Imagine an ocean view with palm trees gently swaying and the sunset casting its golden hue over the water each evening; it’s picture-perfect. At this exceptional residence in the coveted coastal community of Corona del Mar, that dream has come to life for one family.
Spanning 5,500 square feet, this modern masterpiece blends luxury with livability, offering a home where each moment feels elevated by the breathtaking ocean views. The interior was designed by Fullen Enany Design Group, Inc., and is a leading example of how architecture can celebrate nature while creating a harmonious, functional environment for its owners. Every detail was thoughtfully planned to ensure that the indoors and outdoors flow together, crafting an oasis where the outside world becomes an extension of the interior living space.
“A custom home of this caliber can take anywhere from two-and-a-half years to as many as four years depending on the decision-making timeline, approval process with the approving authorities, and the complexity of the build,” Omar Enany, an owner and interior designer at Fullen Enany Design Group, Inc., says. The journey of crafting the ideal home for the homeowners highlights the patience and attention to detail necessary to create a space that feels effortlessly cohesive.
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“The goal of this project was to create an organic modern home that feels as though there are no boundaries between the indoor and exterior spaces,” Enany says. Indeed, the great room exemplifies this ethos with expansive retractable doors that open fully on the poolside and oceanside, creating an uninterrupted flow between the spaces. “More than once, we were there at sunset and retracted the walls and fantasized about living there ourselves!”
Drawing inspiration from the homeowners’ love for mid-century design, the team incorporated vintage furnishings and materials that evoke the era. “The owners have a passion for mid-century design and furnishings. We used several vintage pieces and chose materials that reflect the period,” he notes. These carefully selected elements shape the home’s unique character, staying true to the owners’ vision and creating a space that feels both timeless and personal.
The design process was highly collaborative and tailored to meet the specific needs of each family member. “Through multiple meetings and conversations, we addressed those needs in our designs for cabinetry, storage, display areas and work zones,” Enany says. A standout moment during the process involved a design meeting led by the owners’ young son, who was just 12 or 13 at the time. “He was incredibly organized with his thoughts and specific requirements for his personal space. His decisions turned out to be firm and did not change over the building process,” Fullen reminisces.
Balancing sophistication with warmth, the project’s design incorporates natural materials and hues. “We added warmth to the home with wood ceilings, wood flooring on the lower level and in the private bedroom spaces,” Fullen points out. “We also specified warm wood tones in combination with the clean lacquer cabinetry.” The result is a space that feels refined yet comfortable, offering the best of both worlds.
The home’s color palette and materials were carefully chosen to reflect the coastal setting. “We drew inspiration from the surrounding views, which are captivating throughout the day and seasons,” Enany says. “In California, we have long periods of sunshine and blue skies, but in winter and spring, we can have extended overcast and foggy days. Our palette consists of shades of gray, cream, blue and tan. These colors travel throughout the home, which gives us a cohesive design.”
One of the more impressive aspects of the home is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces. “The exterior color palette continues from the interior,” Fullen says. “We also used furnishings for the exterior specs that were originally designed in the 1960s and are still available today.”
The kitchen, designed by design team member, Jen DiPasquale, embraces a mid-century modern aesthetic with its sleek, minimalist design and thoughtful use of materials. The white cabinetry and smooth marble countertops create a bright, open feel, while the warm wood accents on the island add organic texture. Simple yet elegant, the design focuses on function without sacrificing beauty, with the carefully selected chairs offering a modern twist on classic forms.
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The primary bathroom continues the ambiance with its clean lines and understated elegance. The same warm wood mid-century modern cabinetry and simple, sleek fixtures contribute to a calm and balanced atmosphere. Tall, narrow mirrors and minimalistic light fixtures add refinement, while the stone countertop brings in natural textures that soften the space. This thoughtful blend of materials and design elements creates a timeless, functional environment that embodies the homeowners’ vision.
Sustainability was also a key consideration in the process. “In all our designs, we strive to use timeless materials and designs and avoid impulsive trends,” Enany notes. “This contributes to their longevity.” By focusing on enduring elements, the house is built to age gracefully, avoiding the need for frequent renovations.
While the home overall is undoubtedly its highlight, specific spaces and elements stand out as favorites among the design team. The primary bath, for instance, features a solid stone tub that weighs more than a ton. “Due to the weight and scale, it had to be brought into the home during framing, which is probably a year earlier than needed,” Enany explains. “Working around the tub was something every trade had to manage.” Despite the logistical challenges, the result is a showstopping feature that underscores the home’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship. “In the end, it was worth the sacrifice,” he adds.
Ultimately, this Corona del Mar home represents the perfect balance of luxury, functionality and timeless design. From the careful integration of mid-century elements to the fluidity between indoors and out, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create a sophisticated and inviting space.
For Enany and his team, it’s not just about building houses but crafting homes that inspire and endure. “More than anything,” Enany says, “this home reflects the unique lifestyle and vision of its owners, and that’s what makes it truly special.”