During my first visit to Little Beach House in Malibu, I was captivated by the stunning covered terrace that felt like a true dining area, with the ocean waves just a stone's throw away. Under the beautiful wooden pergola, the gentle ocean breeze blurred the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. I thought, This dining area is simply breathtaking. With over 300 sunny days each year, why not make your primary dining experience an outdoor one?
When our architect presented his vision for our Malibu renovation, we made a unique choice: our main dining area would be outdoors. We're designing an outdoor dining space that connects seamlessly to the Great Room through a stunning 30-foot wall of glass Marvin pocket doors—specifically crafted for leisurely breakfasts and inviting dinner parties that embody the California lifestyle.
This outdoor area thrives on its connection to the interior Great Room. We're incorporating a motorized system for the glass doors, allowing the entire wall to vanish at the touch of a button. Instantly, the kitchen island, indoor living area, and outdoor dining space flow together effortlessly.
The Idea: An Outdoor Area That Exudes Comfort
I’ve always loved spaces that blur the lines between indoors and outdoors. Restaurants and hotels that leave a lasting impression are often those where it’s difficult to tell if you're inside or outside—where fabric dances in the breeze, and the seating is as inviting as a cozy living room. That’s the vision for this dining area—an actual outdoor room, not just a patio with some furniture.
The focal point here is the overhead pergola, inspired by the beautiful terrace at Little Beach House (see our progress!). We’re using rich, warm wooden beams that will cast lovely dappled light during the day and create an intimate atmosphere at night.
We’ll install two Infratech heaters, one on each side of the patio, integrated into the pergola framework. This setup will ensure comfort even during cooler Malibu evenings. The lighting will be intentionally understated: small sconces affixed to the pergola beams will emit a soft, inviting glow reminiscent of candlelight.
For the deck, we’ve chosen ipé wood—an incredibly sturdy, weather-resistant hardwood that ages beautifully. Its rich tones will harmonize beautifully with the wooden pergola above, and it’s renowned for being one of the most durable outdoor decking options around. As it weathers, it will develop a lovely silvery sheen.
El Chiringuito in Ibiza influenced the seating design for this area.
The Seating: Inspired by Ibiza Banquettes
Another inspiration source is El Chiringuito, a beach club we adored during our Ibiza trip a couple of summers ago. Instead of typical dining chairs, they featured cozy banquettes with plush cushions and lots of pillows—the kind of seating where you can linger for hours, moving from dinner to dessert and finally enjoying wine under the stars.
I aim to recreate that atmosphere here, sourcing a banquette or loveseat to run along one side of the dining area, upholstered in Perennials fabric that withstands the elements while still feeling soft and luxurious. I'm on the lookout for a 12-foot teak table to complement it, providing seating for 10 to 14.
Paradero Hotel in Todos Santos—this fabric draping is simply stunning.
Considering Outdoor Curtains: A Possibility?
During our stay at Paradero Hotel in Todos Santos, I became enamored with how they used sheer fabric to define spaces and block wind while maintaining an airy quality. The way the fabric swayed in the breeze and filtered light transformed the area into something almost ceremonial.
I’d love to incorporate a similar concept here, but we’re still figuring it out. This might be a detail for “stage two” of the project, once we’re living in the space and can truly understand the wind patterns, where we need protection, and where we want to keep the views clear. Sometimes, the best design insights come from actually experiencing the space first.
The Landscaping: Soft Beach Grasses and Gravel
To enhance the feel of this outdoor room, we’re collaborating with Fiore Landscape Design to introduce beach grasses around the edges. These will sway gently in the wind and soften the hardscaping, contributing to the natural coastal vibe that’s key to the overall aesthetic. Combined with gravel pathways and the surrounding olive and citrus trees, the dining room will feel integrated into the landscape rather than imposed upon it.
Current Progress and Future Plans
The pergola framework is complete (I love how it contrasts with the mountains), and we’re about to begin laying the ipé decking. Each visit to the site, standing under the wooden beams and gazing at the view, I can already envision what it’ll be like to gather here.
Enjoying slow Saturday breakfasts with coffee and pastries, everyone still in their PJs. Hosting summer dinners with friends, the table filled with shared platters, wine flowing, and the sky painted pink as the sun sets behind the mountains. Intimate weeknight meals with just the four of us, under the warmth of the heat lamps.
This embodies my California dream: taking the indoors outside, erasing boundaries, and crafting spaces that encourage you to linger, enjoy, and fully engage with the moment. I can't wait to start creating memories here!
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