1960s Carlsbad Home Updated for Modern Family

The 1960s tri‑level house in Carlsbad, California, has been transformed into a functional, colorful space for a young family, according to designer Leigh Jendrusina of SALTHOUSE Collective. The property sits just a mile from the Pacific and is located in a neighborhood locals now call “olde Carlsbad.” Its proximity to schools and a short bike or golf‑cart ride to Carlsbad Village’s shops and restaurants adds practical appeal, the designer notes.

From “Fine” to Family‑Friendly

The homeowners, a couple with three children under five, bought the home about two years ago and found it barely livable. “When they bought the home, it was ‘fine,’” Jendrusina said, describing generic white cabinetry, a cramped kitchen‑dining area split by a peninsula, an unusable wood‑burning fireplace, and a tiny primary bathroom with a single sink. The layout also forced the children’s bathroom to share space awkwardly.

Seeking a residence that felt “special and unique,” the family wanted bold color, character, and a more efficient kitchen and primary bath. Rather than lean into overt coastal décor, Jendrusina opted for a relaxed, beach‑shack vibe that would complement the area’s nostalgic feel while serving modern needs.

To achieve this, the house was stripped down to its studs. The designer re‑configured the floor plan, adding custom wall‑to‑wall closets for storage and a built‑in laundry area on the upper level to streamline chores. New flooring runs throughout, and vertical tongue‑and‑groove paneling on two first‑floor walls provides subtle architectural interest.

Related: Mill Valley Home Gets Modern Makeover

Details That Define the Space

Each room now carries bits of color, pattern, and texture, creating a “collected‑cool vibe,” Jendrusina said. The kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together, allowing the family to move easily between spaces. A fresh primary bathroom replaces the previous cramped setup, and the children’s bathroom layout has been re‑imagined for better usability.

The renovation progressed quickly, beginning at the end of December and finishing in March. “My clients LOVE it,” the designer reported, noting that the customized details and improved flow have resonated with the family.

In many ways, this project mirrors other recent upgrades in older coastal neighborhoods, where younger families are repurposing mid‑century homes to suit contemporary lifestyles while preserving a sense of place. The balance between preserving historic charm and introducing modern functionality is a recurring theme in such revitalizations.

Leigh Jendrusina, who also resides in the same neighborhood, expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “I love how the entire project turned out,” she said. “Everything feels warm and layered and interesting, but not too much.” The home now feels at home in olde Carlsbad—relaxed, slightly nostalgic, yet tailored for today’s family routines.