The Design Process Behind Portola Springs: A Deep Dive

Tucked away in Irvine, this once builder-grade tract home has been completely transformed into a moody, customized sanctuary. Our clients came to us craving depth, warmth, and a home that felt uniquely theirs—not a replica of what their neighbors had just down the street. The vision? A space that felt intimate, grounded, and refined, with a distinctly modern edge.

Here’s a look at how we brought that vision to life—from initial concept to final reveal.

1. Understanding the Client Vision

As with every project, we began by getting to know our clients: their lifestyle, preferences, and what wasn't working in the current layout. They wanted something that felt elevated, a touch dramatic, but still livable. Not precious. Not overly polished. Just deeply personal.

Mood boards were our first step—curated with rich, earthy tones, subtle contrasts, and organic textures. Think charcoal, olive, walnut, plaster, and aged bronze. From there, we developed a clear visual direction that anchored the entire process.

2. Subtle Floor Plan Tweaks with a Big Impact

While we didn’t overhaul the layout entirely, a few key adjustments made a meaningful difference in how the home lives day to day. We reconfigured the kitchen for better flow and functionality, created space for a custom bar area, and made small architectural edits that helped the rooms feel more intentional.

These updates allowed us to create stronger focal points, improve how the home functions for entertaining, and make each zone feel distinct—without needing an intensive rework of the layout.

3. Curating a Moody Palette

The heart of this home’s transformation lies in its bold yet balanced palette. We leaned into deep hues that envelop you—layered with warm undertones and tactile materials that soften the drama. Walls were painted in rich, muted colors that shift subtly throughout the day, while cabinetry and millwork provided contrast and grounding.

We also sourced handmade tile, custom metalwork, and stone with movement to add a quiet sense of artistry throughout.

4. Investing in Custom Touches

To give the home a sense of permanence and uniqueness, we prioritized custom details wherever possible. From tailored built-ins and plaster vent hoods to reimagined fireplace surrounds and textural drapery—each layer was designed to feel intentional and refined, not off-the-shelf.

Even the smaller moments like hardware choices and lighting placements were treated with the same level of care. Because when everything feels cohesive, nothing feels accidental.

5. Styling for Real Life

The final layer is always styling. In this case, we selected pieces that reflected our clients’ personalities—art, books, vintage finds, soft furnishings—and styled them in a way that felt organic and lived-in. This isn’t a home that feels staged. It feels real, just really well designed.

Final Thoughts

Portola Springs is a perfect example of how even the most standard starting point can become something special. With thoughtful design and a clear vision, we turned a builder-grade house into a soulful retreat that our clients now proudly call home.

If you’re looking to transform your space—not just visually, but experientially—we’d love to help.

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