Experience the pinnacle of coastal elegance in this phenomenal oceanfront home that overlooks breaking waves, Catalina Island, north coast city lights and the azure Pacific from its extra-wide site in the heart of Laguna Beach’s thriving village. This newly updated home was originally built in 2013 and offers unobstructed ocean views that elevate your lifestyle, all just a short stroll from vibrant restaurants, shops and galleries. The expansive design features four bedrooms with most offering ensuite baths, an office, cabana and five baths in approximately 3,181 square feet. Floorto-ceiling windows bring breathtaking ocean views and natural light into the main level, which opens to a spacious heated deck and a flat yard with spa. Enjoy the rewards of a temperature-controlled 250-bottle wine room, a generous walk-in pantry with sliding barn door, and access to a sideyard vegetable garden for farm-to-table freshness.
Address: 155 Oak Street, Laguna Beach | Offering Price: $14,995,000
DESIGNERS AND LOCAL CHEFS SHARE THEIR TIPS FOR A PERFECT OUTDOOR SETUP.
BY TANYA A. YACINA
CREATING THE IDEAL SPACE FOR grilling and entertaining outside involves thoughtful planning, design considerations and attention to detail. As the summer season kicks off, extending your living space outdoors provides a designated area for cooking, dining and relaxation, as well as a backdrop for years of memories.
“We are lucky in California to be able to have indoor and outdoor kitchens,” says Raili Clasen, owner of Raili CA Design. “I treat the outdoor spaces the same as indoor—pendant lights, stone counters and cool cabinets. If space allows, the more counter space, the better. You can use that [area] … for buffet-style dinners or set it up as a self-serve bar.”
Aly Morford, co-owner of Pure Salt Interiors, adds that outdoor kitchens “are a California staple,” so the goal is to “make them feel truly incorporated into the total
Interiors.
living space.”
“Positioning your grill with functional counter space, cabinetry and other amenities—like a sink or wine fridge—makes for a highfunctioning work zone that will encourage you to cook outdoors as often as you do in. Other ways to maximize your use and enjoyment of your outdoor grill is building out a larger living and lounge space—we call these California rooms—where you can get the best of indoor/ outdoor living with all the creature comforts of your interiors.”
THE DESIGN
When setting up an outdoor kitchen, “a gas or wood-burning grill is the spectacle that most guests want to see,” says Adrian Bastida, kitchen manger at Bluewater Grill. “And we all know that if you are planning an outdoor kitchen party—or planning to build an outdoor kitchen for your home—you are doing it as much for your guests as you are for you,” he says. “An outdoor [space is the] … theater, and the stars of the show are the grill and the grill master.”
Bastida says if you are lucky enough to create an outdoor kitchen
from scratch, he recommends including a counter where guests can watch the grill action with a cocktail and without worrying about the heat and smoke or being in the way of the grill master.
“A stocked refrigerator nearby is a grill master’s best friend,” adds John Ursini, owner of Newport Rib Co., noting that a cold beverage nearby means not having to leave the cooking station. “It allows the grill master to focus on what’s in front of him and also encourages guests to ‘visit,’ [grab a drink] and see what he/she is up to.”
Clasen also recommends adding an island to an outdoor grill area, complete with a countertop made of durable materials and some sort of shade.
“If room permits, it’s nice to have seating while the chef is at the grill,” she says. “[An] outdoor stone counter that doesn’t get too hot [and] stainless steel appliances [are ideal] to brave the outdoor elements. An overhanging cover is a game changer. It not only provides shade, but also provides structure for hanging lights.”
THE TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES
“Anything cooked outdoors is better—because you’re outdoors,” Ursini says. “Anything cooked on a grill is better because you see it, smell it and watch your meal come to life right in front of your eyes. You want to sit down and really enjoy big pieces of grilled meats and sides. Corn, asparagus, all kinds of colorful vegetables are perfect off the grill.”
Ursini notes that a meat thermometer and top-quality protein are also key. “[Grilling] starts with a good piece of meat—very few great meals start with inferior meat,” he says.
Ursini says his favorite grilling technique is searing the meat first, usually for one to three minutes, then lowering the temperature for slow cooking. He also cautions to not overcook meats—you can always throw things back on the grill, but you can’t uncook overcooked meat.
Bastida notes that it’s important to know when to use direct heat and when to opt for indirect heat.
