When we first began creating the plans for Zuma Beach House, one of our biggest dreams was that it would be a place that brings people together. A home where family and friends could gather, share slow meals around an outdoor table, and gather around the firepit as the sun goes down. I want it to feel like a soft landing—a place where everyone’s pace slows down the moment they walk in the door.
That’s the approach we’ve taken as we’ve designed the indoor-outdoor great room and media room, but it’s also for the private corners of the home—like the guest room and bath—where hospitality really shines. A space where guests can wake up with the sun or linger in bed awhile longer, make a cup of coffee or curl up with a good book. Where they feel cared for and at home.
First, My Design Inspiration:
Designing a Retreat in a Small Space
The challenge is twofold: the guest room is small, and there’s no closet. Not even a sliver of storage. And while having a cabinet-maker design a custom built-in was tempting, the quotes came in well over what we’d budgeted for the space. Still, I didn’t want to compromise on the feeling, and knew that I wanted guests to be able to unpack their bags and have a clean environment. I kept coming back to boutique hotel rooms we’ve stayed in through the years: though compact, the best hotels are beautifully designed with everything you need.
The answer came in the form of a semi-custom solution. We’ll be buying the IKEA PAX wardrobe system, paired with custom walnut doors from Fronteriors. We’re taking the unit all the way to the ceiling for a true built-in look. And to make it more than just storage, we’re building on a simple, walnut desk tucked into the side: a 39-inch desktop and a side panel in the same finish, so it feels like one cohesive piece of furniture. This way, guests will have a small workspace or coffee spot right in the privacy of their room.
This is what I love about the design process—finding creative, attainable solutions that don’t sacrifice beauty or function.
Open to the Outdoors
The entire design personality of Zuma Beach House is built around a seamless flow between the indoors and outdoors. In the guest room, a sliding glass door opens to a private patio enclosed in warm wood fencing. My hope is that guests will step outside in the morning with their coffee, or take a moment in the afternoon to lay in the hammock and nod off.
To provide texture and privacy, we’re layering two sets of curtains from Graber— one light-blocking, one sheer—mounted on a flush track in the ceiling so the hardware disappears. It’s these seemingly small details that really make a space feel architecturally-driven and truly serene.
To Vault or Not to Vault
Our biggest investment in this room was the decision to vault the ceilings. The previous space had low, flat ceilings that made it feel a bit dark and cramped. Thought it meant stretching the budget, we ultimately decided that creating the sense of space and airiness was worth it. In a small room, openness is everything—it turns a simple bedroom into a really special space.
In the center, we’re hanging this oversized, statement-making fixture: the Samsara Chandelier by Currey & Company from Lightology. Crafted from thick bent rattan, it’s both sculptural and organic. Though some might shy away from such a large piece in a small space, I love using this contrast in scale to create a beautiful, textural focal point.
A Loungey Take on Bedside Lighting
When it comes to creating mood, lighting really is everything. I knew I wanted to use the Dax Wall Sconces in Brass from Lightology on either side of the bed, but when my builder asked for mounting height, I hesitated. Standard advice usually says to mount sconces above the headboard (around 55″–60″ from the floor.) But I kept picturing a lower, more relaxed glow to match the low-profile bed. In the end, I went with my gut and set them at 38–40 inches from the floor. It’s a small rebellion against the design rulebook, but I think it will make the space feel more relaxed and loungy.
A Small but Soulful Bathroom
Like the bedroom, the guest bath has a small footprint and needs to deliver on both function and feeling. To keep it from feeling overly utilitarian, I went all in with my design dream to cover the floors and the shower walls in this gorgeous unglazed natural zellige tile from Zia tile. The warmth and texture of this tile will transform the space into a Moroccan spa, and I can’t wait to see how it comes together.
Our plumbing fixtures are unlacquered brass from Kallista’s one collection—I love the “living” finish that will continue to develop character and patina over time. And yes, it is possible to be obsessed with a toilet: our ME by Starck Wall Mounted Toilet from Duravit is so functional and beautifully-designed. Sleek, minimal, and comfortable—it’s the kind of small luxury that elevates everyday routines in the best way.
Over the vanity, I’m hanging the Kasbah Rattan Pendant by Woven from Lightology. It’s timeless and charming made of natural materials.
Walls Like a Cloud
Throughout both rooms, we’re using Patagonia Roman Clay by Portola Paints. It’s warm and light with just enough movement to give the walls a textural, cloud-like softness. In a home defined by warm minimalism and Japandi influences, the walls play as big a role as the furniture—they set the mood before you notice a single piece of decor.
Design for How You Want to Feel
In the end, this guest suite isn’t just a bedroom and bathroom—it’s a space to slow down and enjoy the moment. I’ve shared before that my design ethos starts from defining how you want to feel, and that’s especially true for this project. Every choice, from the hammock outside to the patinaed brass in the shower, is meant to feel like a deep breath and an invitation to connect with nature and the people around us.
Because the real dream for Zuma Beach House isn’t just beautiful spaces—it’s the memories we’ll make with people who fill them.
