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Farmhouse Beach Cottage: Rustic Meets Coastal in Sunny California

  • September 24, 2018
  • Written by Lindsey Steffes
  • `Photography by Amy Bartlam Photography
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On the sunny California coast most people don’t ask for farmhouses. They want the classic Cape Cod style, reminiscent of the ocean, the sand and the sun, with the nautical flair of a vacation home. But when interior designer Kate Lester took on this large-scale remodel, she decided to do something different: coastal meets farmhouse for a farmhouse beach cottage look. Her goal with this dream cottage in Redondo Beach was to create something modern, luxurious and undeniably livable—an open, airy space where a family could gather and entertain. In the truest sense, she wanted to design a home where a family could live comfortably.

The light oak tones of the entryway carry the warm, welcoming feel of a farmhouse throughout the home. Keep the décor classic nods to the beach using coral, lush plants and a palette inspired by shades of the sea
Cozy comfort. The light oak tones of the entryway carry the warm, welcoming feel of a farmhouse throughout the home. Keep the décor classic nods to the beach using coral, lush plants and a palette inspired by shades of the sea.

Farmhouse Beach Cottage

When you’re remodeling a cottage four blocks from the beach, there’s an overwhelming pressure to design the perfect coastal getaway, drowned in a nautical palette, with seashells, coral, and maritime décor covering every surface. With this remodel, Kate scaled back the coastal look with the modern, rustic touches of a warm and welcoming farmhouse.

This sleek, contemporary kitchen features white cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, a panel-covered refrigerator and freezer. A distressed oak range hood and accent kitchen island was added for a twist on the traditional look.
This sleek, contemporary kitchen features white cabinetry, high-end stainless steel appliances, a panel-covered refrigerator and freezer—elements that blend in rather than stand out. Kate used a distressed oak range hood and accent kitchen island for a twist on the traditional look.

In the kitchen, her favorite room of the beach cottage, Kate wanted to design a cozy yet elegant space that spoke to the family. “You can create a beautiful space, but if no one uses it, you’ve done a disservice to your client,” Kate says. Fusing beauty with comfort, she opted for a contemporary, white kitchen with attached banquette, the perfect communal space for children to work on homework or play games while parents cook or entertain guests.

The distressed-oak range hood is a unique and rustic statement piece in this contemporary kitchen. Shabby yet chic barstools add rustic charm to the kitchen island.
Get creative. Because of limitations in her budget, Kate opted for a one-of-a-kind, distressed-oak range hood, a unique and rustic statement piece in this contemporary kitchen. Shabby yet chic barstools add rustic charm to the kitchen island. For a modern, barn-inspired look, find antique pitchers and vintage recipe books to decorate the hutches or open shelving in the kitchen.

To achieve this farmhouse beach look, Kate paired sheepskin fabric, a statement chair and antique dining table with bold, patterned accent pillows, white bench seating and a contemporary, barn-inspired light fixture. In the kitchen, she went with clean, white cabinetry, adding rustic touches like wood planking on the kitchen island, wooden barstools and a one-of-a-kind, distressed-oak range hood. Kate carried this look through the house, room by room, with gentle nods to farmhouse style.

A Coastal Touch

Although Kate resisted the classic Cape Cod look, she remained true to the home’s coastal roots with elegant and understated nautical décor. To keep things tasteful, Kate recommends choosing “one or two items per space.” Instead of overwhelming guests with a strong maritime theme, Kate used white coral, leafy greenery and blue-striped accents like wicker baskets, beach blankets and throw pillows. By juxtaposing lighter and darker woods, Kate created a harmonious balance between coastal and farmhouse, modern and traditional styles.

White marble, polished chrome and natural materials add a softness to the master bath in this beach cottage.
Small Space, Big Style. In the narrow master bath, Kate used luxe materials including white marble, polished chrome and natural materials that add a softness to the space.

Luxury on a Budget

When it comes to budgeting, Kate is the master of affordable luxuries. With a background in finance, she understands how to blend high and low luxury items to achieve elegance in any home. Combining creativity with a healthy dose of practicality, Kate’s designs are simultaneously beautiful and functional, luxurious and realistic. Her investment tip: spend money on the items that give you the most value, like flooring, countertops and high-end appliances, which Kate calls “the jewelry of the kitchen.”

To bring the coastal elegance of this modern farmhouse to your own home, Kate suggests choosing white cabinetry, which “changes the whole look of the kitchen.” For a pop of color, she recommends two bold moves: paint your kitchen island or use a colorful grout like Calcutta gold for tiling. Add elements of unfinished wood throughout the house, and keep lighting modern and simple. To find more affordable artwork and original handmade pieces, seek out artists on popular social media sites and collaborate on home improvement projects.

Luxury doesn’t have to come with a steep price tag. “Limitations are what make you creative,” Kate says. When it comes to designing your dream cottage, Kate knows the perfect recipe for modern comfort: buy with a strategy, be resourceful and get creative. You can achieve livable luxury on any budget.

The round mirror is reminiscent of a porthole—a sophisticated yet whimsical touch.
Set sail. The round mirror is reminiscent of a porthole—a sophisticated yet whimsical touch.
The thick jute rug is a fun reference to sailing rope and adds a soft, cozy texture to the otherwise high-shine space.
The thick jute rug is a fun reference to sailing rope and adds a soft, cozy texture to the otherwise high-shine space.

Beach Day

Utilize an old tray you have lying around in your home. Put together a few jars, some fresh flowers, and hand towels to create an inexpensive yet functional setup.
Utilize an old tray you have lying around in your home. Put together a few jars, some fresh flowers, and hand towels to create an inexpensive yet functional setup.
To balance the nautical with the rustic, Kate chose a blue front door, white exterior and comfy, beach-inspired seating with accent pillows.
Coastal farmhouse. To balance the nautical with the rustic, Kate chose a blue front door, white exterior and comfy, beach-inspired seating with accent pillows.

Looking for more modern beach cottage inspiration? Check out this glam beach cottage kitchen with black cabinets! Or this clean and contemporary cottage in Laguna Beach, California.

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Related Topics
  • beach cottage
  • Coastal cottage
  • Farmhouse
  • rustic
  • rustic farmhouse
Lindsey Steffes

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