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A Small, California Writer’s Retreat Just Steps From the Beach

11.08.21 | By
A Small, California Writer’s Retreat Just Steps From the Beach

A writer looking for a quiet place to write and reflect bought a one-room studio and hired Fischer Architecture to overhaul it. Located steps away from the Pacific Ocean in Stinson Beach, this compact home is now an open space, light-filled writer’s retreat that maximizes indoor-outdoor living. A set of tall folding glass doors at the entrance flood the inside with natural light while extending the usable space outside to a patio.

modern interior of compact house in neutral tones

modern one-bedroom house with neutral interior and murphy bed

Inside, a neutral color palette presents a calm, distraction-free environment ready for working. A space-saving Murphy bed folds out for sleeping then hides away in the wall leaving plenty of floor space for other activities.

built-in upholstered bench below windows

A built-in bench lives below windows making it the perfect spot to relax or read a book.

modern interior with minimalist kitchen and dining room

Stone floors throughout set the subdued tone of the space, while light, whitewashed oak cabinets add warmth. A quartzite counter and backsplash add texture to the minimalist kitchen and complement the floors.

view of modern kitchen and dining room with table on wheels

The dining table rests upon stainless steel legs and wheels allowing the owner to move it anytime.

closeup of minimalist kitchen with light wood cabinets and marbled backsplash

open interior space with desk and chair under a window

A simple wooden desk with white desktop sits in front of a rectangular window providing views for inspiration.

murphy bed opened in space with slanted roof and windows

long view of minimalist kitchen with row of skylights overhead

A row of skylights runs the width of the house filtering light into the kitchen and bathroom.

side view of modern home interior

modern, minimalist bathroom with skylights overhead and door leading outside

A door to the side garden provides access directly to the shower for rinsing off after time at the beach.

view from bathroom to the kitchen with skylights overhead

evening shot of small house exterior with sliding glass doors open to lit interior

evening shot of small house exterior with sliding glass doors closed

Photos by Caitlin Atkinson Photography.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.