John O’Neill’s Architectural Masterpiece of Luxury and Comfort
This breathtaking home, a masterpiece by renowned architect John O’Neill, is nestled in the picturesque hillsides of Laguna Beach. The stunning residence, designed with meticulous attention to detail and inspired by vintage Italian farmhouse aesthetics, offers a perfect blend of luxury and comfort. Explore the open main level, where a series of French doors unveil mesmerizing ocean views, inviting in the coastal breeze and natural light. The gourmet kitchen, seamlessly integrated into the great room, is a chef’s dream adorned with enchanting details, fostering an atmosphere ideal for gatherings and conversations. Retreat to the lower level to discover an exceptional primary suite, complemented by two secondary bedrooms with en-suite baths and a versatile media area opening to the yard. Every corner of this home exudes elegance and sophistication, making it a true architectural gem. With its prime location, 715 Mystic Way strikes the perfect balance between serenity and convenience, offering panoramic ocean vistas while remaining close to beaches and town amenities. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Laguna Beach’s coastal paradise. Schedule your private tour today!
Address:
Agents Info: Brandy Faber, 949.290.6069 brandyfaber@bhhscal.com DRE# 02062266
Healthy Living Begins at Home
Mindful interior design elevates mental and physical
BY TANYA A. YACINA / COURTESY OF NEWPORT BEACH MAGAZINE
Our homes serve as sanctuaries and places to rejuvenate, especially amid today’s fast and demanding pace. When building or remodeling a house, it’s important to recognize the impact our surrounding space has upon both mental and physical health. From cultivating a sense of tranquility to fostering an atmosphere of productivity, incorporating thoughtful spaces and design elements has the potential to elevate our daily lives and nourish our souls.
“In a nutshell, wellness-focused interior design is about more than aesthetics. It’s about nurturing the body, mind and spirit,” says Laura Brophy, creative director and principal designer of Laura Brophy Interiors. “It’s not merely a design technique, but a mindset and overall
holistic approach to creating spaces that exude balance, tranquility and positivity. By creating well-designed spaces, we are able to contribute to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling lifestyle for our clients and the guests who occupy their homes.”
Anne Michaelsen Yahn, principal designer and owner of Anne Michaelsen Design Inc., says wellness-focused interior design places the utmost importance on the health of buildings and homes themselves— by using materials that are less toxic or chemical free, environmentally sound and ethically produced—as well as the people who live and or work in the space, and recognizes that the built environment greatly influences our physical and mental health.
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Nick Hooper, 949.939.7083 nick.hooper@compass.com DRE# 01962012
Living
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TRANQUIL TRENDS
“Today, clients are looking for their homes to promote their healthy lifestyle and to provide a respite from their daily lives outside the home,”
Michaelsen Yahn says. “People are searching for a balance between their personal well-being while respecting and protecting the natural environment. The importance of lifestyle— diet, exercise, sleep, managing stress, etc.—have come to the forefront.”
Brophy says that while effective wellness-focused design must take all five senses into consideration, her firm always starts its projects with mindful planning. Spaces that are designed to flow well—and for how a person actually lives—promote a sense of calm and order.
“In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, wellness-focused design has become a vital necessity for all of us,” Brophy says. “Modern life can be overwhelming and stressful, and we all need places that allow us to escape and unwind. Mental health has become a pressing concern, and our homes play a crucial role in supporting our emotional well-being. Our physical health is also profoundly influenced by our surroundings. Wellness-focused
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ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Chris Mattingley, Carol Josepher, Mara Hertel
EDITORIAL
FIREBRAND NEWSROOM 949-715-4100
PRODUCTION MANAGER Tina Leydecker tina@firebrandmediainc.com
DESIGN/MARKETING
CREATIVE & MARKETING DIRECTOR Tracy Powell
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Tiffany Thompson
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PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Scott Sanchez
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With a focus on wellness, clients are requesting space to be outside, as seen in this area designed by Anne Michaelsen Yahn. Also, the fireplace has a tranquil water feature on both sides. The home’s stacking sliding doors allow easy indoor-outdoor living.
design ensures that the air we breathe is cleaner, the lighting is more natural and our furniture promotes better posture, ultimately contributing to improved overall health and productivity.”
Michaelsen Yahn says clients request spa-like elements in their bathrooms, like saunas and steam showers. She has also designed outdoor showers, weather permitting, and says some plumbing lines can even have wellness systems that incorporate water, light and sound.
