeks, we focused on a few options from Portola Paints' Roman Clay collection.
Initially, I considered a soft terracotta for the Primary Bathroom to add warmth. However, seeing 3D renderings comparing it to a cleaner white Roman Clay showed how the white enhanced light and created a more expansive feel. It embodies the spa-like retreat we aim for. The texture brings depth and warmth, giving the space a handmade, organic vibe without starkness.
Which option do you prefer?
Beautifully Aging Unlacquered Brass Fixtures
We'll incorporate unlacquered brass fixtures from Kallista's One collection throughout the bathroom, admiring how they'll develop a beautiful patina over time. The warm brass tones add richness, subtly referencing wabi-sabi beauty in imperfection. As the fixtures age, they'll tell a unique story within the home.
Creating a Space-Saving Archway
As the bathroom isn't large, we decided to replace the small doors with an arched entry to the primary closet, enhancing the sense of flow. This design detail makes the suite feel more spacious. The arch complements the natural materials and curves used throughout the home.
I've designed custom floating vanities for either side of the arched doorway. The tops will be made from Caesarstone (I'm considering Mirabel, a honed porcelain that mimics marble.) The bases will feature deep drawers made from white oak for toiletries, with towels stored on top.
An Efficient, Streamlined Closet
To maintain a calm, uncluttered bathroom, I'll place my vanity table in the closet for getting ready. I'm collaborating with California Closets to craft a compact yet functional space that feels serene and serves its purpose. From pull-out organizers to soft-close drawers and integrated lighting, we're thoughtfully designing every detail to enhance my daily routine while keeping beauty in focus. I'll share more about this design process soon!
Stunning Tadelakt and Caesarstone Shower
For the shower, we're considering tadelakt—a traditional waterproof plaster that's both beautiful and functional. Its smooth, mottled surface resembles stone but is sealed and water-resistant. For the shower floor, we're looking at one of Caesarstone's slip-resistant options. The stone is stunning and will be used in various areas of the house for a cohesive minimalist look.
Excited About Our New Toilet
If you think it's odd to be excited about a toilet, think again. We selected a wall-mounted ME by Starck Wall Mounted Toilet from Duravit. It's sleek, functional, and beautifully designed—small luxuries that enhance daily routines.
