Duffek ’ s 1938 beach house in South Laguna is currently being remodeled by the designer with recycled wood . Working together with architect Anders Lasater and builder Tom Simpson , Duffek says that the home will be complete in March 2023 .
perspective ,” she says . “ Working through the budget , city planning , construction ... I ’ m now on the receiving end of that . So , it ’ s nice to be able to walk in their shoes .”
The home ’ s execution is nothing short of the quality aesthetic she offers her own clients : spaces with “ light , airiness , lots of windows , natural woods and stones .” Her passion for sustainability and natural aesthetic is palpable , as she reveals that they used recycled wood to make it . “ We ’ re going to do a bit of restructuring , but I want to keep the integrity of the house ,” says Duffek . The designer uses the example of the home ’ s 84-year old Danish potbelly stove in the living room ; a built-in relic that will withstand the remodeling . Working together with architect Anders Lasater and builder Tom Simpson , Duffek says that the home will aim for completion around March 2023 .
SPACE TO BREATHE But what most excites Duffek is not the home ’ s clean design or rich history . It ’ s an Accessory Dwelling Unit she will build in the backyard : her new favorite “ well space .” The space was inspired by her nonprofit , Design with Purpose , which aims to help kids transform their bedrooms into mental health havens at no cost .
Yoga , breathwork sessions and meditations are among Duffek ’ s uses for her own “ well space ,” which will double as another creative space next to her in-home art studio . The designer , who is also passionate about purified spaces , reveals that her idea for her art studio came to her while she was painting her porch . Originally a laundry space , Duffek ’ s 7-by-7 foot in-home art studio had plans to be a wine cellar . “[ An art studio ] is a much healthier habit ,” she says , laughing . “ It ’ s important to me that I have these spaces in my house . As an artist colony , [ Laguna has ] these types of spaces already built into the homes .” Though , if one space isn ’ t enough , there ’ s plenty of breathing room built into the backyard .
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