HOUSE TOUR | A Cozy and Chic Beach Cottage in California

Interior designer Leslie Martin takes us inside her quintessential beach cottage in La Jolla, California.

Despite its smaller size, Leslie has ingeniously transformed her space into a haven for her family of seven. She shares how she navigated the challenges of renovating the house from afar, infusing it with the warmth and energy that captivated her from the very first visit. Leslie added trim and shiplap details to evoke a genuine beach cottage feel. The kitchen, a hub of activity for any family, showcases exquisite stone work that not only adds a touch of age but also seamlessly blends with the overall aesthetic.

Leslie's unique touch is evident throughout the home, with shell-encrusted decor and patterns adorning various corners, echoing the coastal vibes of La Jolla. She's made the most of the limited space, creating an environment that not only accommodates her large family but radiates charm and authenticity. Enjoy!

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[JWartsy]

I love this home. Her style is very inviting and thoughtful. I love how the home almost has an east coast or southern feel yet it is a California home. Wonderful inviting touches with the bookcases in the dining room. Great use of space. I’m going to have to “borrow” that idea of the drapery over the front door. So unique but a great budget friendly and beautiful way to add privacy, keep out a draft and add visual interest. I enjoyed this home tour 🤎

[LeslieMartin-ttxb]

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for your kind words! We love our home so it's heartwarming to hear that you all are enjoying it as well. Thank you, thank you! Just to clarify, of course I cook. The kitchen is not for show. I am just not a great cook nor a great gardener (clearly don't know my Cactus from my Cacti). I sure do love and use my fireplace but don't fret the AC comment was tongue in cheek, no need to call the EPA. As for all the questions about sources, I wish I could answer them all but I've decided to enroll in culinary school so I simply don't have the time, but I did list them on Homeworthy's Instagram post so please find them there. Thanks again for the lovely messages. ox

[VirginiaBrown-wc]

I hate to admit how many times I have watched this episode. I could move right in!

[lindapoole]

This is one of the best home tours I have EVER seen - I so enjoyed it. The style, the design and Leslie's sense of humor and humility - thank you for your honest thoughts on your house, etc. - grout is easy because you don't cook, etc. and the fact that having five children as not changed your sense for design and beauty, What a great job and such an inspiration! Please do more!

[eliannalizeth]

My favorite part of this home is that when you are inside, you don't know what part of the world you are. It's comforting. It's collected. it's a dream. Nothing is sterile or trendy, yet it feels so "present". I absolutely love it, and it's such an inspiration for my own home.

[r.l.h.]

This home is even better in person ..glorious on the screen but even more spectacular in person . I know Leslie . She is a tremendous cook, hostess and yes so funny. No the AC does not run when fire is roaring . That stove gets a lot of love. Perhaps a bit of humor that was not picked up while filming. It’s such a delight to have this home shared to many. She is not only a fabulous designer, hostess but most importantly wife and mother.

[Benniibennii]

If I’ve ever seen a Homeworthy that reminded me of my own home, and style, it would be THIS ONE. There is no particular trend or theme or style and I love that! Everything goes together. Luxurious, light, airy, classic, traditional, beachy, Americana. It ALL works in harmony! My favorite Homeworthy thus far!

[wendyrichardson]

I love the eclectic style. I believe a home should be filled with things you love. Not matchy and formal. I love, love, love everything about this home.

[katieloovis]

That rooftop view is killer! I love her contemporary turn on the traditional, academic, and antique vibe. Very clean and warm. Love it!

[heymama]

This home is stunning! Cozy and serene, yet interesting, with surprises at every turn. It feels as though you could walk in, relax and be welcomed into the "home" immediately. Love her style, philosophies, patterns, and creativity. Truly lovely. One of my favorites!

[ljustme]

I absolutely love this woman attitude and everything she is done in the house.

[Ingrid-rqmo]

This is one of the best house tour on Homeworthy! It's perfect, every space is incredibly cozy and beautiful to see. The combination of functionality and beauty is wonderful. A perfect perfection ❤. Thank you very much 🙏

[rebekahschroeder]

This was probably one of my favorite tours. The style of the home was so approachable, maybe not the location, but the way it was decorated truly felt like a home. We all appreciate a styled home or we wouldn’t be watching this channel, and it felt very much like my own home. New and old, high and low. Curated, but comfortable. I loved the kitchen! I am very intrigued by kitchens that are more of an extension of the living space instead of very “kitchen-y”. It had all of the elements to cook and prepare, but it wasn’t cluttered with appliances.
I will probably revisit this tour to gather more ideas for my own home.
To LIVE in La Jolla…😍 It has been one of the most soul-stirring places I have ever visited. The majesty of God’s creation as the waves crashed upon the rocks, the seals lazing on the beach, the caves…stunning.

[kimoja]

What a phenomenal home tour. Leslie is so skilled at speaking on camera, and her home is just beautiful. I love the leisurely pace of the tour, and how much detail is included without ever becoming slow or tedious. I paused the video in the middle to rearrange a few things in my own home so that I, too, can have a lamp in my kitchen. If M+M had a YouTube channel I'd be in heaven.

[mayemagner]

I have visited La Joya a few times and it is spectacular. This home is filled with sunshine, coziness, chic, and a bit of a nod to New England I think. The owner has a beautiful way about her and I can understand why folks would hire her and her sister to do their home. I also love that she encourages us not to be fussy and to enjoy our home. Wonderful!

[sharonkinsella]

This has got to be one of the most STUNNING homes I've ever seen.

[ih]

The mural is absolutely genius! The whole house has a sophisticated classic California vibe, makes me think of an elegant old school restaurant (in the best way possible) with the beautiful light fixtures, dark woods and neutral elements layered throughout. I agree that this is the best tour I’ve seen on Homeworthy and Leslie seems like a really down to earth and relaxed person which reflects in her effortless style.

[annsmith]

She has worked so very hard to make this her home and with 5 children along with working in design -- she has her hands beyond full but somehow seems to pull it all off with practical flair and style! I can see where this home would be a haven for lots of friends and family -- just come on in ! Home is your safe space and certainly she has gone all out with comfortable pieces to cozy up in. Love the fireplace and agree 100 percent --- I too, would have it on as much as possible -- turning on the A/C to cool the room down -- hilarious -- but totally get it and would be doing the exact same thing! Thanks so much! Many years of happiness in your home!

[mschenandlerbong]

I would buy a coffee table book of this home. It's beautiful and interesting. I think there's more colonial than coastal vibes in it. Gorgeous.

[alexandrailnyckyj]

This is your best homeworthy tour ever. The homeowner is authentic and living a real life. The location itself is at a price point that few of us can afford but the home itself and her ideas are all approachable. I really like house she shared that she felt the nomadic life to Hawaii would be stressful yet she quickly learned that home is where the heart is. Putting all of that aside, she is incredibly talented. I am going to apply some of her ideas to my space.