It has been a while since we last featured the beautiful work of South Harlow Interiors, and I couldn’t think of a better project to welcome them back than this thoughtfully renovated California beach home. Designed as a summer residence for a growing family, this house was completely reimagined through a full gut renovation that transformed both the layout and the atmosphere of the home.
Located along the California coast, the clients envisioned a relaxed beach cottage inspired by San Diego, but without the typical coastal clichés. Instead, the design team blended the lightness of coastal living with the warmth and character of an English country home. The result is a space that feels airy, layered, and timeless — full of custom millwork, charming architectural details like transom windows, and materials that feel collected rather than overly polished.
One of the most valuable design lessons in this home is how the designer, Erika Gervin, along with her team, layered warm neutral paint colors throughout the interior. Rather than relying on a single white everywhere, this renovation shows how combining soft whites, creamy neutrals, and subtle accent cabinetry can create depth and warmth without making the house feel flat or sterile — something many homeowners struggle with during renovations.
Throughout the tour, you’ll notice how this palette was carefully curated using classic paint colors such as Benjamin Moore OC-17 White Dove, Benjamin Moore OC-9 Ballet White, and Benjamin Moore OC-11 Clay Beige, along with a charming accent in Farrow & Ball Ball Green No. 75. Together, they create a warm neutral foundation that feels calm, inviting, and timeless.
Let’s take a look inside.
Photography: @naderessaphoto.
The welcoming front porch immediately sets the tone for the home with its custom arched white oak Dutch door and classic herringbone brick flooring. Board and batten siding painted in Benjamin Moore Tapestry Beige (75%) adds softness and warmth, introducing the neutral palette that continues throughout the house.
Sources:
Exterior Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Tapestry Beige at 75%.
Mailbox: Locking Wall Mounted Mailbox.
Planters: Concrete Tall Round Planter – similar.
With the upper half of the Dutch door open, sunlight pours into the foyer, highlighting the natural texture of the low-sheen white oak floors. The entry instantly feels relaxed and welcoming — a perfect introduction to the home’s coastal-meets-English-cottage aesthetic.
Sources:
Wood Floors: Local – similar: 9.5″ x 87″ Engineered Hardwood Plank.
Soft linen draperies, a deep slipcovered sofa, and expansive windows framing palm trees create a living room that feels both serene and welcoming. Can you picture yourself relaxing on that sofa? 🙂
Sources:
Sofa: RH – similar: Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa, Indigo, Performance Rustic Linen.
Others You Might Like:
– Aster Sofa.
– Ghent Slope Arm Slipcovered Sofa.
The walls are painted in Benjamin Moore OC-17 White Dove, one of the most recommended warm white paint colors among designers. Instead of feeling stark, this shade adds a soft warmth that works beautifully with linen textures, natural wood, and layered neutral decor.
Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Oc-17 White Dove, Satin.
Sources:
Chairs: RH – similar style: Swivel Chair – Set of 2.
Others You Might Like:
– Swivel Barrel Chair (Set of 2).
Curtains: Linen Pinch Pleat Blackout Curtain – similar.
End Table: Caya End Table – similar: Burl Wood End Table.
Table Lamp: Tahitit Table Lamp.
Rug: Jaipur 9×13.
A charming floor lamp with a pleated floral shade introduces a gentle pattern into the room, offering a lovely contrast against the soft warmth of the White Dove walls.
Sources:
Floor Lamp: Jordan Floor Lamp – similar style: Penelope Floor Lamp.
This beautifully crafted white oak waterfall coffee table features intricate box-joint detailing. Styled with antique accessories and design books, it adds craftsmanship and character to the relaxed living room.
Sources:
Oak Waterfall Coffee Table: Custom – similar: Hathaway Coffee Table.
A custom stained glass transom window leads from the living room to the kitchen, highlighting the subtle layering of paint colors.
Sources:
Trim/Casing/Doors Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Semi-Gloss.
Tree: Black Olive Shady Lady Tree.
Planter: Large Vintage Clay Pot.
The walls are finished in Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, while the trim, casing, and doors are painted in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, creating a gentle contrast that adds depth without overpowering the neutral palette.
Sources:
Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Oc-17 White Dove, Satin.
Trim/Casing/Doors Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Semi-Gloss.
Two of the most popular warm neutral paint colors used in this home are Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 and Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9. While they may appear similar at first glance, they serve different design purposes.
