Playful Patterned SoCal by Eric Olsen Design and Regan Baker Design

Built in a welcoming Orange County neighbourhood, Playful Patterned SoCal is custom-made to accommodate a young family of four. Bursting with colour, the home by Eric Olsen Design captures the essence of contemporary architecture, complemented by bright interiors courtesy of Regan Baker Design.

Upon entering the residence, it becomes clear that the occupants enjoys bold applications of colour. The Regan Baker Design aesthetic can be found in visual elements that have been thoughtfully arranged into layers; however, the project differs from the firm’s usual work, trading signs of maturity and sophistication for vibrant, youthful expressions better suited to a young family. Promoting indoor-outdoor living, the home is enhanced with clever storage and organisational systems that allow everyday tasks to be performed efficiently.

The combination of coastal colours, harmonious patterns and immersive textures is timeless and ground the rooms as the home’s purpose evolves.

Crafted in the shape of a horseshoe, Playful Patterned SoCal comprises three wings that wrap around an outdoor living space. Protected from neighbouring views, the private garden is directly linked to interiors located on the lower level of the home. The main body of the house is preserved, while visitors enter through the main entrance and proceed directly to the outdoor entertainment area. Rooms opening onto the courtyard feel larger, as they borrow visual space from the surrounding views. Eric Olsen Design also includes a small terrace – a comfortable place for parents to watch their children playing.

Reflecting the clients’ love of ‘coastal grandma chic’, Playful Patterned SoCal celebrates vintage style decor. In the playroom, a sofa upholstered in buffalo-blue check fabric sits on top of a bright, patterned Aelfie rug, underneath which lies a larger rug made of jute. The combination of coastal colours, harmonious patterns and immersive textures is timeless and ground the rooms as the home’s purpose evolves. In the powder room, the original design inspiration is echoed by a homage to 1920s bungalows. United in vintage style, with a classic pedestal sink, field tiles in rosemary and daffodil colours refer to the natural world. Patterned cafe curtains provide privacy, while ochre sconces and a brass faucet reflect the brightness of yellow floor tiles.

Crafted in the shape of a horseshoe, Playful Patterned SoCal comprises three wings that wrap around an outdoor living space.

Regarding functionality, the home contains an abundance of simple solutions. In the kitchen, bespoke millwork hides appliances without occupying space dedicated to the ceiling rafters above. Reminiscent of furniture, the millwork forms a graceful response to practical necessity. Flanking the fireplace in the living room, identical floating storage benches create pleasant symmetry, contributing to a relaxing ambience. Cabinets in a private work area also open to a ‘secret’ crawl space where children can play. Throughout the home, details are adapted to everyday family life: surfaces are wipeable, edges are softened and materials are selected based on durability.

A deeply personal home, Playful Patterned SoCal embodies the unique benefits of tailored construction. The interiors created by Regan Baker Design come alive within Eric Olsen Design’s modern architecture, resulting in a home that embraces the familial day-to-day.

Architecture by Eric Olsen Design. Interior design by Regan Baker Design.