Layla Zulfa
In the exclusive Emerald Bay neighborhood of Laguna Beach, a region typically defined by sleek, glass-fronted modernism and architectural posturing toward the Pacific, a colonial-style residence stands as a deliberate anomaly. While its neighbors prioritize transparent facades to capture maximum ocean views, this home, recently redesigned by Studio Gutow co-founders Melissa Rohani and Lisa Berman, focuses inward, prioritizing "Old World soul" and a classic architectural envelope. The project represents a departure from the prevailing aesthetic of Orange County’s "tony enclaves," opting instead for a narrative rooted in East Coast clapboard charm and European-inflected interiority.
The Acquisition and Architectural Context
The journey of this residence began not with a targeted search for a new home, but during a quest for a commercial gallery space. Melissa Rohani and Lisa Berman, the creative forces behind the AD PRO Directory firm Studio Gutow, were scouting locations to house their extensive collection of furniture, textiles, and glassware. During a drive through Laguna Beach, Rohani cold-called the occupant of a Spanish casita, which happened to be the office of a local realtor. While that specific property was not for sale, the encounter led to the discovery of an off-market colonial property in Emerald Bay.
Built approximately two decades ago by a local artist, the house possessed a character that Rohani describes as having an "Old World soul." Unlike the contemporary structures that dominate the Laguna coastline, this house featured a clapboard exterior reminiscent of traditional New England architecture. The layout was equally unique: nearly every room on the ground floor opened via French doors onto a central inner courtyard anchored by a twisted willow tree. Only one room in the entire structure was originally angled toward the water, a design choice that emphasized private, courtyard-centric living over coastal spectacle.
Redefining the Interior Envelope
Upon acquisition, Rohani and Berman sought to deepen the home’s architectural character. They viewed the existing elements—such as modest chair rails and leaded glass windows—as the initial sketches of a more profound design story. Working in collaboration with LS Architects and Tony Valentine Construction, the team embarked on a renovation that corrected functional quirks while elevating the home’s classical proportions.
One of the primary structural interventions involved the reorientation of the main staircase, which had previously landed awkwardly close to a wall. By shifting these architectural anchors, the designers improved the flow of the home, making it more suitable for a modern family. To address the practicalities of coastal living, the original stained oak floors were sanded and lightened. This modification serves a dual purpose: it creates a brighter interior palette and strategically masks the inevitable presence of beach sand, which is less visible against lighter wood grains.
The designers extended the home’s internal paneling, moving beyond the original chair rails to create full-height wall treatments that reach the ceiling. This change added a sense of historical weight and permanence to the rooms. In the living room, the walls are finished in Portola Paints’ "Patagonia," a Roman Clay finish that provides a soft, plaster-like texture. This is complemented by custom sofas upholstered in Fishman Fabrics’ "Grizzly Mohair," a choice that balances luxury with the durability required for a household that includes a labradoodle named Sirus.
A Curated Approach to Art and Antiquity
A defining feature of the Emerald Bay Colonial is its museum-quality art collection, curated in collaboration with Los Angeles-based art consultant Sharon Zoldan. The integration of art within the home is notable for its lack of pretension; high-caliber works are placed in high-traffic, functional areas, signaling a lifestyle where fine art is lived with rather than merely observed.
In the breakfast area, a Josef Albers "Homage to the Square" hangs above the fireplace, while a ceramic plate by Pablo Picasso is positioned casually near the kitchen’s Wolf range. The living spaces feature works by Fu Xiaotong, André Kertész, and Minjung Kim. In the primary suite, a piece by Yoan Capote—crafted from fish hooks and barbed wire reclaimed from the sea—serves as a poignant nod to the home’s coastal setting.