White Dove is one of the most beloved designer whites because it feels soft and warm without looking yellow or beige. It works beautifully on walls throughout the home, creating a calm backdrop for natural materials like white oak, linen, and marble.
Best uses:
– Interior walls
– Whole-house paint color
– Spaces with natural light
Ballet White is slightly creamier and warmer than White Dove, making it an excellent choice for cabinetry, trim, and millwork. It pairs beautifully with White Dove walls because the subtle contrast adds depth without feeling dramatic.
Best uses:
– Kitchen cabinets
– Trim and doors
– Built-ins and millwork
Instead of painting everything the same shade, designers often layer warm neutrals to create dimension, just like South Harlow Interiors did here. In this home, White Dove walls combined with Ballet White cabinetry and trim give the interiors a soft, cohesive look that feels warm, timeless, and effortlessly elegant.
The kitchen continues the home’s warm neutral palette with cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9. White oak cabinets with antique mirror doors add texture and personality, while the range alcove with a marble slab backsplash creates a timeless focal point.
Sources:
Counterstools: Molly Stool, Pasadena White.
Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Oc-17 White Dove, Satin.
Ceiling Paint Color: Sherwin Williams High Reflective White SW 7757, Flat.
Appliance Pulls: 12″ Drawer Pull, Unlacquered Brass.
I have admired the beautiful work of South Harlow Interiors and its founder Erika Gervin for many years. With a deep passion for design, Erika creates spaces that feel both functional and effortlessly beautiful—livable works of art that thoughtfully reflect her clients’ lifestyles and personal style. Her firm, founded in 2015, has grown into a bi-coastal design studio known for warm, timeless interiors that blend organic modern elements with classic influences.
A furniture-style cabinetry conceals the paneled refrigerator and freezer, maintaining the kitchen’s seamless and thoughtfully designed look.
Sources:
Lighting: Single Pendant by Rose Uniacke.
Others You Might Like:
– Roswell 1 Light Single Bulb Pendant.
– Minka Lavery.
The kitchen island features softly curved edges and is painted in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 in a matte finish. Slightly creamier than White Dove, this shade is perfect for cabinetry, adding warmth and dimension to the neutral.
Sources:
Island Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Matte/lowest sheen.
Countertop: Calacatta Egeo Marble, Matte.
Three beautifully crafted counter stools bring warmth and texture to the kitchen. Their oak frames, woven hyacinth seats, and brass footrest details complement the neutral cabinetry and natural materials used throughout the space.
Sources:
Counterstools: Molly Stool, Pasadena White.
Others You Might Like:
– Rattan Backrests and Wood Frame Counterstool (Set of 2).
– Carter Swivel & Counter Stool.
– Stool With Cushion-Dover Crescent-Counter.
A warm neutral marble slab backsplash adds soft movement and natural texture behind the range. Its subtle veining pairs beautifully with cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, reinforcing the kitchen’s layered neutral palette.
Sources:
Kitchen Backsplash: Calacatta Egeo Marble, Matte.
Counterstools: Oak and Woven Stools.
Shelf: Custom.
Shelving Rail: Unlacquered Brass.
This custom range alcove features softly rounded corners and cabinetry painted in Benjamin Moore Ballet White, paired with unlacquered brass hardware for a timeless, slightly aged look that fits perfectly within the home’s English cottage inspiration.
Sources:
Hardware: Cabinet Knob, Unlacquered Brass.
Salt Mill: European Brass Salt Mill.
Pepper Mill: European Brass Pepper Mill.
Faucet: Brizo.
Wooden Bowl: Handmade Wood Decorative Bowl.
Custom white oak cabinets, with antique mirror doors, flank the range alcove, creating a furniture-like storage feature. Behind the retractable doors, the homeowner keeps everyday dinnerware and glassware easily accessible while maintaining the kitchen’s curated look.
Sources:
Hardware: 4″ Cabinet Knob, Unlacquered Brass.
The dining room feels calm and inviting, with filtered sunlight streaming in through patio doors. The stunning oak dining table – one of my favorites, btw-, the classic dining chairs, and linen curtains reinforce the home’s relaxed yet timeless style.
Sources:
Dining Table: Honey Oak Dining Table 96″.
Dining Chairs: Dining Chair, Paper Cord.
Chandelier: Lola Chandelier – Three Arm – Antique Brass.
