The Heart of Casa Zuma: Inside Our Malibu Great Room

An open, sun-filled space designed to bring us closer—to one another, to the outdoors, and to the ever-changing view of the Pacific.

By Camille Styles
Camille Styles' Malibu great room, featuring an oak kitchen island, wood cabinetry and woven pendant lights.

Photography by Michelle Nash

When we first started planning Casa Zuma’s renovation, I assumed we’d divide the thousand-square-foot addition among several rooms. Instead, our architect devoted nearly all of it to one expansive great room—and now that we live here, I’m so glad he did.

This is the true heart of our home. The kitchen, fireside sitting area, and outdoor terrace all flow together, creating a seamless flow between indoors and out, and the space where everyone gathers. I make coffee while the morning light moves across the room, everyone sits around the island while I cook, and dinner usually makes its way outside as the sun begins to set.

Camille Styles' Malibu great room at dusk, featuring an oak kitchen island, wood cabinetry and woven pendant lights. Pin it
Sunlit entryway with a woven mirror, indoor tree, and doors open. Pin it

Living in Rhythm With Nature

When you walk through the front door, you’re greeted with a view of the Pacific. This was the view we first fell in love with, so every design decision was made with that moment in mind. Warm oak, rough stone, creamy walls, woven fibers, and aged brass give the room timeless texture and depth that complement, rather than compete, with the beauty of the outdoors. 

Throughout the day, the changing light is part of the experience—sun-drenched in the morning, golden before sunset, and softly glowing after dark.

Open pocket doors connect Casa Zuma’s kitchen and great room to an outdoor dining terrace surrounded by greenery.

A 30-foot wall of pocket doors opens the room completely to the terrace.

Camille Styles in her Malibu great room, featuring an oak kitchen island, wood cabinetry and woven pendant lights.

I’ve always dreamed of a kitchen window that extends down to the countertop. This one frames an olive tree and brings sunlight into the center of the room.

Left: Oak, stone, clay, linen, and woven fibers create warmth within the restrained palette.
Right: The 13-foot island holds our sink, cooktop, storage, and cookbooks—and gives everyone a place to gather while I cook.

Sunlit great room at Casa Zuma with a plaster fireplace, oak cabinetry, open shelving and a cozy seating area.

Four low-slung chairs around a travertine table create an intimate spot by the fire for coffee, games, and dinner.

Casa Zuma’s outdoor dining terrace with an oak table, woven chairs and open views into the kitchen.

Instead of a traditional indoor dining room, we created an outdoor gathering space that feels like a natural extension of the kitchen.

Our Vision-Turned-Reality

When designing this space, I dreamed about evenings spent cooking dinner with music turned up and an ocean breeze coming through the open doors. Now, I regularly pinch myself to believe this is real life.

This room holds our slow mornings, gatherings with friends, and creative work sessions. After years of imagining it, the most meaningful part is seeing how this space supports the life we want to live.

The Resources

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Architecture & Finishes

Furniture

Lighting

Decor

camille styles
Camille Styles

Camille is the founder and editor-in-chief of Camille Styles and Casa Zuma. She is dedicated to creating spaces, stories, and products that bring ease and beauty to daily life.

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