Although Michelle and Brad Perozzi adored this house when they first saw it, they initially envisioned residing in a space with more of a coastal vibe. But after looking at other homes for more than a year, they came full circle, prepared to make the spacious structure their own.
Working with Wendy Blackband of Blackband Design, the couple reinvented their house into a kid-friendly abode using a timeless and breezy seaside design — you would never know they reside 14 miles inland. Knocking out an inside wall, creating additional space and decorating simple but vibrant furniture transformed the house into a bright and welcoming space.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Michelle and Brad Perozzi; their 9-year-old kid and 12-year-old daughter
Location: Santa Ana, Orange County, California
Size: 2,800 square feet; four bedrooms; two bathrooms
That’s intriguing: The backyard features a miniature putting green.
Dana Nichols
An embarrassing pony wall separating front door from the rest of the living room was an original feature of this 1960 ranch house. The wall was one of the first things removed, and its route is indicated by a set of tall table lamps.
Custom linen sofa, reclaimed wood coffee table: Blackband Design
Dana Nichols
The living room bar gets the sort of usage a kitchen island would in other homes. “We didn’t have the space in the kitchen to perform a island as it is technically not broad enough,” Michelle says. “Plus, I enjoy the kitchen being open since I cook a lot and we entertain a good deal.”
Bar Granite: Caesarstone at Mocha
Dana Nichols
Practical furniture for entertaining features a coffee table and console made of reclaimed wood for additional storage. Customized swivel chairs rotate to face either the sofa, TV or bar.
Dana Nichols
“I feel like we’re using all of the space the house has to offer,” says Michelle. “I enjoy accessories, but not so many that it is cluttered. We really enjoy the open texture of the entire house.”
Dana Nichols
Formerly, uninsulated floor-to-ceiling glass panels created the formal dining room hot and unattractive. Blinds became dust collectors, and skylights supplied more unnecessary lighting. The team at Blackband Layout drywalled the windows at the top and put in transoms and French doors to match the original style of the house.
Host and hostess chairs reupholstered in a light blue fabric break up the wood dining set and match the turquoise bead chandelier.
“I totally adore the chandelier with all the curtains. Paired together, they are two of my favorite things,” says Michelle. “I really like the pops of reddish with a bit of yellow. Everyone walks in and goes mad over the chandelier. Everything mixes and matches ”
Chandelier: Blackband Design
Dana Nichols
To make space to your living room entertainment bar, which was on peak of the homeowners’ feature listing, the couple had to eliminate a hall cupboard. The bar sits at a height that allows the kids to do their assignments there also. It also features customized cabinetry that includes a concealed minifridge and press controllers.
Framed prints of classic linens: Blackband Design; wall paint: On the walls: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
Dana Nichols
An antique desk sits at a central nook that once housed a hall cupboard. The chair was part of this couple’s set, and over it’s a vignette organized by Blackband.
The hardwood flooring throughout the house is Provenza Hardwood African Plains Black Riverwood 5-inch hand-distressed planks.
Dana Nichols
The present cherry cabinets in the kitchen got a coat of glossy white paint as a budget-friendly alternative to replacing them altogether. The paint additionally highlights stainless steel appliances. Blackband additional the subway Calacatta marble backsplash at a bricklayer design.
Countertops: Slab Caesarstone in Cinder; cabinet paint color: White (DEW 380), Dunn-Edwards
Dana Nichols
Placing chunky jute rugs across the hardwood flooring kept remodeling costs down. Additional cost-savers include custom stationary draperies in the family room and dining room. “They look like working drapery, but they don’t open and shut,” Blackband states.
Dana Nichols
“We are only about relaxed, family-friendly comfort, but with design also,” Michelle says. “I enjoy a mix of a small bit coastal, a tiny bit Asian, eclectic and a little bit conventional.”
Dana Nichols
The workbench in the family room is a family heirloom that belonged to Brad’s father. “He had it in his office for ages. They passed it down to us and we’ve always found a place for it,” says Michelle. The table didn’t need refinishing, and a hefty silver tray and mirror finish the family room vignette.
Dana Nichols
The family remodeled the exterior of their home five decades back. A little putting green and relaxing pool permit them to enjoy their yard and entertain friends in hot weather.
Landscape architect: MJS Design Group
telephone: Can you live in a creative, beach-inspired space? We wish to see!