Tour a California Penthouse Loaded With Design Ideas

Designer Kitchy Crouse of KC Interior Design wanted to create a space that emphasized the coastal location of this Cardiff-by-the-Sea penthouse in Encinitas, Caliifornia without turning to typical design ideas. Crouse also wanted to match the client's vibrant personality, so the team used blues and oranges — the colors of a beautiful sunset sky — as a theme for the home. "My client was not afraid of color, pattern or texture," Crouse says. "That is just where I fit in."

Black and gold can be seen throughout the home but especially in the living room. This versatile color combination is capable of making a home look and feel custom, which is what Crouse did here. "This is a luxurious combination that many are afraid to use but once they do, it is hard to stop," Crouse says. "The combination of those two colors together is perfect to create a curated space."

These lacquer black accessories are what really bring this look together. Crouse brought in a pop of orange, (she says it is the color of 2019), and blue shades for a nod to the coastal theme in unexpected fabrics and applications. Crouse says this ottoman was custom made with ostrich vinyl fabric to tie into the cowhide rug beneath.

The living room features two couches facing each other to maximize space. The iridescent vinyl blue shade pops against the muted kitchen and bare walls. To complete the look, Crouse added a black and white stripped cowhide rug over a wool rug.