A Kaleidoscope of Coastal Living: Chet Callahan's Ventura Beach House

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Architect Chet Callahan and finance executive Jacinto Hernandez have meticulously transformed their Ventura beach house into a vibrant and inviting space, blending their family's needs with a passion for art and community. This unique residence serves as both a tranquil family escape and a lively gathering spot, reflecting a rich tapestry of queer and BIPOC art, complemented by a playful take on classic Americana design.

Experience the Fusion of Family and Artistic Expression in a Coastal Dream Home

An Eclectic Entryway: Merging Tradition with Contemporary Art

The home welcomes visitors with an entry hall adorned with Heath Ceramics tiles on the floor. A striking column, embellished with beaded scales by Haas Brothers, stands alongside a sophisticated Rick Owens chair, creating an immediate sense of eclectic style. The space is further enriched by captivating artworks from Nina Chanel Abney and Betye Saar, establishing a dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern artistic statements.

The Den: A Cozy Nook for Art and Comfort

The den offers a sanctuary of comfort and artistic flair, featuring a Fritz Hansen sofa adorned with plush Casamance Group velvet pillows. Vintage Danish cocktail tables add a touch of retro charm, while artworks by Jeffrey Gibson and Jonathan Baldock infuse the room with contemporary vibrancy. Adjacent, a custom daybed, accompanied by an India Mahdavi table and a Pierre Gautier Delaye stool, provides a perfect spot for relaxation, highlighted by an André Ricard sconce and a glass sculpture by Fred Wilson.

The Surf Bath: A Playful Oasis of Functionality and Style

The surf bath is a testament to innovative design, featuring sculptural partitions and integrated shelving crafted by Chet Architecture using Max Lamb tiles for Tajimi Custom Tiles. This space, designed for post-surf refreshment, is made even more inviting with an antique hooked rug from Sharktooth. This area uniquely combines practical elements with artistic design, fostering a communal and playful atmosphere.

Revitalizing a Coastal Abode: Chet and Jase's Vision

The journey to create this distinctive home began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Chet Callahan and Jacinto Hernandez sought a haven for their sons to learn surfing. What started as a modest 1980s house, initially dismissed for its uninspiring beige palette, was reimagined by Callahan. He envisioned a space that would embrace the ocean's rhythm, enhancing natural light and views by expanding windows and doors, and incorporating cedar ceilings reminiscent of The Sea Ranch's coastal architecture.

Seamless Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Living

A thoughtfully designed outdoor area by Chet Architecture features a combination grill, surfboard storage, and a foot/dog bath, seamlessly blending functionality with the home's aesthetic. This integration extends to the dining room, where Lindsey Adelman's oil lanterns cast a warm glow over a Charlotte Perriand dining table and vintage Brazilian chairs. A painting by Danny Ferrell completes this elegant yet inviting space.

A Spectrum of Hues: The Living Room's Luminous Palette

The living room bursts with color, featuring a custom window seat upholstered in ten diverse shades of yellow, paying homage to designer Roy McMakin's innovative spirit. A robust forest-green Max Lamb cocktail table anchors the room, flanked by luxurious sofas draped in Pierre Frey velvet depicting a vibrant Persian landscape. A fluorescent light sculpture by Thaddeus Wolfe hangs above, while a 19th-century American sponge-painted chest adds a touch of historical gravitas to the contemporary setting, demonstrating a curated balance between old and new.

Celebrating Diverse Artistry: The Core of the Home's Narrative

Callahan and Hernandez's passion for art, especially works by queer and BIPOC artists, is evident throughout the house. The entrance showcases pieces by Betye Saar and Nina Chanel Abney, flanking a column adorned with custom hand-beaded scales by Simon Haas. A multimedia text piece by Jeffrey Gibson, reading “THEY CHOOSE THEIR FAMILY,” encapsulates the home's guiding philosophy of chosen family and community, reinforcing the idea of the house as a living gallery.

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