1980s Kent bungalow reimagined with a stylish California aesthetic
In the picturesque town of Kent, England, a 1980s Bungalow has been transformed into a stunning California-inspired beach house, boasting a classic seaside look. The homeowners, Dani and Henry, have meticulously renovated the property over 18 months, resulting in an airy and bright home that embodies the essence of Californian beach houses.
The interior design features whitewashed walls and tongue-and-groove panelling painted white throughout, creating a calm, airy, and bright coastal vibe. The panelling adds texture and charm reminiscent of classic seaside homes, while exposed rafters and beams enhance the rustic and natural beachy feel. Terracotta floors, with their warm colour and textural contrast, evoke a laid-back, rustic atmosphere inspired by Californian beach homes.
Splashes of colour in fixtures and fittings subtly break the white palette and add personality without overwhelming the understated coastal theme. For instance, the kitchen features a rustic beach look, with a Falcon stove and Smeg fridge adding splashes of colour. The dining room is a showstopping space, with a large pendant light from Rae Lifestyle serving as the centrepiece in the all-white room.
The sitting room, Henry's favourite space, showcases exposed rafters and tongue-and-groove panelling, painted white in a classic American coastal style. A surfboard adds to the coastal theme, creating an authentic California beach vibe. In the bedroom, a concealed wardrobe space behind linen curtains brings a relaxed feel to the room.
The guest bedroom matches the rest of the property, with wood on the walls and warm-coloured terracotta underfoot. A versatile side table can be used as a chic side table or nightstand throughout the house. The bathroom features exposed pipes, sturdy plastic-headed taps, and a basin from Living Roc, with a touch of industrial chic softened by vivid green plants.
Dani mentions that she loves the natural light in the house, as the sun rises at the front and sets at the back, providing amazing sunsets. The exterior of the house was painted to reinforce the California beach-house feel, and new windows and shutters were added. A wall clock resembling a classic Newgate version but available at half the price provides a sleek Californian look.
This transformation involved a committed and personal realization of the seaside Californian lifestyle at the English coast. The result is a calm, rustic beach retreat that balances timeless coastal style with comfort and practicality, fitting for the Kent location while capturing the essence of California’s seaside homes. Dani and Henry, who enjoy entertaining in the kitchen and hosting dinner parties in the open-plan dining room, have created a home that perfectly blends the charm of the seaside with a touch of California cool.
The interior design, reflecting the Californian beach-house style, showcases whitewashed walls, tongue-and-groove panelling, and terracotta floors, where exposed rafters and beams add a touch of outdoor-living ambiance. In harmony with the home-and-garden setting, the landscape is thoughtfully planned to seamlessly merge indoor and outdoor living spaces, further embodying the seaside Californian lifestyle.
