European stylings are teamed with contemporary touches in this Del Mar home by Bokal & Sneed Architects and Kern & Company’s Susan Spath.
Views of the ocean abound from the Chelsea free-standing tub from Hastings Tile & Bath in the primary bathroom. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPATH/KERN & COMPANY
While the completion of this Del Mar home took two years, interior designer Susan Spath’s relationship with the owners began 15 years ago in Houston. It’s there she created an oasis for the discerning couple with a complete remodel of their primary home. Del Mar, meanwhile, is their saltbox sanctuary that boasts incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. In 2017, they decided it was time for a change, so they tore their home down to the studs and tapped Spath of Solana Beach’s Kern & Company (kerncodesigns.com) to marry modernity and European elegance in the second life of their stunning vacation home. “The goal was to create a home where the family could relax and have all the amenities of their primary home in the comfort of their second home,” says Spath. “I wanted to create a home that matched the clients’ lifestyle and needs. The entire design was created with the idea of maximizing the view; we wanted every room to have jaw-dropping sightlines. The coastal environment and cool-tone colors create a space where the clients can enjoy a life of ease.”
The antique fireplace in the living room was imported from France as was the hood in the kitchen, which hovers above a Wolf range. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPATH/KERN & COMPANY
To achieve this, Spath utilized shades of blue and green throughout the space to bring a sense of serenity to the surroundings. “The architecture of this home was inspired by the European coast with a touch of modern elements,” notes Spath of the estate, which was designed by Del Mar’s Bokal & Sneed Architects (bokalandsneed.com) and built by Solana Beach’s Herbst Construction (herbstconstruction.com). Spath brought the living room to life with swivel chairs and a sofa from Kelly Wearstler; a coffee table and end tables from Century Furniture; plus lamps and accessories from John- Richard, AERIN and Global Views. But it’s the well-appointed kitchen and custom wine cellar and bar that excite Spath most.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPATH/KERN & COMPANY
“The wow factor in this house is the kitchen and the custom wine cellar and bar. The kitchen is spectacular in design. For starters, all the cabinetry is custom Habersham with metal floating shelves and the stove hood is an imported vintage fireplace from France that we cut to create,” she shares. “The bar features a backlit onyx backsplash and bar and a stacked stone wall, and custom cabinetry and glass doors open to a wine storage wall illuminated by a crystal chandelier and sconces.” Further, Spath painted the cabinets in the bar with Benjamin Moore’s Black Panther to create a striking, dramatic statement.
Towering hedges provide seclusion in the gorgeous backyard, where visitors can enjoy an oversize fireplace and inviting lounge areas. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPATH/KERN & COMPANY
Upstairs, the dazzling primary bedroom features linens from Home Treasures and Peacock Alley on the inviting bed teamed with a chest and armoire from Lillian August and a dresser from Century Home. An outdoor sitting area offers more places to enjoy those stunning ocean views and the primary bathroom enchants with a Chelsea freestanding tub from Hastings Tile & Bath, fixtures from The House of Rohl and Kallista, Habersham cabinets plus motorized woven wood shades for privacy. With surroundings that are as tranquil as they are spectacular, it’s easy to see why its lucky owners call this abode a vacation away from home.
Linens and pillows from Peacock Alley and Home Treasures adorn the bed in the primary bedroom PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN SPATH/KERN & COMPANY
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