Spanish Cottage by the Sea

A 1920s Spanish-style bungalow in Oceanside, California, gets a coastal makeover.

- VICTORIA VAN VLEAR

FRONT FAÇADE. The front of the house is where the Spanish style is the most visible. "I had the whole exterior repainted and added the awning," Beth says. "I also added the bring herringbone pattern to the courtyard." Beth didn't want to change too much, to keep the original architecture visible.

Picture this: A 1926 bungalow in a coastal town in California with a charming 1,200 square feet and Spanish-style architecture. But it's boring and outdated, with dark brown accents and an overall austere air.

That's where interior designer Beth Bynon of Beth Bynon Interior Design came in. After caring for her ailing mother for six years, she was ready for a reset. "I needed a break from everything after she died," Beth says.

After a yearlong hunt she found this Spanish bungalow in Oceanside, California, and took the leap. Two years and a major renovation later, this home now has the charming, oceanside cottage feel Beth loves.

KITCHEN COZY. The kitchen has the original footprint except for the location of the fridge, now inside the kitchen itself. The island is new to the house, though it's an antique piece. "I keep my tea inside the drawer," Beth says. "I got my contractor to add a marble top to it."

"My style isn't austere; I like a cozy cottage feel. ok

LIVING SPACE. The living room is the first room guests see when entering the house. Beth painted the existing fireplace white, added a checkered paint pattern to the floors and chose cozy seating that fits the space with smaller dimensions. The armchairs were all brown leather, so Beth handsewed white seat covers to lighten them up.