Two Families Decided to Share a Cozy California Beach House—Here’s How They Remodeled It

Two families (who are close friends) came up with the ultimate beach house hack: to build a beach “club” right on the sand in Del Mar, California, that they could both share and enjoy. The plan was that they would take turns using the home, alternating every week. They found a one-bedroom beach house and brought in interior designer Raili Clasen—who’s so well-known for her laid-back, surf style, she wrote a book about it: Surf Style at Home—to oversee the remodel.

Val Vogt Bauer

You would think that having two clients for one beach house would be challenging when it comes to figuring out design decisions, but Raili says both sets of families were aligned in their goals. In particular, both were inspired by traditional coastal design.

Val Vogt Bauer

“Working with two families on design is a bit different than we are used to,” Raili explains. “Thankfully, both families leaned classic and both allowed us to add a few punch pieces—for example, the light fixture installation in the dining area and stairwell. Those two pieces are anchors in the design yet also add so much fun to the house.”

The ability to host in the space was a big priority, so making it welcoming and fun was important. And since the original home had a small footprint, making every inch count was key.

Val Vogt Bauer

“The house was more like a lounge space when the owners purchased it,” Raili explains. “Square footage was the challenge—and by adding a second story, we were able to have two bedrooms upstairs and a very small kitchen and living space downstairs. We brought the main dining space outside so we could fit in a full living room, powder room, and bar.”

Val Vogt Bauer

As you enter the home through the wood-clad entryway, you’re greeted with the showstopper: the great room that looks out at the Pacific Ocean.

Val Vogt Bauer

Val Vogt Bauer

In the kitchen, adding upper cabinetry wasn’t an option since space was limited and it would have cut off the ocean view and made the room feel closed off. Instead, Raili and team opted for open shelving.

Val Vogt Bauer

Val Vogt Bauer

Upstairs, the primary bedroom was given the neutral treatment with textured wallpaper and white oak furniture. “The neutral fabrics let the ocean do all the talking,” Raili adds.

Val Vogt Bauer

Val Vogt Bauer

There’s also a kids’ space upstairs that features sleeping areas and a lounge sofa that can be converted to an extra bed—perfect for sleepovers.

Throughout the home, wood siding and shiplap anchors the home’s coastal vibe. And since two families are sharing the space, Raili made sure there was plenty of storage in the small home.

Val Vogt Bauer

“We needed storage for the families to each have their own spaces, so we created closet cabinets at the top of the stairs and tucked away inside the bunk room,” she says.

Val Vogt Bauer

Val Vogt Bauer

The new design is the epitome of California-cool beach style. And it’s the perfect spot for both families to unwind and spend quality time near the water. It might even inspire you to share a beach house with friends!

Val Vogt Bauer

“The owners love the house,” Raili says. “We went in a very different direction for this beach house than the way that both families live in Rancho Santa Fe. We wanted the house to be a bit playful, yet honoring the organic nature of the beach.” 

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