When Suzie and Bob Mecay purchased their home in the charming fishing town of Summerland, California, it was a”shabby old shore shack,” says Suzie. Yet despite its dark inside and low ceilings, Bob and Suzie claim it was still love at first sight. The reason? Its location, directly on a beautiful piece of land overlooking Summerland Beach.
On account of the small size of the home, it was a challenge for the Mecays to redesign it to match their family of five. WIth this dilemma in mind, they made the home as if it had been a yacht, utilizing every inch economically. The couple brought beach chic to a completely new level by mixing this nautical theme with their love of this beach and its own natural beauty.
at a Glance
Who lives here: Suzie and Bob Mecay; children Brook and Grady; puppy Burton
Location: Summerland, California
Size: 2,000 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, an office, and a loft
That’s interesting: The Mecays decorate their home a few times a year to keep the white at its brightest.
Shannon Malone
Suzie originally looked for furniture that fit the scale of the home, but immediately realized that did not get the job done. “It made the home seem tiny,” she states. “When you’ve got a little home, layout with big furniture. It simply works ”
Living room furniture: Barefoot Elegance (now closed); cushions and accessories, Botanik in Summerland and Pottery Barn
Shannon Malone
Suzie’s design philosophy is simple:”Keep it white,” she states. As soon as the Mecays originally remodeled their home, they tried to use more color in the plan, but it did not mesh with the ocean and beach atmosphere. With the coastline as their chief source of inspiration, the Mecays simplified the palette and used only organic materials such as driftwood, linens and cotton.
Ceiling and wall paint: White, Benjamin Moore
Shannon Malone
Each the furnishings and decorative accents in the Mecays’ home were purchased in the Santa Barbara region. Suzie’s favorite local shop, Botanik, is right around the corner from their home. It is a wonderful supply of unique home and garden décor motivated by the sea’s natural beauty.
Orchids and living area accessories: Botanik
Shannon Malone
The charming entryway captures the essence of the home’s layout, with its use of white blended with natural components and sun hats begging to be carried to the shore.
Shannon Malone
Suzie’s favourite place is your kitchen. “That’s where I hang out the most,” she states. It has the best views, and I love to cook” Like most features of the home, the kitchen has been designed as if it were on a yacht. It is small and compact and resembles a boat galley. The kitchen is slightly raised from the living and dining rooms, providing beautiful views of the Pacific.
Suzie has big plans for her little kitchen. She states,”It is not white enough! I want to put in new white countertops, and I would like to fit in a new Sub-Zero refrigerator — that is compulsory.”
Antique wine jugs: William Laman
Shannon Malone
Using their yacht-inspired design strategy in mind, the Mecays found this streamlined dining area table in an antiques shop in downtown Santa Barbara. The dining table folds out to accomodate extra guests.
Dining seats: Barefoot Elegance (now closed)
Shannon Malone
To maximize space, the couple raised all the ceilings into the roofline. With this added vertical area, they made the exterior of the master bedroom to serve numerous functions. It offers storage for their entertainment center and also functions as a loft for sleeping and extra storage. The ladder leading up to the loft is an antique find from an old fashioned.
Shannon Malone
The streamlined master bedroom is nestled beneath the living area. Suzie was able to make it feel airy and open by using white walls, mirrors, big windows and a French door leading to the outdoor living area.
Browse more small master bedrooms
Shannon Malone
Windows surround the home, allowing sunlight to flood the inside and lend a gentle, serene feeling.
Shannon Malone
Eager to present for every picture, the family’s puppy, Burton, blends in perfectly with the inside of the home.
Bed cloths: Botanik
Shannon Malone
The hallway walls are lined with built-in bookshelves that function as storage space for books and CDs, in addition to display space for family photographs.
Chair: William Laman
Shannon Malone
With the entire home being white and full of sunshine, Suzie wanted to design a escape space. The office, which doubles as an entertainment space, was the perfect place to create a darker yet still warm and inviting area. The couple painted accent walls a deep chocolate brown to contrast with the white tones and organic substances.
Chairs and sofa: Barefoot Elegance (now closed); Shade: Maison K
Shannon Malone
Functionality and design intertwine beautifully in the home office. Bob and Suzie utilized every inch economically by creating a storage area that also acts as an entertainment center. The area has an understated beauty and unites both the beachfront and nautical themes found throughout the home.
Shannon Malone
The home’s two baths contain crimson and natural elements combined with superbly crafted fixtures, like this Waterworkssink.
Shannon Malone
To maximize space, the Mecay family extended their living area to the outdoors. The residence is surrounded by decks and seats areas like this outdoor living space, designed with the same natural components as the remainder of the home. The outdoor area is fully equipped with an entertainment center, fireplace and drink cart.
Outdoor furniture, plants and accessories: Botanik
Shannon Malone
Suzie wanted the simplicity of the inside to interpret to the landscaping as well. She replaced the flowers in the yard with green grass to get a brand new, low-maintenance look. The lawn overlooks Summerland Beach, and Botanik made it using mainly grass and boxwoods.
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