This past Friday I attended the unveiling of the newly renovated Bungalow One by Robb Report Home and Style at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel and Bungalows in Santa Monica. Bungalow One is a luxury 3 bedroom, 3 3/4 bath residential quality suite that embodies a cross between upscale Southern California beach living and a Palm Springs mid-century modern aesthetic. LA based interior designer Michael Berman (who you may remember designed the dining room at the 2014 Pasadena Showcase House) makes reference to both Southern California’s nostalgic past and the much revered Santa Monica beach community with vintage photographs and artwork displayed alongside bleached driftwood and coral specimens.
Interior Designer Michael Berman‘s inspiration is soft, “barefoot luxury”, where the color palette is inspired by the blue ocean, blue skies, and soft greys that resemble the fog that hovers above on many mornings. These soft blues and greys are accented with pops of color and the result is eclectic and a reference to the past and glory days of staying in a beach bungalow.
Luxurious Egyptian cotton bedding from Scandia Down and beautifully appointed furnishings ensure a soothing retreat and restful sleep at the end of the day.
The round matte finish solid surface free standing tub by LACAVA happened to be one of my favorite features in Bungalow One . The shape and finish is modern and of the moment, but it is sure to become a classic. The hardware and tile chosen complement the tub and fittings while providing a contrast in texture.
No detail is left behind in Bungalow One and the Jo Malone toiletries is reason alone to stay here!
The privacy glass between the “wet room” and the master bedroom goes from transparent to semi-opaque with the flip of a switch. Transparent when you would like a view of the outdoors while soaking in the tub, and semi-opaque when a little bit of modesty or privacy is needed.
Each room has a contrast of color, shape, and texture that is both relaxed yet fresh and exciting. Below, a live edge wood cocktail table that is organic in shape is juxtaposed with the smooth lines of a modern and at the same time retro, curved sofa. The teak slices displayed on the wall are arranged in a playful collage-like configuration.
Each room is open, airy and spacious with doors adjoining the rooms from inside, and a private furnished patio connects the rooms of the expansive 2500 sq. ft. space from the outside.
The light cerused wood finishes that are present throughout is reminiscent of driftwood found on the beach and bleached by the Southern California sun.
I loved the many different tones and finishes of wood – dark finished wood, light finished wood, grey-toned wood paneled wallpaper, cerused wood. Michael Berman proves that it is possible to mix and juxtapose different woods and finishes while still maintaining a cohesive space.
Below, I even spotted one of my Style Spotter picks from High Point Market this past April – the Baroq mirror from Taracea, which is made of leftover moldings from past projects. I must say, the texture that it adds to the space is absolutely stunning!
The private patio overlooks the Miramar Gardens and pool and is the perfect place to unwind with a cocktail or glass of wine after a day at the beach.
At sundown, after previewing Bungalow One, the guests gathered round to hear Michael Berman talk about the inspiration behind his design of Bungalow One. As you can see, it was a pretty packed house.
I even spotted our friends Troy and Megan, the creators of WestEdge Design Fair, one of the sponsors of my recent trip to New York for Blogtour NYC !
It was a wonderful evening previewing Bungalow One by Robb Report Home and Style at the Fairmont Miramar Hotels and Bungalows. It is sure to be a premiere destination for those seeking a luxury residential style beach retreat that is an upscale yet relaxed home away from home. Three cheers to Michael Berman for a job well done!
GREAT POST, JEANNE! I HAVE BEEN A MICHAEL BERMAN FAN FOREVER. THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL PROJECT. THANK YOU FOR SHARING 🙂
Jeanne, such a great post! Every time I pinned a photo with wood in it then another one would appear (no pun intended). Divine space! Thank you for sharing the design and evening pics!