This compact two-story beach dwelling is located in Ocean Beach, a community of San Diego, California. What this house lacks in size it makes up for in style with polished concrete floors, lots of natural lighting, and an awesome roll-up garage door that opens to a spacious outdoor area.

The biggest challenge was the size limitation. How would we create an airy, sleek, modern and clutter-free interior in 700 square feet indoor space?

Answer: By fooling the senses. The use of pale tones that blend with the walls and accent lights rather than overhead fixtures that draw the eye around, giving the illusion of more space. Dual-use furniture, strategically placed wall mirrors, and the use of reflective and see-through materials (like lacquered woods and clear glass) enhance the illusion.

Another way of making the home seem bigger was by combining the outdoor and indoor areas. The rolling garage door and the warm weather year around makes it ideal to use the outer space as part of the main living space. The flat screen was located so it can be enjoyed from multiple points inside the living room and from the backyard. The sofa has weighted back cushions that allow to arrange it in multiple ways. Or, they can be removed altogether to create extra lounging surface or bed for guests.

The result is a house that defines what indoor/outdoor living is all about. An interior decorated in blended tones that give it an air of peaceful calm. A mixture of materials and color palette that gives a warm and inviting quality to the home.