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Design . “ We live in the U . S . Riviera , which offers beautiful ocean views , mountain views , harbor views , gorgeous sunsets — the outdoors are what really make Newport Beach special and it is important to clients to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible .”
Thiel also notes that this type of design is great for entertaining , as it allows guests to easily move through the main house to any outdoor spaces . Raili Clasen , owner of Raili CA Design , echoes that idea .
“ In California , the weather makes it very fun to be able to travel through all [ of ] your different spaces without opening doors [ or ] closing doors ,” Clasen says . “… It ’ s very cool to walk into a home and feel like you ’ re outside , but you ’ re still protected .”
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SPACIAL AWARENESS The home itself plays a big role in deciding what is possible for these designs : Someone who is building a new house can get a bit more creative , whereas those who are renovating an existing structure have limitations on what ’ s possible .
In the latter scenario , when the home doesn ’ t have a natural flow , Clasen recommends adding a new outdoor space . “ Create a pergola or an additional room that becomes your indoor-outdoor [ area ],” she explains . For both designers , some of the most common types of indoor-outdoor spaces are kitchens , bars , living rooms and dining areas .
“ Most clients request an outdoor living room , which is great for parties or conversation ,” Thiel
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says , noting her team has even installed TVs in these spaces . Another popular build-out is a full kitchen , often complete with barbecues and pizza ovens .
Designer Brooke Wagner adds that clients have also been requesting fire pits surrounded by deep lounge seating and even indoor-outdoor game rooms for watching sports or playing foosball and ping-pong .
OPENING UP Thiel says that 90 % of the homes she ’ s worked on have featured large sliding doors that open to an outdoor living area . “ This creates an invitation for guests to enjoy the outdoor landscape design and the extra space ,” Thiel says , noting her team often
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RYAN GARVIN |
48 NEWPORTBEACHMAGAZINE . COM |