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Collection by Caroline Wallis

A California Cottage Renovated for Easy Indoor-Outdoor Living

Filled with the resident's childhood memories, this quirky home's update kept it true to its San Diego heritage.

Originally purchased by the homeowner’s grandmother in the early 50’s, this San Diego fisherman’s 1,266 square foot cottage now packs modern updates and a new generation’s design preferences. Fisherman’s cottages, so called because of their midcentury popularity in fishing communities throughout coastal San Diego, tend to offer a classic horizontal plan and low maintenance seaside vibe. With the help of the homeowner who actively participated in the design process, Architects Magnus introduced more color, daylight and an open floor plan among other modern touches. Even the garage has been converted to what the architects refer to as “the cube” - a versatile 400 square foot outdoor/indoor entertainment space. The result is a familiar feeling home true to its community’s history with a younger, brighter look to boot.

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The architects explain, “This house has tile plank flooring throughout with no transition steps at showers and doors. And because indoor/outdoor living is an integral part of San Diego living, large glass sliding doors completely open the house to the private patio that was hidden in the prior plan layout.”
The architects explain, “This house has tile plank flooring throughout with no transition steps at showers and doors. And because indoor/outdoor living is an integral part of San Diego living, large glass sliding doors completely open the house to the private patio that was hidden in the prior plan layout.”
Previously a much darker space framed by a low ceiling, the living room now features large glass panels that draw residents outside and admit bountiful natural light. The sofa is by Ligne Roset.
Previously a much darker space framed by a low ceiling, the living room now features large glass panels that draw residents outside and admit bountiful natural light. The sofa is by Ligne Roset.
"Before" shots of the interior.
"Before" shots of the interior.
Due to the long distance working relationship between the architects and the client, some design decisions were essentially a leap of faith like the Louis 5d wall sconces by Ligne Roset (seen left).
Due to the long distance working relationship between the architects and the client, some design decisions were essentially a leap of faith like the Louis 5d wall sconces by Ligne Roset (seen left).
Designed for easy beachside living, “the cube” in the backyard—essentially the renovated garage—sports a sleek outdoor shower complete with a teak deck and Moen fixtures.
Designed for easy beachside living, “the cube” in the backyard—essentially the renovated garage—sports a sleek outdoor shower complete with a teak deck and Moen fixtures.
What this cottage lacks in size is made up for by stunning views of the ocean. The homeowners lounge on a Crate & Barrel sofa underneath a Hausers umbrella.
What this cottage lacks in size is made up for by stunning views of the ocean. The homeowners lounge on a Crate & Barrel sofa underneath a Hausers umbrella.
To allude to the nearby ocean, the architects designed a seaweed patterned for the interior of the garage door (seen here raised). It successfully reads like a leather padded wall and makes “the cube” feel that much more customized.
To allude to the nearby ocean, the architects designed a seaweed patterned for the interior of the garage door (seen here raised). It successfully reads like a leather padded wall and makes “the cube” feel that much more customized.
"Before" shots of the exteriors.
"Before" shots of the exteriors.