“Direct heat is great for foods that cook quickly, like thin steak, fish or
Creating an outdoor space for grilling and gathering with friends and family can help to extend a home’s living space, like this patio area by Raili CA Design.
KARYN MILLET
Grilling
2
burgers, while indirect heat is better for slower cooking, thicker cuts of meats, fish or delicate foods,” Bastida explains. “Resist the urge to constantly flip your food. Let it cook on one side until it develops grill marks and releases easily from the grate, then flip it once to cook the other side.”
Ursini says everyone prefers their meat cooked in a slightly different way. “Know your audience when cooking and, if in doubt, medium-rare always works,” he says. “Vegetables—don’t overcook. Al dente works just fine with a little olive oil; let the veggies simply be veggies.”
Bastida says grilling fish can be a bit tricky, but, with the right techniques and products, you can achieve perfectly cooked and delicious results. He says to opt for fresh, firm-fleshed fish like swordfish, salmon, tuna or sea bass because these types of fish hold up well on the grill without falling apart. Preheat the grill to medium to high heat (about 380 to 400 degrees) and scrub the grates well.
To prevent sticking, Bastida says to lightly oil then season both sides of the fish—you can use canola oil, vegetable oil or any other type of oil with a high smoke point. If the fish has skin, start with that side down; this will get the skin crispy and also protect the flesh from direct heat. Cook, undisturbed, until grill marks develop and it easily releases from the grill grates. He advises that this usually takes three to five minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the fish.
When it comes to essential tools, Bastida says, “no outdoor grill is complete without a good pair of long-handled tongs.”
“They’re indispensable for flipping food on the grill, rearranging charcoal or wood chips, and even adjusting the position of the grates if your grill allows it,” he says. “They keep your hands safe from the high heat and give you precise control over your grilling process.
“[Another] … must-have is a well-oiled, small hand towel that you may have to discard after a few sessions of grilling. You can use your long-handled tongs to grip the oiled towel to clean and marinate the grill before, after and during your grilling session. This will help to ensure beautiful grill marks and assist with anything sticking to hot grill grates.”
For fish, a spatula is a helpful tool. “Use a spatula when it comes time to carefully flip the fish,” Bastida says. “Then, use a thermometer to ensure the internal temp [is] 145 degrees. Pull from the grill [and] let fish rest for about three minutes.”
Whether grilling, fish, meat or veggies—or even making a pizza over the open fire—summer is a great time to gather with friends and family to enjoy some dishes cooked in the great outdoors.
Grilled Artichoke
Two artichokes, quartered Italian dressing, for basting Butter, mayonnaise or hollandaise sauce, based on preference, for dipping
Cut two fresh artichokes into quarters and steam for 45 minutes. Then, place in ice water to cool for 15 minutes. Clean out the hearts and refrigerate the artichokes overnight. Next day, put them on a hot grill and baste with Italian dressing (get inside as much of the leaves as possible). Grill the first side for 5 minutes, turn them over and grill for 3 minutes on the other side. Serve with melted butter, mayonnaise or your favorite hollandaise sauce.
—Courtesy of Newport Rib Co.
Above: Backyard kitchens, like this one designed by Mark Scott Associates, often incorporate grills, but also pizza ovens, a refrigerator and sink for convenience, and perhaps a bar and nearby dining area so the food can be both prepared and enjoyed outside.
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.
By Tanya A. Yacina
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.
“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
This spread: Adding greenery and natural light helps promote welless through biophilic design, as seen in this project by interior designer Laura Brophy.
TRANQUIL TRENDS
“Today, clients
Michaelsen Yahn says. “People
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
2
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 wellbeing. Our physical health is also profoundly influenced by our surroundings. Wellness-focused 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 humancentric 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 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.”
With a focus on wellness, clients are requesting space to be outside, while others want steam showers in their bathrooms, as seen in these areas designed by Anne Michaelsen Yahn. The fireplace has a tranquil water feature on both sides; other water features include an outdoor shower and one that doubles as a whirlpool spa and meditation fountain.
PHOTOS BY RYAN GARVIN
The market has shown some evidence of slowing recently. Both prices and inventory levels are relatively unchanged in recent weeks. Watch the Market Action Index for changes as it can be a leading indicator for price changes.
DRIVE, LAGUNA BEACH
585 LOMBARDY LANE, LAGUNA BEACH FOR LEASE | $7,000/mo
592 BLUEBIRD CANYON DRIVE, LAGUNA BEACH FOR LEASE | $10,995/mo