The furniture selection follows a similar philosophy of curated eclecticism. The home is a repository for vintage finds and bespoke Studio Gutow designs. Notable pieces include a vintage Itsu floor lamp, a Hector Esrawe "Parábola" fixture, and "Seamoor" dining chairs by RW Guild. In the den, which was converted from a formal dining room, vintage Stilnovo sconces and a Tobia Scarpa ceiling lamp illuminate a custom sofa upholstered in Rose Uniacke linen.
The Kitchen as a Social Hub
Rejecting the traditional separation of formal and informal spaces, Rohani and Berman redesigned the kitchen to function as the home’s social epicenter. The formal dining room was sacrificed in favor of an expansive breakfast and gathering area that connects directly to the kitchen and the central courtyard.
The kitchen features custom cabinetry by H & J Cabinets and a large island with wrap-around bar seating. This configuration encourages intimate conversation, moving away from the "forward-facing" stool arrangement common in modern kitchen designs. A Pierre Yovanovitch pendant hangs above the sink, which is fitted with Waterworks’ "Henry" hardware. The space is designed for high-capacity hosting; Rohani notes that the room can accommodate up to 14 guests for dinner parties, maintaining a sense of coziness despite its scale.
One of the most distinctive features of the breakfast area is a domed nook inspired by 18th-century American design. Initially intended to be a closed storage cabinet, Rohani’s husband preferred the open look, which now displays a curated selection of books and objects.
Private Sanctuaries and Coastal Views
While the ground floor focuses on the internal courtyard, the upper level of the home embraces its proximity to the Pacific. The primary suite is designed as a serene retreat, utilizing a palette of toasty beiges and sage greens. Studio Gutow commissioned a custom burl wood cabinet, inspired by a 1920s case piece, which features a concealed lift for a television at the foot of an Ironware International "Diego" bed.
The only true ocean view in the house is found in a lounge area within the primary suite. To frame this view, the designers created a custom version of the wood siding seen on historic Laguna Beach bungalows, integrating the woodwork into the windows and ceiling. This space offers a vantage point for observing whales and pods of dolphins, while also looking down upon the willow tree in the courtyard below.
The children’s rooms are equally personalized. The daughter’s room is described as a "warm little cocoon," finished in Benjamin Moore’s "Basking Ridge Beige" with a custom walnut daybed upholstered in Rose Quartz velvet. The son’s room reflects his interests in reading and Lego construction, featuring Balboa Mist walls and shelving topped with leather to provide a soft landing for his creations.
Materiality and Technical Craftsmanship
The success of the renovation lies in its attention to tactile details and high-quality materials. In the bathrooms, the designers used Blue de Savoie marble and Calacatta Monet to create a mood that is sophisticated yet grounded. In Melissa Rohani’s bathroom, a custom vanity crafted from Stoneland’s "Arabescato Vagli" marble sits against walls finished in a high-gloss "Patagonia" paint. To protect the wooden floors from moisture, sections of marble were installed beneath freestanding tubs, a functional "landing pad" that adds to the room’s geometric interest.
The exterior landscape was also revitalized in collaboration with Kerry Gorman. Sections of traditional brick were replaced with gravel seating areas to create a more relaxed, "livable" outdoor environment. The courtyard is furnished with vintage hand-carved slate coffee tables, teak sofas, and Munder Skiles "Swan" lounge chairs, reinforcing the home’s connection to natural materials and historical forms.
Broader Impact and Design Philosophy
The Emerald Bay Colonial serves as a case study in "emotional design"—an approach that prioritizes the felt experience of a space over adherence to a specific signature style. By looking to the past—specifically the colonial and bungalow traditions of the American East and West Coasts—Studio Gutow has created a home that feels established rather than newly renovated.
This project challenges the contemporary trend of "glass box" luxury in Southern California. It suggests that true luxury in a coastal setting can be found in the layering of textures, the thoughtful placement of art, and an architectural layout that prioritizes family intimacy over outward display. As the Laguna Beach hillsides glow "rose gold" in the evening light, this home stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classical proportions and the quiet power of a well-told architectural story.
