Bonsall: A Malibu Farmhouse Reimagined for a Modern Lifestyle
Discover the rustic charm and modern elegance of Bonsall, a redesigned mid-century modern house by Kovac Design Studio, nestled in the picturesque Bonsall Canyon of Malibu, California.
This magnificent residence, thoughtfully remodeled in 2020, blends the bucolic allure of Belgian farmhouses with the vibrant indoor/outdoor lifestyle that Malibu is known for. Basking in the glow of Bonsall Canyon’s sublime light, the home offers wide sliding glass doors to dissolve the boundaries between indoors and the lush exterior, framing serene views of the mature oak and maple trees surrounding it. Combining sumptuous textures, meticulous craftsmanship, and modern amenities, this home creates a balance between old and new, providing a perfect setting for the contemporary family.
About Bonsall
Embracing Nature: A Malibu Home’s Transformation
Deep in Bonsall Canyon, ensconced among mature oak and maple trees, a Malibu home underwent a captivating transformation. Tailored for a family of five, the design intended to honor the original structure while concurrently optimizing it for a modern, seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
Architectural Inspiration: The Belgian Farmhouse Aesthetic
Drawing from the rustic charm of old Belgian farmhouses, the architects endeavored to simplify and enhance the existing form of the home. They accentuated its classic single-gable pitch and incorporated wide, pocketable sliding glass doors throughout, thereby blurring the boundaries between the home and its lush garden. They selected understated wood cladding for the exterior, a nod to the design’s rustic inspiration. Meanwhile, they strategically trimmed back the eaves to breathe modernity into its mid-century roots.
An initially awkward layout and a previous addition morphed into an entertainment-friendly space, featuring a thoroughly revamped kitchen. A window positioned above the sink overlooks the herb garden, further echoing the home’s rural inspiration. Moreover, subtle adjustments throughout the house, such as the realignment of the living room’s original fireplace, facilitated more strategically framed views of the verdant surrounding landscape.
Infusing Warmth and Craftsmanship: The Interior Design
Within the home, the design team introduced hand-applied plaster to select brick walls, injecting a sense of craftsmanship, sumptuous texture, and warmth. In the dining room, the addition of beams pays homage to the project’s farmhouse inspiration, while maintaining a balance with modern comforts. For instance, the radiant wood flooring enables the family to savor the home’s connection to the outdoors, even on cooler days.
Adding skylights in strategic areas, such as the closet, allows the sublime light of Bonsall Canyon to permeate the home’s interior.
The Perfect Balance: Old and New, Country and Modern
In essence, this home exemplifies the harmony between old and new, relaxed country and modern, restrained and luxurious. Designed with the future in mind, this home promises an absence of preciousness and a lifetime of comfort and enjoyment.
Photography courtesy of Kovac Design Studio
Visit Kovac Design Studio
- by Matt Watts
