Brought to life through a close collaboration with Brandon Architects and Longman Construction, this striking Newport Beach residence marks the latest chapter in California-based interior designer Erica Bryen’s long-standing partnership with a seasoned client. Conceived as a full-time home for a vibrant, art-loving family, the three-storey bayfront property balances vintage charm with modern flair - wrapped in richly layered textures, bold finishes, and thoughtfully curated details.
With four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, the house was envisioned as a space for gathering, entertaining, and living luxuriously by the water. “The client was looking to create a fun, waterfront environment for everyone to enjoy – something cozy and moody, but still exciting and full of personality,” shares Bryen. From the expressive living spaces to the sculptural bathrooms featuring Samuel Heath brassware, every element of the design reflects a confident, characterful vision tailored to a life well lived.
The interior architecture reflects this philosophy, delivering a layout that flows with ease while retaining a strong sense of identity in each room. Living and entertaining spaces are open yet considered, making room for richly layered moments of impact. Every wall was dressed with custom wallpaper or Venetian plaster, setting the scene for a series of rooms that are as tactile as they are visual.
The tonal direction throughout the home is what Bryen refers to as “sophisticated opulence with a pop.” Across every room, deep colour stories and architectural forms are enriched by bold textures, gold metallic highlights, and fine detailing. In the lounge turned green room, for example, an intricate coffered ceiling and chevron wood flooring frame a dramatic stone fireplace. A second larger living area includes a Lindsey Adelman Studio Branching Disk chandelier, adding contemporary poise above a Rene Cazares sofa and Black Creek Mercantile coffee table.
In the kitchen, the focal point is an astonishing Art Deco-inspired oven handcrafted by La Cornue, set in dramatic contrast to a white marble backsplash and waterfall island. Customised Pendant lights from The Urban Electric Company and bespoke cabinetry were tailored to complete an expressive effect. “Our client is not afraid to experiment with colour and texture, and that allowed us to be creative with every detail,” says Bryen. “We put together an elevated, luxury feel while incorporating vibrant, personal touches.”
From the emerald green jaguar carpeting and floor-to-ceiling floral wallpaper in the bunk room, to the monumental 59-bulb Lindsey Adelman chandelier in the entryway, every room offers its own rhythm that is layered and luxe, bold and balanced – and always a true reflection of the client’s unique taste.
The home’s sense of drama and detail is most evident in the bathrooms – especially the Master and Powder Rooms, where brassware by Samuel Heath help to create standout features. These private spaces reflect the same fearless curation as the rest of the house, delivering atmospheric, artfully composed interiors that stand confidently within their showpiece surroundings.
For the main Powder Room, Bryen opted for Samuel Heath’s LMK LMK Industrial Basin Mixer in City Bronze, selected for its ability to anchor the space visually against the high-drama backdrop of Calacatta Monet marble. The specification features a unique angled lever, selected without a backplate for a pared-back, architectural finish. “We needed a fixture that would be able to hold its own against the slab and light fixture,” explains Bryen. “The LMK Industrial faucet worked amazingly. We love the attention to detail and the sophisticated elements.” Walls are finished in Venetian plaster by Applied Plastering, while the lighting, sourced from Circa Lighting, casts a soft, ambient glow across the deep veining of the stone.
In the Master Bathroom, the drama ensues with a gilded standalone bathtub overlooking serene bayfront views. The team selected a Samuel Heath Style Moderne Basin Filler and Bath & Shower Mixer in Brushed Gold Gloss to complete the opulent centrepiece. The addition of Glass Levers adds a further layer of refinement, pairing beautifully with the tactile mix of finishes throughout the room. “We found the beautiful brass tub for the master and came across the Samuel Heath hardware. We knew we needed an elegant and sophisticated faucet to complement it, and this fixture fit perfectly,” Bryen shares.
The room is clad floor-to-ceiling in Calacatta Borghini stone, setting a serene, monolithic tone. Visual Comfort lighting, Morris & Co blinds, and bespoke detailing balance the room’s vibrant composition, creating a haven of indulgence and design precision.
It is the considered approach to materials and layout that unites each room of the home. The decision to leave no drywall exposed speaks to the level of detailing – every surface was thoughtfully curated. “We carefully selected and planned each material for all walls,” notes Bryen. The result is a seamless journey through tonal shifts and inviting textures, punctuated by timeless fixtures and design-led accents.
The holistic cohesion extends to the specification of Samuel Heath brassware - selected not only for its aesthetic appeal, but also for its functionality and ability to elevate the overall atmosphere. “We knew these fixtures would be able to stand out yet still flow with every element of the home,” says Bryen.
For the designer, the most rewarding stage of the project came at the very end. “When every detail comes together, and all the hard work and time spent comes to fruition,” she shares. “Being able to present the finished product to the client and see the smile on their faces is priceless.”
It’s a fitting reflection of a home designed with both boldness and heart – a bayfront sanctuary for family, art, relaxation, and joy.
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