Sanctuary by the Sea

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Alexander Design and Alexander Built Properties usher an iconic Malibu home into the future with grace

In the main hallway, the Monopoint Lighting is by Loupi Lighting, the art is Lawrence Calver’s “Line dance series” (satellite), 2023 Dye/stitched block printed cotton and the vintage Banded Maz Kilim rug is from Double Knot.
Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

Some in the design industry may say that Alexander Design has defined California’s signature organic modern style. Every space they curate exemplifies their commitment to lasting impact over trend and a love of global influences blended with idyllic California living. “Our style employs a blend of contemporary lines with earthy textures—fused with vintage pieces from a variety of periods—resulting in a layered look, rich in texture and influence yet completely livable,” says founder and principal designer of Alexander Design—Vanessa Alexander. “We draw influence first and foremost from context and surroundings; we believe that a successful project comes from a harmonious relationship between architecture, design, landscape.”

The living room features a vintage 600 sofa by De Sede, a coffee table by Piet Hein Eek, Gio lounge armchairs by Sergio Rodrigues from Espasso and custom Kyuka Stools by Galerie Was.
The wood-clad kitchen has custom counter stools covered in Shah by Fiber Content Studio, the Brachychiton plant is from The Haus Plant, the counters are covered in Ceppo Limestone, the cabinetry hardware is Cove Pull in Brass from Studio Henry Wilson and the faucet is by Waterworks. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

Their effortless approach to design proved a perfect match for this modern Malibu home that she purchased as a renovation project in partnership with Alexander Built Properties, a design/build company she started with her husband. “We were so inspired when we came across this property,” she recalls. Originally designed by renowned architect Ronald Goldman, the Post-and-Beam home embodies the essence of the Sea Ranch architectural style, while seamlessly blending rustic warmth with modern minimalism. “My husband and I purchased this home with the intention of reviving what we consider a very special piece of Malibu architecture. We weren’t sure whether we were building it for ourselves or perhaps ultimately as a speculative project since we already have our own home in Malibu. We just knew that we loved it and wanted to breathe new life into it.”

In the dining room, the banquette fabric is ALT Cape Mohair, the dining table is custom made of African Mahogany and the vintage dining chairs are Jürg Bally Leather and Beech Wood Chairs. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

They started the transformation by taking every wall in the 3,700-square-foot home down to the studs. The goal was to enhance the original post-and-beam architecture with modern luxurious finishes and details that still honored Goldman’s commitment to sustainability with drought-tolerant landscaping, cross-ventilation, and skylit hallways that flood the home with natural light. “We went through a meticulous “down-to the-studs” renovation that took over three years in total,” Alexander notes. “We kept the original cedar walls and wood flooring while adding in new flagstone to the bathrooms as well as plaster walls, which meshed well with the existing materials and the style of the home.” Alexander and her husband have raised their children in the Point Dume area of Malibu so it was important for the new home to offer the perfect balance of indoor-outdoor living while respecting the local history and community.

The office features a vintage Angled French Desk from Morentz, a vintage Cognac Leather Bird chair by Fabricius & Kastholm Alfred Kill 1970s (from Automaton) and a Brass table lamp (Sweden, 1940s) found at Gallery Rath.
Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.
The outdoor lounge features custom chairs and a sofa made African Mahogany. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

“As with any renovation, the process inevitably comes with unexpected surprises—once you start opening up walls, you uncover hidden challenges,” she proclaims. “But rather than seeing these as setbacks, we embraced them as opportunities to refine the design in ways that felt organic to the home’s story.” One of the biggest hurdles was altering the original Cedar-clad exterior that would allow for more natural light without disrupting the original soul of the home. Through meticulous efforts they were able to infuse main spaces with more light without ruining the existing cladding which creates a much more soft and luminous interior.

In the primary bedroom, the custom bed is covered in a heavy weight linen , the custom nightstands are made of elm, the pendant is by Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum c. 1960 from Gallery Rath and the lounge chair is by Etienne Henri Martin.
Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.
The primary bath features Chair a Primitive Swedish Folk Art Chair, c. 1800 from Galerie Provenance Stool and a Primitive Swedish Stool from Galerie Provenance, the vintage rug is Moroccan, the plumbing fixtures are Cocoon Piet Boon Wall Tap in Gunmetal and the planters are Limestone Troughs from Olive Ateliers. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

The open living room serves as the central hub of the home as it’s the first thing you see when you enter the front door and it is equipped for entertaining with a custom bar and expansive doors that open to the pool area. “We designed this space for gathering and embracing the natural surroundings,” she says. “One of my favorite ways to enjoy the space is by putting on music, sliding open the glass doors, and letting the fresh air flow in—whether sipping a cocktail in the afternoon or unwinding by the fire in the evening, it’s a place that truly embodies relaxed, indoor-outdoor living.” One of Alexander’s other favorite rooms is the primary suite where she can immerse herself in nature by opening the corner windows and doors, allowing all boundaries to disappear. “It makes you feel as though you’re living among the trees,” she says. “It’s the perfect place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and embrace the timeless beauty of the landscape.”

A guest suite features ceramic wall sconces hanging over the No. 112 Travertine Side Tables from Ameé Allsop. The Ikebana bud vase is from Elementi. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.
In the guest bathroom, the plumbing fixtures are Cocoon John Pawson and Cocoon Piet Boon Shower Set, the rug is a Latte Merino Wool Lambskin from Artisanal Collections. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.
Another guest bedroom features a custom bed, nightstands from Orange Furniture, Helene Frantora Table Lamps found at Galerie Was and a Afghanistan Flatweave Rug from Jamal’s Rug Collection. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.

Like all of her projects, Alexander and her team were able to create a sublime and timeless escape from the modern world by respecting the architecture and nurturing the nature that surrounds. “This house truly embodies the essence of the Sea Ranch architectural style, seamlessly blending rustic warmth with modern minimalism,” she declares. “It radiates effortless luxury and there is a deeply relaxing atmosphere that we find when we are there.”

A custom daybed by the pool is covered in Grimaud Outdoor Linen from Romo. Photos by Rich Stapleton. Styled by Lisa Rowe.