ROOM WITH A VIEW.

"We also prioritized durability, knowing the couple's young grandchildren would be frequent visitors," Anne says. "The result is a blend of elegance and practicality." The walls are painted a darker variation of Buxton Blue by Benjamin Moore.

OUTER SPACE. This outdoor space was another product of the renovation. "We transformed the small, unused outdoor area near the kitchen into a comfortable, functional space. It adds so much livability to the home," Anne says.

CLEVER CATWALK. Formerly only accessed by the primary bedroom, Anne added a catwalk from the den to make this beautiful outdoor living and entertaining deck more accessible.

When the owners of this charming Laguna Beach, California, home enlisted Anne Michaelsen Design to help them complete an exterior renovation, it didn't take them long to realize the interior would need a complete overhaul as well.

"As they started planning, they realized that the interior no longer met their needs for a full-time residence," Anne says. "The cottage, while charming, lacked a comfortable kitchen and dining area, and the outdoor spaces were difficult to access and not functional." Thus began an extensive and exciting update for the 1937 cottage.

"There had been several renovations in the past, but they didn't always honor the cottage's original charm or offer modern conveniences," Anne explains.

Since a major goal of the project was to make the home functional and enhance the cottage's classic features, one of the first steps was to open up the kitchen to create an open living space. "The kitchen became the focal point with a gorgeous new AGA range. The enlarged island now provides ample prep space and houses a wine cooler," she says. A small appliance garage serves as a hidden storage space to optimize every available inch.