An olive tree in a vintage pot introduces an organic element to the dining space, adding a subtle Mediterranean touch that complements the home’s warm neutral palette.
Sources:
Host Chairs: RH.
Others You Might Like:
– Upholstered Armchair (Set of 2).
Curtains: Linen Pinch Pleat Blackout Curtain – similar.
Utility spaces deserve thoughtful design too. This beautifully layered scullery proves that hardworking rooms can still feel special with classic cabinetry, rich materials, and carefully selected finishes.
Sources:
Stool: Four Hands Wood Stool – similar.
Window Shade: Linen Roman Light Filtering Shade – similar.
Pulls: 12″ Pulls, Burnished Antique Brass.
The scullery cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11, a sophisticated warm neutral that adds depth to the palette. Grooved cabinet doors introduce subtle texture while maintaining the timeless look of the space.
Sources:
Scullery Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11, Matte/Lowest sheen.
Stool: Wood Stool – similar.
Soapstone countertops provide a striking contrast to the warm cabinetry, bringing depth and natural character to the scullery while maintaining the home’s understated elegance.
Countertop: Soapstone, Honed.
A window above the sink keeps the space bright, while a darker wallpaper introduces contrast and sophistication against the soapstone counters and neutral cabinetry.
Sources:
Sconces: Soho Home Viola Wall Light.
Wallpaper: Orto.
Others You Might Like:
Knobs: Etsy, Antique Brass.
A v-groove backsplash adds subtle texture behind white oak floating shelves finished with a delicate brass rail. Styled with everyday dishes and collected decor, the shelves give the scullery a relaxed, lived-in charm.
Sources:
Shelf: Custom – similar: Floating Wood Shelf with 2″ Height.
Shelving Rail: Unlacquered Brass.
This thoughtfully designed office features custom cabinetry and a built-in nook that perfectly accommodates a comfortable sofa bed, creating a space that works equally well as a study or for an unexpected guest.
Sources:
Ceiling Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White, Flat.
Sofa: Sleeper Sofa – similar: Slope Arm Sleeper Sofa with Bench Cushion.
Hardware: 4″, 6″ Pulls & Knobs, Unlacquered Brass.
Stool: Slipcover Stool.
Console Table: Laurent Console Table (not shown).
Curtains: Linen Pinch Pleat Blackout Curtain – similar.
The built-in cabinets are finished in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 in a matte sheen, continuing the home’s warm neutral palette while adding subtle contrast against the lighter wall color.
Sources:
Office Cabinet Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White, Matte sheen.
Rug: Custom.
Table: Reeves Accent Table.
Wallpaper: Phillip Jeffries.
Others You Might Like:
– Tweed Peel & Stick Wallpaper.
– Lustre Smooth Sheen Weave Wallpaper Roll.
Sconce: Etsy.
This powder room instantly captures attention with the Marble Mosaic tile, bringing beautiful movement and pattern to the space. A custom white oak vanity grounds the design while the Japanese-inspired wallpaper adds depth and drama.
Sources:
Door & Trim Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Vanderberg Blue 721, Semi-Gloss.
Floor Tile: Louna Mosaic.
Stool: Vintage – similar: Etsy.
Others You Might Like:
Sconce: Etsy.
Rich materials take center stage here with a custom hammered brass sink paired with the striking Hotaru wallpaper, creating a layered and memorable powder room moment.
Sources:
Wallpaper: Hotaru.
Towel Ring: Posey Single Hook, Unlacquered Brass.
Countertop: Soapstone, Honed.
Mirror: Vintage.
Others You Might Like:
– Salvatore Wall Mirror (Small) – 50% Off!
Sink: Etsy – Dimensions: 10″W x 12″L.
The laundry room proves that even functional spaces can feel joyful. Cabinets and trim painted in Farrow & Ball Ball Green No. 75 bring character to the room, while zellige octodot tile and playful wallpaper add texture and charm.
Sources:
Ceiling Paint Color: Sherwin Williams High Reflective White SW 7757, Flat.
Window Shade: Linen Roman Light Filtering Shade – similar.
Lighting: Schoolhouse Style Flush.
Floor Tile: Unglazed Clay Octodot tile.
Others You Might Like:
– Checkerboard 12×12 Wall and Floor Tile – Best seller!
Cabinet Paint Color: Farrow and Ball Ball Green No 75, Matte finish.
