This modern beach house in Manhattan Beach underwent a complete renovation by Los Angeles-based firm Oonagh Ryan Architecture to improve spatial flow and enhance indoor-outdoor living. The aim was to transform the original family home—now known as the Art Barn—into a contemporary space that reflects the homeowner’s lifestyle and passion for art.

Previously, the layout of the home was compartmentalised, limiting movement and cutting off rooms from one another. To resolve this, 820 square feet were added to the footprint, including a 545-square-foot outdoor patio designed for entertaining. The result is a seamless blend of modern beach house design and functional open-plan living.

At the rear of the house, a spacious patio opens through a large floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door. Nearly half of the rear facade becomes open to the outside, creating an effortless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. A built-in fire pit and minimalist seating provide a cosy yet modern atmosphere, perfect for social gatherings or relaxed evenings.

Inside, the open-plan layout connects the kitchen, living, and dining areas into one fluid space. Natural light floods in through newly added windows along the back wall, further enhancing the sense of openness. These large expanses of glass create a strong visual and physical connection to the outdoors, a hallmark of California contemporary design.

The redesign also focused on integrating space for the homeowner’s art collection. Clean white walls form a gallery-like backdrop, allowing artworks to stand out. Exposed Douglas fir beams and knotty cedar boards add warmth and texture, framing the kitchen and ceiling areas. A plaster wall runs from the living room to the patio, offering privacy without disrupting the open feel.

The architectural language of the home mixes clean, modern lines with rustic materials. A distinctive break in the roofline adds visual interest and modern character, while natural wood elements offer a nod to traditional Californian design. This careful balance between modern and rustic aesthetics gives the Art Barn its unique charm.

With improved flow, abundant natural light, and enhanced entertaining areas, this Manhattan Beach home renovation by Oonagh Ryan is a standout example of modern beach house design tailored to contemporary coastal living.