When we decided to expand our Malibu beach house by 1,000 square feet, my initial thought was to distribute the space among various rooms—perhaps enlarging the primary suite, adding a bathroom, or enhancing the kitchen. However, when our architect, Doug Burdge, presented the renovation plans, I was taken aback by the idea of dedicating so much space to a single area dubbed “The Great Room.”
My first impression was of a vast, open kitchen with a fireplace at one end. I questioned if this was truly the best use of the space. Yet, as I considered Doug’s design further, I recognized his modern approach—one that emphasized our needs and desires over traditional design norms.
For our family, fostering connection and ensuring a welcoming atmosphere is essential. What better way to encourage togetherness than with a spacious, open area meant for gathering? Flipping through my inspiration images, I envisioned family celebrations and dinners with friends, and my excitement about this space grew.
Before we explore the plans, let’s examine the kitchen as it exists today—showing why we’re starting anew.
Current Kitchen Overview:
The existing bungalow kitchen is cramped in a corner of the house. While cooking or cleaning, I often face away from others, creating a closed-off atmosphere that clashes with my cooking style, which thrives on casual conversation with my family.
I've always dreamed of a large kitchen window above the sink that floods the room with natural light.
This design feature has eluded me in my past homes, which is why my “Dream Kitchen” Pinterest board is filled with images of grand kitchen windows.
Introducing Our New Great Room / Kitchen:
Here’s a bird’s-eye view that illustrates how the addition integrates with the home:
Visualizations of the Design
We partnered with Yousee Studio for 3D renderings of Doug’s plans. These visuals have been invaluable for space planning and understanding how materials and color choices will come together.
Initially, a built-in banquette was included, but after viewing the render, we realized it would make the room feel cramped. Instead, we opted for a cozy sitting area near the fireplace, which will serve as both a lounge and a dining spot for 2 to 4 people.
Below, I’ve matched each rendering with specific features of the room to demonstrate its functionality.
Expansive Wall of Doors
Every home should feature a standout element. For our beach house, it's the 30-foot wall of pocket doors that opens to the outside. One of our motivations for being in Southern California is the ability to enjoy the outdoors year-round. Thus, we're focused on creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. All windows and doors will be sourced from Marvin, and I’m thrilled about the stunning wood-framed options we’ve selected.
This seamless flow allows us to convert the covered terrace into an outdoor dining area, feeling like an extension of the great room. It's unconventional, but for our family that loves al fresco dining, it’s perfect.
Generous Kitchen Island
The heart of the Great Room will be a 13-foot kitchen island that initially seemed oversized, but now feels perfectly proportioned for the space. This island will serve multiple purposes—it's not just a prep area and casual dining spot but will also incorporate the cooktop and main sink along with ample storage. The interior will feature deep drawers for dishes and utensils, while the outward side will showcase open shelving for cookbooks and decor, plus space for barstools in the center. Given the minimal cabinetry elsewhere, the island will need to carry a lot of weight.
We’ve chosen kitchen appliances from Bertazzoni, an iconic Italian brand that I’ve admired for years. I can’t wait to incorporate their beautifully designed pieces into our home.
Nature-Inspired Materials
As I mentioned in my Beach House materials post, we're integrating natural materials throughout the house—stone, wood, linen, and clay. These choices lend an organic warmth that feels both timeless and grounding. They’ve guided our selections, showcasing the earthy tones they bring. Here’s what defines the Great Room:
Walls: Roman Clay by Portola (color to be determined). I aim for a cloudlike shade and texture seen in the renderings—not overly creamy or gray. As we finalize details, I’ll collaborate with the Portola team to find the perfect color (or combination) and likely sample a few options.
Countertops: Caesarstone Porcelain in Aluminous. I’ve been drawn to a concrete-like shade that works harmoniously with natural wood. I wanted durability and functionality, and Aluminous is described as “a light, neutral surface that looks like fresh cement, porous and slightly uneven, with fine-grey grains and a soft stony appearance.”
Flooring: We’re selecting Stuga flooring in the shade “Ingrid. These engineered hardwood floors have a stunning natural look. The wide planks will add warmth and timelessness, and I’m fond of their matte finish.
Plumbing Fixtures: Unlacquered brass fixtures from Kallista were among my earliest design choices! This detail significantly impacts the overall aesthetic. I appreciate the warmth and patina that unlacquered brass offers, fitting perfectly into the wabi-sabi, sun-bleached palette I envision for the house. We’ll feature two sinks in the kitchen, each outfitted with faucets from the One Collection.
Cozy Fireplace as a Centerpiece
Since we aren’t adding a formal “living room,” we’ve dedicated a section of the great room for cozy gatherings with wine and a good book. A fireplace will create a welcoming ambiance, inviting everyone to relax—plus, it visually separates the cooking area from the relaxation zone, even without a wall. We plan to place a round table with low chairs in front of the fire—perfect for intimate dinners or family game nights.
Beverage Station
I envisioned the lounge area around the fireplace to flow with the kitchen yet feel distinct. With most upper cabinetry traded for a large kitchen window, we needed extra storage. Thus, the wall next to the fireplace will become a bar and beverage station, accommodating practical items like wine storage, a coffee maker, mugs, and glassware. It will also showcase design elements like our vintage turntable and decorative objects on open shelving, preventing it from feeling too much like the kitchen.
Finally, My Dream Kitchen Window
I’ve always imagined a striking kitchen window that fills the space with sunlight. Our window, measuring 10 feet wide by 7 feet high, will not only invite abundant natural light but will also open to the back patio. An exterior counter will be perfect for serving drinks or food for the grill.
I eagerly anticipate the day I’ll be preparing dinner with music playing, a glass of wine in hand, and ocean breezes flowing through the open doors!
One design choice still on my mind is the type of tree to plant just outside the window. This tree will serve as a visual focal point, akin to an interior art piece, so I’m considering it carefully. Currently, I’m torn between a gnarled ornamental olive tree or a vibrant citrus tree—imagine being able to open the window and pluck a ripe orange right off the branches! I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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