Cliffside Drive Residence is a family home designed by Natasha Barrault Design, offering an easy-living vibe and a strong connection to the outdoors in Point Dume, Malibu, California. This partial remodel, interior and exterior design is a joint project collaboration with architect-designer Hervé Daridan. The property 7,500 square foot (including guesthouse) belongs to a couple in the fitness industry and their 4-year-old son who had two main interests throughout the project: To get the property off the grid  and do the entire project as sustainably as possible, and to create a truly comfortable home in which warmth and a peaceful atmosphere mattered most and the result would not be “overdecorated”.

From the designer: We achieved this in part by designing a lot of built in cabinetry which helped define spaces clearly whilst “melting” into the fabric of the house and contributing to the airy feel of the rooms. We choose organic materials in a definite but soft color palette and textiles are an important element throughout. We also assembled a selection of Art and objects for the house and collaborated on the exterior with Armfield Design & Construction.

Barrault strove for an easy-living, laid-back spirit in the furnishings. Slipcovered sofas and throw pillows in neutral hues, along with the option of floor seating, give the living room an informal feel.

One way that Daridan (the architect) let more light in was to replace all the railings on the decks and balconies with less obscuring materials. Today the living room feels bright because light easily enters the home.

The taupe tones in the Farrow & Ball wallpaper are brought out by the concrete countertop and sink in the guest bath. The combination of colors and the lotus pattern of the wall treatment enliven the entire space.

The multidirectional sofa allows the family to use and orient it according to their needs.

The living room is designed to shape shift into a language arts room for the clients’ home school. “We added specially designed furniture and elegantly protected the Paola Lenti ottomans and other pieces. When school is in session, the clients cover the Hans Wegner coffee table so that it can withstand the wear and tear of the school day,” states the designer.

Bolsters and cushions can be moved around for play or for guest seating, or even cleared to transform the sofa into a daybed.

The credenza was custom designed for the family; it houses books, toys and recycled plastic storage tubs by Plastica.

Instead of a gallery wall of framed photos, the clients opted for a magnetic wall that showcases artwork, family photos and love notes. “The wall is constantly evolving and keeps the space from feeling static,” states the designer.

Animal-shaped, whimsical throw pillows are scattered on the bed. Storage space and ample drawers give toys and other articles a place of their own.

The boy’s room has a table and Knoll chair for endless hours of reading, drawing and daydreaming. Balcony doors connect the space to the outside.

This bath was designed both for safety and fun. The tub floor is covered with an anti-slip mat; the shower can be filled as a shallow bath or used as a wading pool while an adult sits on the ledge to supervise.

Photos: Courtesy of Natasha Barrault Design