Case Study: Full Home Remodel in Del Mar, North County San Diego
A Full Home Remodel Rooted in Memory, Comfort, and Liveability
This full home remodel in Del Mar, North County San Diego was unlike any other project we’ve completed—because it wasn’t just about finishes or layouts. It was about honoring a life, preserving memories, and creating a home that could hold both grief and joy.
Our client was recently widowed. While many people in her position consider selling and starting fresh, she couldn’t imagine leaving the home she shared with her husband. Instead, she wanted to remodel—keeping the emotional heart of the space intact while transforming it into something warm, inviting, and ready for the next chapter of her life.
At Savvy Interiors, this is where our process truly shines. |
At Savvy Interiors, this is where our process truly shines. |
How Our Remodel Process Is Different
Unlike traditional design-build firms, we begin every remove-and-replace full home remodel with deep listening. Before selecting materials or discussing layouts, we focus on how our clients want to feel in their home.
For this Del Mar remodel, our client told us:
She wanted to keep memories of her husband without the home feeling frozen in time
Liveability was her top priority
She was about to become a grandmother and dreamed of a home where grandkids could sit at the counter and make cookies
She wanted to host family gatherings comfortably
The home needed to feel like a “warm hug”—soft, calm, and welcoming
Because this was a full home remodel that did not require a permit, we were able to move efficiently while still delivering a highly customized, thoughtful result.
Design Direction: Soft Coastal, Transitional, and Timeless
The overall aesthetic leaned coastal and transitional, with a calming palette of almonds, creams, and warm neutrals—perfect for Del Mar’s coastal lifestyle.
Kitchen Remodel Highlights
Although our client didn’t cook often, the kitchen needed to function as the emotional hub of the home.
Mixed cabinetry using white oak and soft off-white cabinets for depth and warmth
Cambria quartz countertops selected for durability and low maintenance
A hearty waterfall edge that invites kids to gather, sit, and linger
An open, welcoming layout ideal for entertaining and everyday life
This kitchen was designed less for cooking and more for connection.
Reimagining the Heart of the Home
One of the biggest transformations involved removing a dated double-sided fireplace that visually and functionally divided the space.
In its place, we:
Installed a new modern firebox
Designed custom built-ins to display meaningful objects and family heirlooms
Created a focal point that felt intentional, grounded, and deeply personal
This shift allowed the home to breathe while still showcasing what mattered most to her.
Architectural Updates That Elevated the Entire Home
To add character and texture without overwhelming the space, we introduced subtle architectural upgrades throughout the remodel:
Ceiling paneling throughout the home, adding warmth, dimension, and a quiet sense of luxury
Removal of the old Tommy Bahama, surfer-style staircase
Replacement with black iron railing and wood carpet stair treads, creating a lighter, more refined transitional look
These changes modernized the home while keeping it timeless and approachable.
The Result: A Home That Feels Like a Warm Hug
At the final reveal, our client stood quietly, took it all in—and cried.
She told us the home felt like “a warm hug.”
That she felt heard.
That we had taken what she said—and translated it into a cohesive, livable, beautiful plan that honored her past while making space for her future.
This is what we believe a full home remodel in Del Mar and North County San Diego should be:
Personal
Thoughtful
Emotionally intelligent
Designed for real life
Why Clients Choose Savvy Interiors
Savvy Interiors specializes in full home remodels, remove-and-replace renovations, and high-end interior transformations throughout Del Mar and North County San Diego—especially projects that do not require permits but demand precision, experience, and care.
We don’t just design homes.
We design spaces that support life as it’s actually lived.
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If you’re planning a full remodel and want a seamless, design-led experience from start to finish, Full-Service Design + Build is the right place to start.