Photography by Michelle Nash
We first began designing Casa Zuma with the intention that it would be a second home, and these rooms had very different futures back then. One was going to be a bunk room where we could sleep a crowd, and the other was imagined as a serene guest retreat.
Then: plans changed. When we decided to make Casa Zuma our full-time home (which you can read about here), we realized the rooms needed to work for so much more—not just for an occasional weekend, but for homework, sports practices, sleepovers, and everything that comes with everyday life.
The final spaces share the same natural materials and warm palette as the rest of the house, but each has a completely different energy. Phoebe’s room is light, bright, and playful, while Henry’s feels a bit moodier and more grounded.
Phoebe’s Light & Airy Retreat
In Phoebe’s room, we wanted to create a feeling of openness and ease. The soft palette begins with relaxed [Bed Threads linen bedding], topped by a [Four Hands lumbar pillow] and a plush [Ernesta rug] that’s so nice on bare feet. A vintage bench at the foot of the bed adds warmth and character.
Overhead, the sculptural Finley Chandelier by Arteriors from Lightology brings movement and personality to the room. Its organic form feels playful without being overly youthful—an important consideration when designing a space that can grow with her.
Her California Closets closet gives everything a designated place, with storage designed around clothing, shoes, and the practical realities of getting ready each day. Throughout the bedroom, Marvin doors and Graber drapery frame the natural light, while Stuga flooring in Ingrid and Portola Roman Clay in Patagonia create a warm, quiet backdrop.
Her bathroom was my chance to introduce more color. The custom tile from [Clay Imports] combines warm terracotta tones with deep green accents—a playful contrast to the calm bedroom, with a whole design adventure behind it. Unlacquered brass fixtures from Kallista’s ONE collection add warmth and will continue to develop a beautiful patina over time.
Henry’s Warm & Moody Space
Henry’s room takes the shared palette in a completely different direction. Dark [Bed Threads linen bedding], a quiet but textural [Ernesta rug], and the room’s walnut cabinetry create a warmer, more enveloping atmosphere.
The cabinetry combines an IKEA base with walnut fronts from Fronteriors. Rather than treating storage and a desk as separate pieces, we designed the wall to handle both. Closed cabinets keep clothes and gear out of sight, while the built-in desk creates a dedicated place for homework, and open shelves leave room for books and objects.
A tiered woven [Casa Zuma chandelier] softens the cabinetry and adds natural texture overhead.
In Henry’s bathroom, an [arched mirror] introduces a softer shape above the vanity. Countertops made of [Caesarstone Marenstone] pair with unlacquered brass Kallista ONE fixtures, while [Zia Tile unglazed zellige](TK PRODUCT + LINK) covers the shower in a warm, tonal herringbone pattern.
The Resources
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Shared Finishes
- Architect: Doug Burdge
- Builder: RS Wood
- Windows and doors: Marvin
- Wall finish and color: Portola Roman Clay in Patagonia
- Flooring: Stuga in Ingrid
- Drapery: Graber
Phoebe’s Bedroom
- Bedding: Oatmeal Bedding Set
- Mattress: Avocado Mattress
- Lumbar Pillow: Target
- Rug: Snow, Ernesta
- Bench: Vintage
- Lighting: Finley Chandelier by Arteriors from Lightology
- Artwork: Sayulita, Helm +Oar
- Closet: California Closets
- Vanity: Ojai Vanity Desk
- Bedside table: Plank Nightstand
Phoebe’s Bathroom
- Custom bathtub tile: Clay Imports
- Plumbing fixtures: Kallista ONE in Unlacquered Brass
- Mirror: Lulu & Georgia
- Towels: Turkish Bath Towel, Hanna Hand Towel
Henry’s Bedroom
- Bed: Thuma
- Bedding: Charcoal Bedding Set
- Mattress: Avocado Mattress
- Rug: Maycomb, Ernesta
- Walnut Cabinet Fronts: Fronteriors
- Lighting: Casa Zuma
- Nightstand: The Citizenry
- Bedside lighting: Dax Wall Sconce, Lightology
Henry’s Bathroom
- Plumbing fixtures: Kallista ONE in Unlacquered Brass
- Mirror: West Elm
- Lighting: Handmade Pendant
- Countertop: Caesarstone Marenstone
- Shower tile: Zia Tile Unglazed Zellige
- Towels: Turkish Bath Towel
More this way
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How We Made Our Powder Bath Feel Quietly Luxurious
Handmade tile, unlacquered brass, and reclaimed wood bring soul to Casa Zuma’s powder bath.
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.