dwell modern san diego #2: one19 living studio

Dwell Home Tours Modern San Diego continues! As an avid student of the modernist movement, I was in heaven in San Diego last Saturday afternoon (Nov. 10, 2012). The second home on the tour was a modern beach inspired home with references to mid-century modern architects Richard Neutra, Cliff May, and William Wurster.

This new construction of 2,200 square-feet by architect Brett Farrow, is another modern modest home which also packs quite a punch.

I am obsessed with landscaping right now and this home had plenty of good ideas. Let's start with the yard, shall we?

The landscaper made heavy use of tropicals and included an efficient pool feature. This pool is BOTH an endless swimming pool (has a current you can swim against), and a Jacuzzi! Not to mention a fountain. A three-fer, right? It is a saline pool, by the way. Is that a four-fer?

Fire feature! Gas lit fire pit for chilly nights (say that three times fast). On the right you can see a glimpse of an original avocado tree the owner worked around during construction.

More views of the sharp pool area.

Inviting lounging space.

Every inch of the space is carefully tended to. Landscape design is by Falling Waters Landscape.

Nap time.

Peaceful.

This pool takes a good picture from any angle. Concrete and stainless bench on right right is by NICHE and designed by interior designer and resident of the studio, Kim Nadel

Let's step inside the front door.

I took about 15 pictures of this sign. I just couldn't stop. Designed by lili Plaskon (not a typo, her first name is not capitalized). Available from NICHE.

The living room sits atop its pool view. This home is more traditional wood construction (vs. the concrete and steel beams of the Munson Residence), although it has all the features of a modern villa: windows for days, exposed beam ceilings as well as polished, wash and wear, concrete flooring downstairs.

This folding glass door system is on my wish list (La Cantina). Provides a seamless connection of the indoors and outdoors, while visually extending the living room.

I got a little distracted in this elegant, yet comfortable home. It was so well staged. Homeowner Kim Nadel did a perfect job accessorizing the home just right (pretty, but not too precious). I enjoyed taking a close look at the things she placed around this classy beach-side studio home.

And the beautiful choices in art. Beach, blue and green are consistently used throughout the home.

Classic table. The pink flower rug makes a big statement.

Love the dining room. Light and airy, decorated yet comfortable.

Simple table centerpiece.

View from dining to the kitchen. Note the concrete and steel bar stools. Designed by resident Kim Nadel. Can we talk bar stools for a second? My son has big ole rivets on his jeans and shorts. He has taken chunks out of our wood bar stools and dining table benches. I examined these stools closely. They are indestructible. Good job Kim.

Good-looking cabinets in an incredibly efficient layout (and not the typical warm wood color found in most modern homes). The cabinet material was listed as "engineered" and scratch/impact resistant (sign me up). The countertop is ECO by Cosentino and is a recycled material. Resident Kim Nadel, and principal at NICHE, is an LEED-accredited designer and it shows in the material choices throughout the home including the rooftop Photovoltaic Solar Panels.

There really aren't upper cabinets. Opens the kitchen up considerably.

Lots of drawers to store pots and pans.

This is a cook's kitchen. Everything at arm's length, with room to breath and room for guests to sit comfortably at the bar, sipping a glass of wine, while the chef whips a little something-something up.

Powder room on the ground floor. Such pretty lighting. Look how she uses the mirror to enlarge this space without screaming, "I am using a mirror to enlarge this space."

Elegant back splash with faucet mounted directly into the wall. Doesn't take up a lot of room in a small guest powder room.

Let's run upstairs. Beach glass on the stair landing continues the ocean theme.

Another view of the sign and the pretty glass lighting fixture.

On to the study. This is the working hard part of the Living Studio. This is a home office I could spend a little time in. Love the powder blue and green color combo. Bright and energetic without being in your face.

The beach theme is carried throughout the home. I bet the little stool on the left is Ms. Nadel's.

And the pop of yellow. Perfect.

More little touches. Again, everything in this home is so carefully placed. 

The hall guest bathroom. The blue cabinets are magnificent. And the wall mounted faucet directly on the mirror is a real space saving feature.

Wall to wall mirrors expand what is a relatively modest room. Drawers for DAYS! Both features clearly designed by a woman.

Shower curtains are elegant. Check out the gorgeous blue glass tile.

The master continues the blue and green theme seen throughout the home.

This dresser is just fantastic. Period.

Master with a fireplace (energy smart, of course) for chilly nights.

Serene scene. Third Buddha, but who's counting?

Fantastic deck with the same folding glass door system. Beautiful views.

Master bath with a little vanity area to put on makeup. (Yay.)

Another super soft looking sink.

Pretty commode side table. Practical.

This was the only home that allowed you to peek in the closet. Most homes had post-its up on the closets saying "stay out." Fair enough. Kim is proud of her closet. As well she should be. So organized, so efficient. (I would so not share this.)

Another view of the pretty vanity and a floating cabinet. Who loves floating cabinets?

Up to the roof top deck. Stunning ocean view on a perfect Southern California fall day.

More of the concrete and steel furniture. I like.

Time to leave this elegant studio. Down the stairs I go.

But not before getting one last picture of the sign. So cool.

More details about One19 Living Studio can be found on the Dwell site. This home simply screams bachelorette pad. Don't you just want to move right in?

Related Posts

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• Dwell Modern San Diego #3: Modern Cardiff
• Dwell Modern San Diego #4: Harris Residence
• How similar are 21st century modern and mid-century modern?