Inside the Modern Coastal Home Blackband Design Transformed for Cathe Callender

 

 

 

In June 2018, Wendy Blackband and Mary Meek of Blackband Design (blackbanddesign.com) set about reimagining this dated but charming 1960s coastal cottage in San Clemente’s guard-gated Cyprus Shore community. “The client herself was a huge draw to the project,” says Blackband of Cathe Callender—granddaughter of Marie Callender, who co-founded the chain of eponymous West Coast restaurants and was renowned for her pies. “She has so much personality, the resources to do some really cool stuff, and our design styles complemented each other’s.”

 

While Callender gravitates toward the traditional and nostalgic, Blackband sought to modernize and better employ the square footage so Callender could host her large family of visitors. “Our client wanted to take advantage of the ocean views, bring in more natural light, open the floor plan for entertaining and connect the interiors with the surrounding gardens. She also wanted to work with a designer that could get the job done while having fun together along the way,” Blackband says.

 

The three-bedroom home Callender had purchased in 2012 was entirely baby blue inside, and warranted a complete renovation. Blackband Design looked to create a timeless, inviting aesthetic and updated feel with modern lines and bold patterns— while still celebrating Callender’s memories and her family’s line of restaurateurs. “Cathe has a collection of decor and family heirlooms that she’s kept from past restaurant designs and properties,” Blackband says. “She’s dragged a [bronze] pig to all her houses and I wouldn’t let her keep it in this home!”

 

While relinquishing that restaurant decor item—which belonged to Callender’s father, who parlayed his mother’s baking talents into a booming business— they incorporated a fountain with a frog of his into the garden, and showcased family photos in frames throughout the home. Blackband also gave Callender a place to savor her grandmother’s recipes by multiplying the size of the kitchen—which now boasts a massive island, Michelangelo Calacatta marble countertops, Moroccan backsplash tile and a dramatic mix of metals.

 

Notes Blackband, “A cook’s kitchen and entertaining space was a driving force of the design.”

 

 

 

To ensure the hostess is always a part of the party, the open kitchen, living and dining spaces flow together seamlessly. A custom Gregorius Pineo hand-forged iron light fixture hangs over the long dining table, and in the cozy living room, guests can sink into customized McGuire chairs with backs in a hand-blocked print. The living room also flaunts a brick fireplace—“We did a wash that shows the brick, so it stood out,” Blackband notes—a vaulted ceiling with intricate detailing and a wooden beam, Todd Kenyon coastal artwork and coral accents.

 

“We brought in color and inspiration from the coastline views and garden setting,” Blackband says. “The home is very cheery and full of personality, just like our client.”

 

From the first step inside, guests are afforded beach views. “The main hallway takes you all the way through the home to the ocean,” says Blackband, “so it was really important to get this space right and complement the line of vision. We decided on the oversized shiplap for a coastal feel, and large accordion doors open up to the interior courtyard.”

 

In addition to serving as a gathering space for the kids and grandkids, the extended outdoor area features a moat of florals and houses the client’s garden, her biggest passion. “The homeowner has such a green thumb; she’s so talented,” says Blackband.

 

 

So that Callender could enjoy her garden from anywhere in the single-level home, the primary bedroom and bath also open to the courtyard. “Navy wallpaper is deep and masculine, paired with feminine fabrics and a hair-on-hide bench,” says Blackband of the suite, which connects to a marble and glass bathroom with polished chrome features, a steam shower, a free-standing tub, towel warmers and mosaic tile shower walls.

 

“The mosaic tile is a really pretty pattern that suited her so well,” Blackband says. Mosaic tile and boldly patterned wallpaper likewise adorn the newly added casita, and the home also includes an office and en suite guest bedroom.

 

 

Blackband Design completed the home renovation in June 2020. “It now feels much Clockwise from top left: So the client could enjoy her garden from any room, the primary bedroom and bathroom open to the courtyard; navy wallpaper is softened with feminine fabrics in the primary suite; the home also includes an en suite guest bedroom, office and separate casita. larger, open and bright—she loved it!” says Blackband, who loved working with Callender just as much.

 

“This was one of the most fun projects working with our client. She would bring us pies! I would take our team out to Marie Callender’s in San Juan Capistrano for tuna melts and a piece of pie after site visits.” But sweetest of all, Callender enlisted Blackband Design again for a Santa Barbara project. “I love the relationship that has grown into a friendship,” Blackband says. A recipe for success, indeed.