Shop the Look: Talk of the Town

Author:Lindsey Shook

Jen Samson Design proves even a simple beach shack can have maximum soul

A view inside the the lounge area. Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

When hired to renovate a humble beach shack in the Emerald Bay area of Laguna Beach, Jen Samson Design was ready to ride the wave. As one of the only four original cabanas built in the community, this one is now the talk of the town, for its California-cool style that has transformed it into an entertainment destination.

Jen Samson Design made a custom surfboard from Pure Glass that hangs above the sofa that features zellige tile on toe kick and built in side table, made from tiles using Zia Tile. The ottomans are from Sika Design, the sofa fabric is by Zinc Textiles and the pillow fabrics are by Nobilis and Harlequin. Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

When Samson and her team began the overhaul, the structure was in bad shape, with peeling paint and rotting wood. “We had to keep the original footprint and silhouette, which made the challenge all the more fun,” says Samson. “The best part was being able to breathe fresh life into something so iconic.”

The bathroom features a bold checkerboard pattern made from zellige tile found at Zia Tile. The mirror is by Jaime Young and the shower is by Outdoor shower co. Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

The outer bar is covered in Terrazzo tile from cle. Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

Inspired by the golden era of Southern California surf culture, the design direction was to channel the feeling of 1970s beach culture with bold colors and playful patterns. Wood-paneled walls and ceilings evoke a retro lounge feel, layered with mustard yellow, burnt orange and deep teal accents. The team installed rattan, caning and warm wood finishes, along with vintage finds and even a replica of a vivid red-and-yellow lightning bolt surfboard—an ode to the decade.

The dining area features a custom dining table made with zellige tile from Zia Tile. The dining chairs are by Blu Dot.
Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

Photos by Chad Mellon, styled by Kara Perlis.

The then layered in vibrant, custom tile, in unexpected spots—from the base of a sofa to the outdoor dining area and showers. “We embraced color and checkered patterns, always blending modern details with vintage finds,” Samson notes. But by far one of the project’s most meaningful touches is a vintage Slim Aarons-style photograph of a family posing in front of these very cabanas in the 1970s that now hangs framed inside, and the homeowners plan to recreate the scene with their own extended family this summer—a poignant nod to the past that connects seamlessly with the present.