Valletta Design Group offers elevated, everyday spaces

When Michelle and Robert Bradford decided to renovate the kitchen and bathrooms in their single-level, ranch-style home in Olivenhain, they turned to longtime friend Lauren Valletta, founder, principal designer, and creative director of Valletta Design Group, whose Encinitas-based firm specializes in high-end residential, hospitality, and commercial design. The Bradfords attended Earl Warren Middle School and Torrey Pines High School with Valletta’s husband, Devon, and the two couples often get together with their children. It was an easy choice.

The Bradfords bought their house ten years ago because of its location in an area that is rural but still close to the beach, what Michelle calls (coincidentally) “ranch and coast,” but they felt it needed work to become truly their own. “I wanted our house to reflect our everyday style — earthy, organic, and warm — with a little modern mixed in,” she says. 

But, the couple did not want a major whole house construction project that would displace their family of four for too long. “We wanted to keep it relatively basic without ripping out any walls,” says Michelle. So, the kitchen became the focus of the remodel. Valletta redesigned the space for functionality, removing drop-down soffits, moving a desk, and rearranging the refrigerator and freezer. “At first, Michelle was hesitant,” Valletta recalls. “I did have to push her a little bit.” Although she admits to being dubious initially, Michelle now loves the results. Valletta also replaced the kitchen peninsula with an expansive island, which offers the couple and their two daughters plenty of room to gather, whether cooking, sharing meals, or doing homework. 

Valletta, who understood her friend’s style, knew “she did not want a white kitchen.” So, they chose warm white oak cabinets and a striking marble backsplash with black-and-gold veining above the range, which became the kitchen’s focal point. The island’s counter is black marble, which is denser and hides spots, says Valletta.

They continued the warm palette in the master bath, the children’s bath, and the powder room. Valletta replaced the dated white painted cabinets in the master bath with white oak, added durable Caesarstone countertops in “fresh concrete,” a crisp, clean white with subtle gray tones, featured Moroccan Zellige in the showers, and tiled the floors in terrazzo. Alabaster wall sconces and a large mirror complete a look that is simple and elegant.

“The overall result is like a new house and I wake up every day blown away,” says Michelle. “The experience of working with a dear friend was slightly concerning, not wanting to jeopardize our friendship and mix business into it. But, I couldn’t have imagined working with anyone else! If anything, it brought us closer. We had fun selecting materials together and she truly impressed me every step of the way,” she says. The successful collaboration inspired the Bradfords and Valletta to embark on what they’re calling “phase two,” adding built-in cabinetry in their living and laundry rooms, a bar, and custom closets. “Honestly, I just wish I had done the remodel sooner,” says Michelle.
760.487.5577, vallettadesigngroup.com