Countertop: Calacatta Egeo Marble, Matte.
Hardware: Etsy.
Trim painted in Farrow & Ball Ball Green No. 75 adds a soft, charming accent, while the interior doors finished in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 keep the palette warm, balanced, and timeless.
Sources:
Trim Paint Color: Farrow and Ball Ball Green No 75, Semi-Gloss.
Interior Doors: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Semi-Gloss.
Wallpaper: Zac and Fox Shiso.
Soft linen curtains, warm neutral bedding, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17 create a restful guest bedroom with easy access to the courtyard patio.
Bedroom Paint Color: Benjamin Moore OC-17.
Sources:
Bed: Richard Bed, Queen.
Artwork: McGee & Co.
Curtains: Linen Pinch Pleat Blackout Curtain – similar.
Classic wood nightstands with simple lines keep the bedroom feeling timeless and uncluttered while adding warmth beside the bed. Do you prefer nightstand with drawers, shelves or a combination of both?
Sources:
Nightstands: Jesse Nightstand.
Lamps: Artisan Table Lamp.
Rug: Dakota DAK-01 Olive / Ivory Area Rug, 7’9″ x 9’9″.
Unexpected pattern brings personality to this guest bathroom. The custom plaid tile design introduces warmth and character while complementing the natural tones of the white oak vanity.
Sources:
Vanity: Custom –
Others You Might Like:
– 60” Double Bathroom Vanity with Engineered Marble Top – Only a few left!
– Reeded 72” Free Standing Double Bathroom Vanity with Quartz Top.
– Solid Wood Double Bathroom Vanity with 1.5” White Quartz Top – Huge sale!
Hardware: Oval Cabinet Knob.
The custom vanity features softly rounded countertop edges and a matte stain finish, highlighting the natural beauty of the oak.
A honed Carrara Marble countertop with softly rounded corners brings timeless elegance and a gentle, sculpted feel to the bathroom vanity.
Sources:
Countertop: Carrara Marble, Honed.
Towel Ring: Posey Towel Ring, Polished Nickel.
Sconces: Molten Swan Neck Sconce.
Other Options:
– Dorinda 1-Light Wall Sconce.
Walls and ceiling finished in a limewash treatment using Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9 add subtle movement and texture while keeping the palette warm and cohesive.
Sources:
Bathroom Walls & Ceiling Paint Color: Limewash in Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Matte.
Trim Paint Color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Semi-Gloss.
Floor Tile: 4×4 Zellige Tile, Beige & White – Diamond Pattern – similar.
Other Beautiful Options:
– Italian Checkerboard 8×8 Porcelain Tile.
– Hexagon 8 in. x 9 in. Honed Marble Floor and Wall Tile.
– 12×24 Limestone Look Matte Porcelain Tile.
Warm neutral tile surrounds the shower, while marble with delicate grey veining adds refinement to the bench and niche shelves.
Sources:
Shower Wall Tile: Tile – similar: Tilefy Riad Tile.
Other Beautiful Options:
– Polished 2″ x 10″ Ceramic Brick Look Subway Wall Tile.
Shower Bench & Niche Shelves: Carrara Marble, Honed.
Two classic spindle beds create a sweet and timeless shared bedroom, perfect for guests or the homeowner’s grandkids. The walls, painted in White Dove OC-17, keep the room light and versatile.
Sources:
Paint Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17.
Bedding: Organic Cotton Taupe Desert Floral Block Print Quilt & Sham.
Beds: Wood Spindle Bed.
Other Similar Options:
– Louisa Solid Wood Spindle Bed – Many colors!
This charming Scandinavian-inspired dresser features five drawers, rounded knobs, and a decorative scalloped base, bringing warmth and personality to the bedroom.
Sources:
Dresser: Custom, Oak & Pine Dresser.
Others You Might Like:
– Lola Solid Wood 63” W 6 – Drawer Dresser.
Lamp: Duzy Table Lamp.
Rug: Stark Fleta Rug.
Layered textures and natural materials create a serene primary bedroom. Linen draperies, a slipcovered bed, and warm neutral bedding make the space feel both relaxed and refined.
Sources:
Bed: RH – similar style: Haven Slipcover Bed.
Others You Might Like:
– Linen Upholstered Slipcover Bed.
– Relaxed Linen Upholstered Panel Bed.
– Provence Bed – New!
