Luxuriously Laid-Back

The Flemish barn architecture of this Malibu home for a family of five and two dogs combines old and new design elements with ample textures to create a relaxed and luxurious ambience. Asih Jenie finds out more.

- Asih Jenie

Malibu has always been considered the quintessential Californian beach city, thanks to its close proximity to Los Angeles and 34 km of white sand beaches. The city’s outdoor offerings, however, go beyond that. It is also home to scenic canyons, stunning wetlands, and sprawling equestrian estates with horseback trails – a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The Bonsall Canyon area offers easy access to all of these.

“It’s very close to the beach, and yet it feels pastoral. It’s a unique pocket within Malibu that is also extremely private,” shares interior designer Vanessa Alexander, founder of Alexander Design. She and her Hollywood agent husband Steve bought a property in the area in 2018. It had a ‘60s ranch-style, brick home with mahogany wood accents that was surrounded by a huge garden near the canyon.

Sadly, the existing home did not have adequate access to natural light or picturesque surroundings. Additionally, it had undergone several less than thoughtful renovations by its previous owners that caused issues with the spatial flow. “It was dated in every way, and needed a complete reimagining,” Vanessa says.

For the remodelling of the house, she collaborated with Kovac Architects. She wanted a home with a unique connection to its community, neighbourhood, and surrounding nature where she and Steve can live in a relaxed and comfortable manner with their sons and dogs.