Southern California’s Orange County carries certain connotations but these stereotypes oft-overshadow Laguna Beach’s history as a bastion of counter-culture activity. Since at least the days of prohibition, the compact coastal city has been a haven for surfers, craftspeople, and other creatives.
Looking to channel this nonconformist essence in the $15 million gut-renovation of what was once the legendary Inn Laguna Beach and now Casa Loma Beach Hotel, Marc & Rose Hospitality tapped renowned interior design firm Electric Bowery and leading branding agency LAND to deftly carry out a comprehensive and site-responsive refresh.
“We sought out not only partners, but like-minded friends who share our artistic passions and pursuits,” says John Grossman, President of Marc & Rose Hospitality. ”The story of Casa Loma is revealed in the details – the intentional design choices capture a spirit of retreat both familiar and imaginative, thoughtfully curated with our favorite things by our favorite people.”
With a sentimental touch, the overarching design scheme is framed around the narrative of a life well lived; a protagonist that has traveled far and wide, only to settle down in this setting for a while.
“We aimed to create a naturally-inspired destination that celebrates Laguna’s environment and embodies a creative ethos,” says Lucia Bartholomew, Electric Bowery co-principal. “Our vision of fostering a sense of purpose and well-being is reflected at Casa Loma through the marriage of the local bohemian attitude with the natural energy of the sea.”
The intervention centers on the idea of facilitating ocean-side reflection and fostering easy exchange between guests. This was largely achieved through the soothing and familiar introduction of towering relief sculptures taking on dramatic shadows at different times of day; screen-printed artworks; woven throws; and other custom elements evoking a folkloric quality.
“LAND was enlisted to make the entire hotel one large immersive art experience – from the lobby mural to the hand-painted canvas tapestries in select guest rooms,” Grossman adds. “Every aspect of the hotel, including the handcrafted wooden furniture and its vintage lobby sound system, feels organic to the space and its surroundings, but precise in its placement and design.”
Most of the formal vocabulary throughout Casa Loma evokes the Pacific’s undulating waves and naturally carved coastlines. Rendered in sandy neutrals, clay tones, and seaside greens, many of the introduced architectural elements, furnishings, finishes, and accessories also nod to the culture of craft in the area. Curved archways throughout give way to intimate nooks that facilitate retreat and are outfitted with a tightly-curated selection of ceramic sculptures and found artworks, and various titles.
Guests begin their experiences in the “social hub” lobby bar and lounge, replete with a sculpted mural of a sun-worshiping goddess evoking the natural beauty of the ocean and beach visible through floor-to-ceiling windows. The curvilinear main desk is enveloped in fired clay tiles while plaster wrapped built-in banquettes are lit by luminaires custom designed by Electric Bowery.
This gentle yet holistic treatment carries through to the destination’s food and beverage offering; a series of restaurants, bars, and services that truly evoke the mystique of a beach club from a bygone era. There’s reference to both Mexico and the Mediterranean across the board and within the thoroughly imagined cocktail menu. While tapas are served at Cecilia’s, organic fruits, artisanal cured meats, healthy vegetables, and whole grains are also available poolside. Just below the hotel, Main Beach – one of the most beloved stretches along California’s extensive seaboard – is furnished with New York design studio MAX ID’s Sloth Beach Chairs. Additional venue Pacific Terrace plays host to custom woven lounge chairs and raw-edge stools.
The 70 guest rooms – 38 with private balconies or patios overlooking the water – take the notion of quiet retreat to the next level. The shapes and tones of the setting also make their way into these intimate spaces. Sinuosity defines custom bed frames, built-in desks, sofas, and case goods. Organicism delineates vanity fixtures by SkLO and a series of custom fixtures developed by Kassandra Thatcher. Textiles upholstering bespoke armchairs and covering the beds render in muted-tone traditional ticking striped patterns. Playful checkered benches and whimsical, eye-catching throw blankets tie everything together.
What: Casa Loma Beach Hotel
Where: Laguna Beach, California
How much: Rooms starting at $499
Design draws: A reimagined seaside inn with relaxed public spaces, a pool, beach, and intimate guest rooms adorned in custom furnishings and finishes evoking both the area’s counterculture history and the soothing organicism of the oceanfront setting.
Book it: Casa Loma Beach Hotel
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Photography by Chris Mottalini.