Natalie Umbert Infuses an Oceanfront Residence with a Crisp Palette and
Carefully Chosen Beach References
Written by Maresa Giovannini
Photography by Jeri Koegel
The 3,000-square-foot oceanfront residence was stripped down to the studs and,
although reconfigured, not expanded. The new layout includes four bedrooms, two
bathrooms, and several living spaces for the three-generation family who would
spend their future summers bonding at the beach. Umbert’s mission was to design an appropriate space for a large family with diverse
needs, most important of which was being able to appreciate the marvelous
views.
Umbert decided on a neutral color palette, and, to avoid competition between the
created décor and the natural surroundings, she used light colors such as white and very
light blue tones with thoughtful accents of orange and turquoise. The colors
and decor are anything but traditional for a coastal escape. There are no
blatant anchors or rope nets. This California pad is meant for the experience
of the beach life, not the implication. “What I wanted to do was get away from typical nautical references, which are
very common in Newport Beach,” says Umbert. “But I still wanted it to be evocative of the ocean and incorporate as many
elements associated with it as I could.”
Elements such as wide-plank sun-bleached wood floors, lightweight fabrics,
reflective surfaces, and glass tiles mirror the essence of the ocean. Instead
of popular and high-end travertine, which Umbert regarded as too cold for this
project, she used Coral Reef by El Dorado stone, which appeared more organic.
Designer Natalie Umbert chose a neutral color palette of light colors such as
white and very light blue tones to avoid competition between the created décor and the natural surroundings.
The rumpus room (right) is Umbert's favorite room in the home. Here, thoughtful accents of orange and
turquoise only heighten the appeal of this family-friendly beach cottage.
The baths were transformed into ocean cocoons with blue stone mosaics, Thassos
white marble tile with a mosaic pattern, porthole-like details on the vanity,
and glass tiles suggestive of treasured sea glass. The bedrooms became sunny
and sandy retreats with lightweight white fabrics, mirrored-front drawers and
desks, and simple shades covering strategically placed windows.
Slightly less vague nautical suggestions were ultimately incorporated into the
design. The formal dining room features oak-frame chairs covered in a modern
sand-dollar pattern and coupled elegantly with a wavy mid-century Venini
chandelier. “I didn’t want to take anything too literally,” says Umbert. “But, at the same time, I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel.”
Another priority for the owners of this beachfront cottage was being able to
entertain company. Because the vacation home would likely see a lot of foot
traffic in the summer months, the owners desired appropriate spaces and
seating. Umbert did so in the living room with “…flexible seating and great circulation.”
In addition to the couch, window bench, vintage swivel chairs, and nearby bar
stools, open Nana doors create a seamless space where guests can freely mingle
inside or bask in the fresh air on the porch. For more outdoor presence, the
roof deck is fully equipped with a fireplace, seating area, and dining space.
No matter how many people fill this home with laughter during the summer, there
is always space for more in the rumpus room. The quintessential party place,
Umbert’s favorite room in the house acts as a casual living area, additional dining
room, and a viable guest room. The rumpus room visually reflects the
accessibility of this modern home that was truly designed for functional beach
living. “With the washed wood floors and clean glass elements, it was really low
maintenance but high style,” says Umbert.
Whether the family spends the summer playing board games in the rumpus room,
enjoying the view from the back porch, or swimming in the salt water, Umbert’s design for this oceanfront residence is well equipped for stylishly lazy days.
Summer’s traditional finale takes place Labor Day weekend, but this custom-designed
vacation home preserves the sweet memories of family fun all year round. 
