26th St – Santa Monica

Open Flow | Spanish Colonial

Interior Designer
Kellie Eserts Interiors

Structural Engineer
KNA Engineering

General Contractor
Sanctuary Construction

Photography:
Manolo Langis

26TH ST – SANTA MONICA

OPEN FLOW | SPANISH COLONIAL

This Santa Monica residence is a soulful preservation of Spanish Colonial heritage, revitalized for a modern coastal lifestyle. The design honors the historic charm of the original architecture, defined by its iconic, white-washed walls and red-tiled rooflines — while introducing thoughtful structural openings that breathe new life and light into the traditional floor plan.

The architectural approach centers on the beauty of the curve and the courtyard. Iconic arched doorways and hand-plastered niches create a rhythmic flow throughout the home, leading inhabitants toward a central outdoor sanctuary. This private courtyard acts as the heart of the residence, encouraging a Mediterranean way of living where the boundary between the sanctuary of the home and the vibrancy of the garden is beautifully blurred.

Inside, the home embraces a refined organicism that favors depth and texture over monochromatic simplicity. A palette of muted charcoal, forest olive, and soft taupe is layered with weathered timber and raw stone, ensuring the generous floor plan feels both evocative and quiet. Every element — from the precision-crafted kitchen to the tranquil outdoor lounges — is executed to facilitate effortless movement and a high-design ease that is deeply rooted in its beachside environment.

TESTIMONIAL
“We were so pleased with all that you did to help our renovation. You are a great listener and very organized. You listened to our ideas and helped refine them in a way that made sense for the space that we have. You made suggestions that we hadn’t thought about and have a great artistic eye for detail. It is the combination of these details and the efficient use of space that we continue to appreciate day after day, after living in our remodeled home for over a year now. On a personal note, we just really appreciated you as a person — warm, kind, intelligent, good sense of humor and a class act.”
Homeowner
Project Highlights
  • Design Philosophy: A respectful evolution of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, blending historic character with contemporary openness.

  • Architectural Motifs: Features authentic hand-troweled plaster, reclaimed wood beams, and signature arched transitions.

  • The Courtyard Lifestyle: A layout designed around a private interior garden, maximizing natural ventilation and secluded outdoor living.

  • Atmosphere: Earthy, historic, and incredibly serene, capturing the timeless romance of California’s architectural roots.

LET’S CREATE AN INSPIRING & CAPTIVATING DESIGN TOGETHER

Whether you’re full of ideas or need inspiration, our complimentary discovery call is the best first step. No pressure, no prep needed – just preferences and curiosity.