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PHOTO BY VINCENT KNAKAL Elevated, Everyday Style An Olivenhain home transforms with insight from a long friendship and expert design 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. W HEN 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. e 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. e 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 BY ANDREA NAVERSEN Indulge design >> ranchandcoast.com 66 FEBRUARY 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE