When St. Louis native Laurie returned after spending two decades in California, she envisioned a home that would blend the breezy elegance of the West Coast with the grounded warmth of the Southwest.
To bring that vision to life, she partnered with Megan Temple of Megan Temple Design on a complete redesign. “Our goal was to create a space that felt warm and comfortable while being highly customized to Laurie’s style,” says Megan.
The kitchen was reimagined from the ground up, fusing function with character. Sleek white cabinetry, accented with brass hardware, reflects a modern coastal sensibility, while the island’s terracotta-patterned tile and woven pendants pay homage to the handcrafted charm of the desert. “The lighting and tile on the island really elevate the white kitchen I always dreamt of having,” mentions Laurie. A soft, neutral backsplash bridges the two influences, allowing the pops of color in the island and rug to take center stage.
In the family room, architectural intention shapes every detail. A custom plaster fireplace is topped with a textured wood mantel that echoes the richness of the dark wood floors. Natural stone with unfinished edges forms the hearth, an understated yet unexpected detail that adds warmth and authenticity to the design. “The fireplace is my favorite part of the renovation. It makes the room feel cozy, even in the summertime,” says Laurie.
Overhead, exposed beams add structure without sacrificing the room’s airy feel. A sage green wet bar with artisan tile and copper sink invites effortless entertaining, while the seating—camel leather sofas, a cream-and-black bench and a wood coffee table—strikes the perfect balance of comfort and style. The diverse mix of pillows, coastal artwork from California and vintage-inspired rug are each unique, yet share the warm, earthy color palette that unifies the space. “We focused on the small details that may not be super obvious but make the home feel finished and the design timeless,” adds Megan.
Along the back wall, woven Roman shades frame a built-in window seat where the influence of Santa Fe style distinctly comes through. Upholstered in a colorful striped fabric and layered with pillows in perfectly-coordinating hues, this inviting nook is yet another charming detail of the redesign.
Beyond the main living spaces, thoughtful reconfigurations further enhanced the home’s livability. Relocating a bathroom freed up valuable square footage for a large walk-in pantry, while an underused closet was transformed into a stylish new powder bath—proof that even the smallest spaces can make a big design impact.
Laurie’s home now tells a renewed story—one where California cool seamlessly merges with Santa Fe soul, creating a space that “feels both deeply personal and undeniably chic,” says Megan.
Resources:
Cabinetry: Beck Allen
Wood Beam on Ceiling: Reclaim Renew
Fireplace Plaster: Schili Plaster
Wood Mantel: Reclaim Renew
Granite: Stellar Stone
Appliances: Autco
Plumbing Fixture: Immerse
Tile: ProSource Fenton
Window Treatments: Hilson
