5 Steps to Your Dream Home: The Del Mar Heights Luxury Home Remodel

Renovating an outdated split-level house from the 1970s into a Spanish-style dream home presents unique challenges, but also some amazing opportunities. Our recent Del Mar Heights project in San Diego proved to be a comprehensive luxury home renovation where we demoed and transformed an old house into a modern Spanish masterpiece. To do it, we delicately balanced the original charm of existing elements with a complete redesign of the infrastructure—and we learned a few things along the way!

So, what goes into a total home renovation project like this one?

For Del Mar Heights, our approach began with a near total tear-down. We then incorporated intentional columns, beams, an entryway and family room clerestory, and lots of windows to transform closed and dated spaces into open and updated environments, while carefully considering the client's needs and the home's original character.

Let us walk you through each step of the project so you can better understand how thoughtful design and practical application can elevate any luxury home renovation journey.

First: Addressing the Original Floor Plan

Transforming an old home into a modern masterpiece begins with addressing the original layout design. This house's original split-level floor plan presented a choppy layout with a sunken dining room, a kitchen on a different level, and a family room cut off from the rest of the living spaces. Additionally, a staircase blocked the entryway, creating a disjointed flow. For a modern home, this layout felt too restricted and just wouldn't do.

So what did we do? We tore it all down!

The most significant work involved extensive demolition to open up the space and create a ground level that was unified onto one footing — concrete slab, grade level. The staircase was also reconfigured to open up the space, enhancing the flow and making the entry more inviting. These changes were crucial in transforming the downstairs space—including the living room, kitchen and foyer—from outdated fragmented areas into a unified, modern open concept that seamlessly integrates with the rest of the home.

This extensive renovation isn't uncommon in a luxury home remodel, especially when demoing a split-level and turning it into a modern space.

Second: Design Strategies for Open Spaces

When it comes to a luxury home remodel, creating an open, inviting environment is always a priority, but you want to avoid creating a space that feels like one big open box.

In the Del Mar Heights project, our design strategies included the use of columns, beams and clerestory windows to achieve this goal. The foyer, with its custom white oak door and beams running from front to back, set the tone for the entire home, creating a warm, welcoming entrance.

In the living room, the use of architectural beams and deliberate posts helped define the space. This design choice adds structure and visual interest, while the inclusion of floor-to-ceiling windows floods the space with natural light, further enhancing the open feel.

The cohesive design is continued through the home, with each space thoughtfully connected to the next, creating a seamless flow from the kitchen to the dining area and upstairs to the loft.

Third: Luxury Bathroom Renovations

A true luxury home renovation isn't complete without a total bathroom remodel. In the Del Mar Heights project, we emphasized careful consideration of design elements and the feasibility of retaining certain features.

Like the downstairs, the master suite bathroom began with a complete tear-down. We then incorporated standout examples of organic modern design, featuring a marble dreamscape with green-gold earthy tones set against a light white background. The walk-in shower is a highlight, with handmade ceramic tiles that vary slightly in color, giving the space a warm, natural feel. The shower is complemented by marble slabs used for the dam, bench, and niche details, creating a seamless, clean surface for storing toiletries.

The bathroom also features organic modern ceramic floor tiles, which are both beautiful and durable, resisting stains and wear. The vanity, with its substantial columns and soft-closing drawers, feels more like built-in furniture than a typical bathroom fixture. A recessed niche with an arched detail adds a cohesive Spanish touch, while brass fixtures bring in a modern flair.

Fourth: Custom Cabinetry and Alternatives

Everyone knows the importance of new custom cabinetry in a luxury home remodel—but it comes with a dilemma. While real wood cabinetry offers unmatched beauty and quality, there's a really high price tag. However, skilled home renovation companies know how to get the best look and quality for the lowest price.

For the Del Mar Heights project, we used custom-stained real wood veneer to provide the look and feel of natural wood without the inconsistencies and higher costs associated with solid wood. This approach allowed us to maintain the luxurious aesthetic while staying within budget.

In the kitchen, for example, after a complete demolition, the cabinets were designed with column details, custom storage, pull-out accessories, and hidden lighting to create a clean, modern look without sacrificing functionality.

For clients seeking a more budget-friendly option, alternatives like thermofoil and melamine offer similar aesthetics at a lower cost. These materials are less expensive but still provide a high-quality finish for a luxury home renovation.

Fifth: Outdoor Space and Entryway Design

Every custom luxury home builder should remember to extend the design all the way to the curb. For the Del Mar Heights project, we made sure that the Spanish modern theme continued into the outdoor space, where we incorporated rounded arch details and extended the beam look from the interior.

The outdoor fireplace, clad in handmade clay tiles, added a touch of traditional Spanish charm while providing a durable and visually appealing focal point.

The entryway featured a real white oak door, showcasing the natural variances in color and grain that come with using genuine materials. This choice highlighted the contrast between real and engineered wood, emphasizing the unique beauty of natural products. The outdoor space and entryway design successfully blended the home's interior and exterior, creating a cohesive and harmonious look for this home renovation.

Final: Learning from the Process

The Del Mar Heights project is a shining example of how an older home can be demoed and rebuilt into a modern masterpiece while preserving elements of the structure's original charm.

Whether you're considering a complete luxury home remodel or looking to update specific areas, we encourage you to embrace both preservation and innovation in your luxury home renovation projects.

By partnering with a custom luxury home builder, you can achieve a harmonious blend of old-world charm and modern elegance in your own home.