Effortless indoor-outdoor living was a key design directive in this Point Dume project by Alexander Design and Alexander Built Properties. Outside, a custom daybed upholstered in Zinc’s Grimaud outdoor linen fabric inspires poolside lounging. Photo by Rich Stapleton
When designer Vanessa Alexander discovered a Point Dume property originally designed by renowned architect Ronald Goldman, she and her husband, Steven Alexander, immediately saw its potential. Having already completed several renovations together, the Alexanders, who run Alexander Design and development company Alexander Built Properties, planned a gut renovation to bring the home back to life. “The goal was to seamlessly blend the original post-and-beam architecture with modern luxury while honoring Goldman’s original commitment to sustainability, drought-tolerant landscaping, cross-ventilation and skylit hallways that flood the home with natural light,” Vanessa shares.
“The home was originally built in 1979,” Vanessa explains. “We were inspired by the original Sea Ranch properties from the 1970s and wanted to ensure that we honored that design and played into the 70s aesthetic while bringing in contemporary elements and maintaining a luxurious feel.” As Malibu residents, the Alexanders were committed to imbuing an authentic sense of place into the home. “We really wanted to capture the essence of Malibu living,” she says. “It was important to us that the home embodied the philosophy of indoor-outdoor living and felt at once luxurious and modern but steeped in history and the community.”
“We really wanted to capture the essence of Malibu living. It was important to us that the home embodied the philosophy of indoor-outdoor living and felt at once luxurious and modern but steeped in history and the community.”–VANESSA ALEXANDER
Preserving Ronald Goldman’s architectural vision was paramount, as was staying true to the Sea Ranch look and feel. The couple planned to adjust the home’s layout to maximize natural lighting and airflow and retain the original cedar walls and wood flooring. To freshen things up, they introduced plaster walls, newer flagstone for the bathrooms, and organic, earthy materials that played well with the original home’s look and feel—think bleached walnut cabinetry, Ceppo limestone and brass accents. Integrating vintage 1970s furnishings was also essential for bringing their vision to life.
The hallway comes to life with a vintage banded Maz kilim from Double Knot and artwork by Lawrence Calver. Photo by Rich Stapleton
Each space reflects meticulous detail, beginning at the handcrafted front door. “It is the first tangible element you see and touch that speaks to our design intent,” Vanessa says, pointing out the bronze and leather handle made by a local artisan. From there is the living room, immediately visible upon entering the home. “We wanted to ensure the space felt luxurious and comfortable without being stiff or formal,” shares Vanessa, who chose a vintage De Sede sofa and a pair of vintage Brazilian lounge chairs by Sergio Rodrigues. Finishing the look is a contemporary recycled plywood coffee table by Piet Hein Eek featuring a patchwork design. “It felt especially fitting for the style of the home,” she explains.
“THIS HOME RADIATES EFFORTLESS LUXURY.”–VANESSA ALEXANDER
Situated between the office, bathrooms and secondary bedrooms, the dining room “is an integral part of the home’s everyday movement and experience,” says Vanessa. The space exudes easy elegance, featuring a custom banquette upholstered in deep rose mohair, a custom mahogany and brass table the duo designed and leather dining chairs found at the Paris Flea Market.
The Alexanders opened the closed-off and cramped kitchen into an airy open-concept space. “We extended the millwork along the back wall and built a large stone island out of Ceppo limestone,” Vanessa notes, adding that all millwork was custom and made locally. Also bespoke are the furnishings, made by local artisans. “The oak counter stools, upholstered in handwoven fabric, feature brass detailing that ties in with the custom brass mesh pendant running the length of the island,” she shares. “The result is a kitchen that feels timeless and modern.”
In the living room, a mix of vintage and new pieces, such as a De Sede sofa, a Piet Hein Eek coffee table and Gio lounge chairs by Sergio Rodrigues from Epasso, preside. The custom ottomans are from Galerie Was, the diamond-patterned jute rug is from Etsy and the Akari pendant is by Noguchi. Photo by Rich Stapleton
Other highlights include the serene primary suite, which Vanessa envisioned as “a tranquil retreat that fully embodies our philosophy of indoor-outdoor living.” Corner windows help blur the boundaries between inside and outside, while a custom bed dressed in Matteo linens, a bronze side table by Rick Owens and an Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum hanging pendant add sculptural interest. “The result is a space that feels both elevated and cocooning—a sanctuary for unwinding while staying true to the home’s architectural soul,” Vanessa says. The sense of peacefulness extends to the primary bathroom, which features textured plaster walls, silver travertine counters and a primitive Swedish folk art chair and stool (circa 1800) from Galerie Provenance. “A large glass sliding door opens to a private courtyard, further blurring the line between inside and out while inviting soft, natural light to enhance the space’s warmth and tranquility,” she adds.
As with any renovation, the couple faced surprises when opening up walls. “But rather than seeing them as setbacks, we embraced them as opportunities to refine the design in ways that felt organic to the home’s story,” Vanessa says. “The challenge lay in striking a balance— maintaining the soul of the home while subtly opening up certain areas to invite in more natural light. The result is a space that feels both intimate and expansive, a dialogue between the original architecture and a softer, more luminous interior.”
The primary bedroom houses sculptural pieces infused with organic elegance, including the circa 1960 Achille Castiglioni Achille Castiglioni Taraxacum hanging pendant from Rath and the low bronze Brazier side table by Rick Owens found at Pavillion Antiques. The custom bed is upholstered in Rose Uniacke’s heavy linen fabric and dressed in Matteo bedding. Photo by Rich Stapleton
After nearly three years, the completed home reflects the essence of luxurious Malibu living without sacrificing its historical integrity. “This home radiates effortless luxury, and there is a deeply relaxing atmosphere we find when we are there,” Vanessa shares. “There is a harmonious connection with the surrounding landscape, bringing in natural light and offering breathtaking views of nature.”
Vintage Jürg Bally leather and beechwood chairs surround a custom mahogany table in the dining room, where a Louis Poulsen PH pendant from Rath hangs overhead. Photo by Rich Stapleton
Type
Single-family home
Location
Point Dume, Malibu
Interior Design & Architecture
Alexander Design
Landscape Architecture
Fiore Landscape Design
Amadi Carpets
Dining room antique Baluch rug
Cocoon
Bathroom plumbing
Epasso
Living room Sergio Rodrigues lounge chair
Fleetwood
Exterior doors
Lutron
Window Treatments
Malibu Stone & Building Materials
Stone flooring
Noguchi
Living room pendant
Obsolete
Primary bedroom chair by Etienne Henri Martin
Olive Ateliers
Primary bathroom planters
Pavillion Antiques
Primary bedroom
Rick Owens table
Pavillion Antiques
Studio Henry Wilson hardware throughout
Photography by: Rich Stapleton
