My Houzz: California Hilltop Home Inspires Artistry
A desk made of airplane parts, a mirror sporting fluff ... unusual touches help turn a neglected house into a creative home and studio
When jewelry designer Kate Mesta and publicist-designer Sondra Piorek first saw this 1970s house in Laguna Beach, California, it was a dilapidated mess. It sat on the market for months before Piorek and Mesta saw it and visualized all it could be.
After they emptied the house and did some rigorous cleaning and painting, the home began to return to its original beauty. No longer were the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views covered up by sheets, nor the floors covered with refuse. In came natural light, custom furniture and original art. At last, the home had owners who loved and appreciated it.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sondra Piorek; Kate Mesta; Piorek's kids, Dylan and Makena; 3 dogs; 2 cats and a fish
Location: Bluebird Canyon, Laguna Beach, California
Size: 2,025 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate design studio
That's interesting: In one of the kitchen floor saltillo tiles, a coyote paw print remains stamped into one of them.
After they emptied the house and did some rigorous cleaning and painting, the home began to return to its original beauty. No longer were the breathtaking Pacific Ocean views covered up by sheets, nor the floors covered with refuse. In came natural light, custom furniture and original art. At last, the home had owners who loved and appreciated it.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sondra Piorek; Kate Mesta; Piorek's kids, Dylan and Makena; 3 dogs; 2 cats and a fish
Location: Bluebird Canyon, Laguna Beach, California
Size: 2,025 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, separate design studio
That's interesting: In one of the kitchen floor saltillo tiles, a coyote paw print remains stamped into one of them.
A winding, narrow road leads to the hilltop home, above all the coastal and tourist activity below. It looks out onto Laguna's rolling hills from the end of a tranquil cul-de-sac surrounded by trees.
The stairway to the front door is lined with potted plants and a hanging lantern. A small bistro set on the front porch is a perfect place for enjoying morning coffee.
A glass front door with simple stained glass allows the sun in. The same untreated wood on the exterior is used throughout the interior, too. The exterior wood has aged to a rustic gray-brown, while the interior remains a warm golden tone.
Piorek pulled color into the decor with playful contemporary chairs she designed. A Nelson Ball Clock gives the wall retro character.
The kitchen cabinetry is original to the house, as is this unique light fixture made of the same wood seen throughout the home. In the corner of the kitchen floor, a paw print remains stamped into one of the saltillo tiles. Apparently, a coyote walked across the tiles while they were laid out to dry in Mexico. Local architect and builder Jeffery T. Garner personally selected this tile, as it's considered good luck.
Beyond the kitchen sliding doors, a patio with extra seating around the perimeter embraces the canyon's beauty and the view of the Pacific Ocean.
Piorek and Mesta took advantage of the scenery by choosing not to install window coverings in the living room. "Even though we have so many windows, we have complete privacy, and no one can see in," Piorek says.
The two-sided fireplace can be enjoyed in the step-down cubby — the favorite spot in the whole house. "Anytime we have great news to share, we gather everyone in the cubby to tell them," Piorek says. "It's our special spot in the house. It's where we open our Christmas presents."
The tiles are the same style as those in the kitchen, helping to unify the rooms.
The two-sided fireplace can be enjoyed in the step-down cubby — the favorite spot in the whole house. "Anytime we have great news to share, we gather everyone in the cubby to tell them," Piorek says. "It's our special spot in the house. It's where we open our Christmas presents."
The tiles are the same style as those in the kitchen, helping to unify the rooms.
This original piece by local artist Carly Andrews used to hang in Piorek's Laguna Beach design store, Stylistic Intervention. She no longer owns the store, but Piorek hung on to some of the items, including this set of colorful handblown glasses.
Built-in shelves display vases and keep books and magazines tucked away.
A bright blue door leads to another patio. The color breaks up the room's neutral tones and complements artwork on the opposite wall.
Surfing is possible just a few minutes away and is a huge part of the Southern California beach culture. Dylan's bedroom reflects his passions and the city he lives in.
A wave-inspired painting and Star Wars collectibles fill a corner of Dylan's room.
A fluffy blue mirror and a sofa add fun textures to Makena's room.
Mesta's office features an artistic metal desk by a designer who builds unique furniture with parts from vintage airplanes. The piece fits right in with the postindustrial look the architect wanted. Exposed building materials like these cinderblock walls and a fireplace pipe upstairs are all intentional design elements.
Mesta's office is on the third level of the home and is shared with Piorek's assistant. The bold orange desk reflects Piorek's energetic personality. The door opens to the backyard and a separate studio, where Mesta creates her jewelry designs.
Mesta enjoys time with her three rescued dogs outside her studio.
Here's a peek inside Mesta's workshop. Her embellished dog tag necklaces are popular with celebrity clients; her collection also includes embellished leather cuffs and pieces with embossed words.
Born and raised in Laguna Beach, Piorek loves the city and its community feel in the heart of busy Orange County. "I love the beautiful coastline," she says. "And l like knowing my kids are in a safe city where they can hop on a free trolley to get around town."
Stay tuned to this creative family, as they may be joining the reality-TV world soon.
Houzz call: Do you have an eclectic, colorful home? Share it with us!
Stay tuned to this creative family, as they may be joining the reality-TV world soon.
Houzz call: Do you have an eclectic, colorful home? Share it with us!