– Sawyer Upholstered Panel Bed – Best seller!
Duvet & Shams: Jacquard Duvet & Shams.
Curtains: Linen Pinch Pleat Blackout Curtain – similar.
Rug: Custom – similar style: Hand Tufted Wool Abstract Indoor Rug.
This Danish-inspired nightstand crafted from solid ash offers generous bedside storage and a lower shelf that adds visual texture.
Sources:
Nightstands: 2 – Drawer Woven Nightstand.
Table Lamps: Discontinued.
Others You Might Like:
A custom oak vanity becomes the centerpiece of the primary bathroom, topped with elegant Carrara marble and a decorative backsplash.
Sources:
Mirror: Rejuvenation – 54×30, Polished Nickel.
Soap Dish: Round Fluted White Marble Bowl.
Floor Tile: Custom.
The vanity’s custom matte stain highlights the natural grain of the oak, adding warmth and authenticity to the space.
An ornate edge profile elevates the Carrara marble countertop, beautifully paired with heritage brass knobs for a timeless finish.
Sources:
Countertop: Calacatta Australe Marble, Polished.
Hardware: Brass Round Knobs.
Faucets: Newport Brass Miro Widespread Lavatory Faucet.
Towel Ring: Posey Towel Ring, Polished Nickel.
Tongue-and-groove walls, painted in Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, add architectural charm while maintaining the soft, neutral palette in this bathroom.
Sources:
Tongue and Groove Wall Paint Color: Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, Semi-Gloss.
Trim Paint Color: Dunn Edwards Wishing Well DE6255.
Sconces: Audrey Sconce by Lucent Lightshop.
Classic marble tiles bring timeless elegance to this enclosed walk-in shower.
Sources:
Shower Wall Tile: Calacatta Gold Honed Tile – similar: Calabria Frost Tile (Less veiny tile).
Shower Pan Tile: 6×6 Lagos Limestone – similar: 6×6 Tile.
Towel: Threshold Performance Plus Bath Towel.
This makes me daydream! An arched bath alcove with tongue-and-groove walls creates a cozy retreat. The drop-in tub sits within a Carrara marble platform beneath a charming window dressed in French pleat café curtains. Just perfect!
Sources:
Tub Surround: Calacatta Australe Marble, Polished.
Café Curtains: Custom.
Others You Might Like:
– Linen Pinch Pleated Cafe Curtains.
– Cotton Woven Stripe Café Curtains, Set of 2.
Curtain Hardware: Inside-Mount Cafe Set & Cafe Drapery Rings Set – similar.
Pin It: This whole-house warm neutral paint palette features timeless shades including Benjamin Moore White Dove OC-17, Benjamin Moore Ballet White OC-9, Benjamin Moore Clay Beige OC-11, and Farrow & Ball Ball Green No. 75. In this coastal cottage renovation, White Dove is used on the walls and bedrooms to create a soft, warm backdrop, while Ballet White adds gentle contrast on the kitchen cabinets and office built-ins. Clay Beige brings depth to the scullery cabinetry, and Ball Green introduces a charming accent in the laundry room. Bathrooms keep the palette light and natural with White Dove walls paired with white oak cabinetry.
This home beautifully demonstrates how layering warm neutrals can create a space that feels rich, welcoming, and timeless. Instead of relying on a single shade of white, the designers thoughtfully combined White Dove, Ballet White, Clay Beige, and Ball Green, allowing each space to feel connected yet distinct.
The result is a home that feels effortlessly elegant — light and airy like a California beach cottage, yet grounded in the quiet charm of an English country retreat. Classic materials, sculpted details, and a palette of warm neutrals make this house feel both sophisticated and deeply livable. What a pleasure it was to share it with you!
What is your favorite space in this home — the warm neutral kitchen, the charming scullery, or the serene bedrooms?
A gentle thank you to everyone who helped bring this beautiful home tour to life.
Notes: All images and credits belong to their respective owners.
Thank you so much for being here.
Thank you for being here and for continuing to make Home Bunch a place for inspiration, ideas, and beautiful homes.🤍
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Curated with love,
Luciane – Home Bunch
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“Dear God,
If I am wrong, right me. If I am lost, guide me. If I start to give-up, keep me going.
Lead me in Light and Love”.
Have a wonderful day, my friends and we’ll talk again tomorrow.”
with Love,
Luciane from HomeBunch.com
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