Kay Hansen Design

It was great to work on the transformation to this Del Mar beach condo. A wonderful location for this young male professional client, however it needed a great deal of updating. I managed both the renovation and the design and these before/after photos show how the once dated interior was transformed into a modern, masculine and comfortable space. The new owner loves to cook, so the kitchen was prioritized. The old cabinets were replaced with Spanish-designed cabinetry in clean white, with a high lacquer finish to add dimension and light. Grey slate tile then offsets the cabinets for warmth. The bathrooms were also completely reconstructed, the once cramped spaces are now open and bright with porcelain tile, white cabinets. In the living room, the banister and flooring needed to remain, so I made sure to integrate the lines in the current construction with the furnishings and balance the design elements with the light wood flooring. Continuing with the neutral, modern palette, masculine grey and black, with artwork and cream accents to slightly soften the aesthetic.

Let's talk about color...grey is an infinitely nuanced neutral that can transcend all place and time. In just the right shade, it says Scandinavia. With a little more blue tone, we are in the South of France. And a hint of yellow, suggests a touch of Spain. Timeless, fresh and calming. It also presents an incredible opportunity to add punches of fabulous color without the shocking contrast that white or black creates. Try it in the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom...really anywhere. You should see what I've just done in my bathroom. I promise a photo soon!

Happy New Year (belated, of course)! I can't believe it's really been so long since I updated you all. I had a long and incredible visit back to my Australia. During my visit, I oversaw a photo shoot of my latest project in Sydney, on Macquarie St. Attached are three of my favorite shots, showcasing my client's traditional style accented with details that pay homage to his Greek heritage. Clients know my philosophy is about designing to one’s personal style and taste, and ensuring that you feel the space is a part of you, and vice-versa. No one's home should feel that they're walking into a showroom -- there's nothing personal about that.