A Redondo Beach Family Chooses a Local Builder and Interior Designer to Create Their Forever Home

Coming together.

  • Category
    Homes, People
  • Written by
    Jennie Nunn
  • Photographed by
    Lauren Taylor

When it came time to find their family home in Redondo Beach, homeowners Chris and Jennifer Scanlan were laser-focused on a very specific street. “We lived just two streets over and always said if something opened up on Avenue A, we would jump at it,” explains Chris. “We had always loved Avenues A, B and C—but A in particular. We loved how the street would have a party for the holidays [Fourth of July and Halloween] and wanted to be a part of that. It’s a great walking street with less through traffic and wonderful neighbors.”

Later, when a house finally came up for sale on Avenue A, they knew they had to have it even though it didn’t quite fulfill all their needs. “We looked at existing homes and didn’t find anything that suited our family,” recalls Chris. “So we bought the lot and decided to build new.”

After admiring a home in Manhattan Beach’s Tree Section done by Tyler Krikorian of Krikorian Construction and interior designer Noelle Isbell of Noelle Interiors, they hired them to design their own dream home for their two sons and two cats, Socks and Gizmo.

“We travel to Kauai a lot and have always loved the look and style of island homes,” says Chris. “We would stay in Hanalei Bay every summer since the boys were born and wanted a home that had a laid-back island feel—not like a museum. We knew it needed to be rugged and livable with style, where we could get sand on the floor and have indoor-outdoor living spaces come together.”

The 5,203-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath home was designed by Douglas J. Leach of Douglas Leach Architecture in Redondo Beach and landscape architect Rob Jones of Jones Landscapes. The Scanlans knew they wanted their new home to include a few key elements: a lush, resort-like backyard with plenty of space for guests; dedicated office space; and a fully finished basement with a game area, TV lounge, wine room and gym.

“The kitchen is one of my favorite spaces because this is where family and friends all come together.”

“I wanted a basement to take advantage of the land and have more livable space for ‘fun areas’ in the home,” says Chris. “And we wanted the backyard to feel like an escape to a tropical paradise.”

After initially meeting with Chris and Jennifer, Noelle devised a plan replete with inspiration from the architecture and careful consideration of their lifestyle. “They wanted a coastal farmhouse vibe with a clean palette, and they were really open and allowed us to get creative,” says Noelle. “They wanted to create a home that allowed their kids to grow and have happy memories. We focused on organized storage and durable finishes since they have two boys. They have a lot of friends and enjoy entertaining. We detailed every inch with our heart and soul to create a joyful energy that is carried throughout the home. There are layers of wood trim moldings, wallpaper accents, decorative fixtures, handmade tiles, custom furnishings and window treatments. Every detail was implemented with intention to be there.”

To set the tone of the front porch, Noelle chose a playful, graphic, blue-and-white Cement Arc concrete tile by Clé. “It was about engaging guests as they come in,” she says. “We arranged the tile to create a pattern that resembled birds. I love creating an organic influence and happy energy.”

In the entry she continued the same tile on the floor and designed a custom credenza flanked by a pair of Fiona large table lamps by Thomas O’Brien for Visual Comfort. She also added a woven wallpaper, Chevron Chic by Phillip Jeffries, and a large-scale photograph entitled Under MB Pier II by Hermosa Beach photographer Brent Broza of Broza Photo.

“We love this piece,” says Chris. “The artwork really frames the entry and provides depth and color.”

Every detail of the design was precisely executed. The kitchen is lined with a 10-foot soft blue island with an “X” design as a wink to the coastal farmhouse style. “The kitchen is one of my favorite spaces because this is where family and friends all come together,” Noelle says. “I wanted to achieve an inspiring space to enjoy every day.”

The laundry room is appointed with Oh Joy! pinwheel tiles by Clé. Turquoise-hued cabinets include a designated cubby with a cat door that serves as a concealed storage space for the litter box—a design feature Noelle borrowed from her own home. “I also have a cat door and knew how easy it was to create,” she says. “It’s a charming touch.”

The serene, primary bedroom adjacent to an outdoor veranda is another design highlight with a Noelle Interiors custom bed, nightstand and swivel chair. The fireplace is clad in floor-to-ceiling MADE Modern field tiles by Ann Sacks. “I think the tile was interesting to us at first, but we stuck with it and love it,” says Chris.

He adds: “Everyone who sees the home comments on the interesting design. Noelle did a great job narrowing down options, and we could choose from a small sample of two or three choices. She pretty much had full reign to run with her creativity, and we would select from her narrowed options.”

The backyard is another family hub with a bar wrapped in a wave-like patterned concrete tile (Gem Elope by Kelly Wearstler); hand-forged light fixtures by The Urban Electric Co.; a grilling station; a TV for sports-viewing parties; and an outdoor fireplace and seating area.

“We would not change anything,” says Chris. “Every day we live in the home it feels so bright, open and homey. It’s extremely livable, and the indoor-outdoor spaces flowing together are real assets since we love being outside. The backyard is an oasis.”

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