Brophy agrees that while hot and cold therapy is not a new trend, it seems to be growing in popularity.
“The number of client requests to include steam rooms, infrared saunas and dedicated cold plunges in their homes has risen sharply,” she says.
Michaelsen Yahn adds that views looking out to private gardens and fountains are on the rise. “The interior’s connection to nature is key. Natural light and views to the outside are very important [as well as] natural
construction and furnishing materials; colors that reflect nature,” she explains.
“Adding a small wellness space can be as easy as choosing a special corner with good natural light and adding a rug of natural fibers, some trees and/or plants and a few objects that are meditative for you.”
Indeed, “biophilic design is all the rage right now,” Brophy says. “It’s all about bringing the beauty of nature indoors by incorporating plants, natural materials like wood and stone, and maximizing natural light. It’s about fostering a strong connection with nature to promote a sense of tranquility and serenity.”
Michaelsen Yahn says her firm also gets requests for design of yoga and meditation rooms or spaces within other rooms for these practices. Brophy agrees, noting the pandemic shifted our focus on health, carving out a spot for fitness and wellness is now a must-have element. “People are transforming their homes to include dedicated workout areas, meditation
spaces and yoga studios,” she says.
“Prioritizing fitness and well-being has never been more essential.”
EMBRACE THE CALM
To achieve a Zen-like atmosphere in the home, Brophy recommends incorporating soothing colors such as soft blues and greens as well as light earth tones in gray, brown and tan.
“To strengthen the impact of biophilic design principles in your home, you might draw inspiration from the surrounding natural environment when developing the color palette for your project,” Brophy says.
She also suggests installing good lighting that is layered—including ample natural light during the day.
Combined with calm colors, the right lighting can help to create a space that truly reflects yourself and promotes functionality.
“Embrace natural lighting by incorporating expansive windows, dramatic skylights and elegant glass doors. Picture this: The sunlight cascading
in, giving your space a warm, uplifting glow that connects you with the beauty of the outdoors,” she says.
Michaelsen Yahn says lighting systems can emulate the body’s circadian rhythm, and human-centric lighting systems recognize that, as humans, we are affected by the patterns of the sun. The hue of the interior lighting can change to emulate that of the sun, bringing nature inside and helping us stay in sync and happy.
“Integrate biophilic design practices by sprinkling lush greenery throughout the home,” Brophy adds.
“Incorporate organic materials, textures and colors to create a space that exudes a soothing aura, creating a harmonious sanctuary for your soul to thrive.”
Air quality is also key in wellness design. “Both the airflow obtainable by opening windows and doors and the quality of conditioned air is
Biophilic design brings plenty of natural light into the home, like this project by Laura Brophy.
LAGUNA BEACH | SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
This week the median list price for Laguna Beach, CA is $4,700,000 with the market action index hovering around 37. This is an increase over last month's market action index of 35. Inventory has held steady at or around 100.
Home sales continue to outstrip supply and the Market Action Index has been moving higher for several weeks. This is a Seller’s market so watch for upward pricing pressure in the near future if the trend continues.
Med ia n List Price
This week the median list price for Newport Beach, CA is $5,990,000
Ma rk et Segments
Each segment below represents approximately 25% of the market ordered by price.
NEWPORT BEACH | SINGLE FAMILY HOMES
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considered,” Michaelsen Yahn says. “Good HVAC—[heating, ventilation and air-conditioning]—systems have filters to clean the air that circulates throughout the home. Additional ventilation systems can be added and even some kitchen hoods are being designed to provide filtration to the entire room—not just for cooking. Refrigerators are also being built with better purification systems.”
If you can incorporate these into the design of your home during the initial architecture phase, optimum results can be achieved as the lighting, heating, air-conditioning and ventilation systems can be planned for. “Appropriate windows and doors to let nature in while providing protection from sun and cold and noise can [also] be specified,” Michaelsen Yahn says.
However, even a remodel or refresh of a home or partial space can add some of these elements to increase the wellness factor.
“Overall, wellness-focused design takes a holistic approach to health. It’s not just about the physical or mental aspects; it’s about nurturing the entire person,” Brophy says. “When you’re surrounded by spaces that prioritize your well-being, it empowers you to prioritize yourself, too.”
Spa-like bathroom wellness-focused design
