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I first met this cottage (okay, I know you can’t really meet a home, but I feel you can make a connection with certain houses and/or rooms) when I opened the November 2004 issue of Cottage Living Magazine (which has ceased to exist {sad}).

This is the dining room that captured my attention in Cottage Living Magazine. Since the addition it looks as though the dining room is in a new location in the home.
From the first page of the feature on the Laguna Beach cottage I knew it was love. As it turns out this cottage is not very far from where I live. It’s located in Laguna Beach; I live in Irvine—a short drive from this coastal slice of paradise.
The cottage is owned by Randy Boyd, a designer who has a rich family history tied to Laguna Beach.
You can visit Thurston / Boyd Interior Design website HERE which features their work. But its Randy Boyd’s 1930s, shingle-clad cottage that is charming beyond words, with a comfortable and inviting sophistication that has captured my heart.
“Ocean Peek” as Boyd named it, is now 1,5__ square feet but the Cottage White walls and exposed beam ceiling make the home appear larger than it is. The house, when it appeared in Cottage Living Magazine was only 970 square feet. Romantic Homes Magazine, November 2009 features the remodeled, enlarged home.
One of my favorite features of the Cottage Living piece was the original dining room off the patio and had ceiling to floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Boyd uses antiques but there is a relaxed, traditional ambiance about the rooms, nothing stuffy. The use of lanterns was inspired.
Ann said:
Love cottage living and know exactly what issue it is – I started to get it a few years ago because I was looking for ideas for the house we rent. I got addicted to it and then it stopped publication. I’m glad I never threw mine out. I love this cottage and remember reading about it. It’s darling. Laguna is full of charming places like this but i love the decor.
Karen said:
Ann,
Me too—it saddens me that we’ve lost some really great magazines of late. Another favorite for me was Southern Accents. 😦
Thanks for stopping by!
Karen
Alison said:
Oh how I wish this magazine was still in print!! Thanks for sharing – I love that you have saved this over the years. There are some magazines that I will never part with.
Karen said:
Alison,
Thanks. I agree, sometimes I pull out my favorite magazines and revisit rooms that I admire. I love the world wide web but nothing beats holding a book/magazine in your hands and dreaming!
Karen
Linda Coble said:
Karen,
Randy Boyd is certainly a gifted decorator. I absolutely loved his cottage. Wouldn’t you love to be able to visit it in person! What a shame that Cottage Living has stopped publishing. I wasn’t a subscriber, but I used to periodically buy an issue and it was always inspiring. Thanks for sharing!
Linda
Karen said:
Linda,
I would love to see the street that this wonderful home sits on. I have imagined it as perfect {what are the chances of that?}!
Karen
Randy Boyd said:
I just came across your kind words regarding my home.
Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Randy Boyd
Karen said:
Randy,
I’m so happy you saw my post—sincerely, your home is an all time favorite of mine! You are so talented.
Sincerely,
Karen
Susie Gordinier said:
I loved this article as well. Randy Boyd’s house is what inspired me to use him as the designer to help me completely remodel our own house in Laguna Beach. The charm he brings to a house is unmatched. I too miss the homes featured in that wonderful magazine.
Karen said:
Hi Susie,
Thanks for stopping by. How wonderful to have Randy’s guidance and assistant with a remodel. I imagine your living in a charming and comfortable home!
Karen
Cindy Boyd-Chudley said:
Karen,
I was lucky enough to have my wedding in Randy’s garden. It was a glorious day in the most beautiful surroundings. It is a special house. I too wish the Cottage Living magazine was still being published. Randy is helping me with a cottage here in England. It is very exciting!!
Cheers , Cindy
Karen said:
Cindy,
You are lucky…it looks like there would be a view of the ocean, but even if there isn’t it’s such a happy home. Randy has done such an amazing job.
Wow! England is my husband and my favorite place to visit. I can only imagine how charming your cottage is/will be with Randy’s input.
Thank you for the visit!
Karen
Linda Clooney said:
I have seen this house and it is darling – Randy Boyd is a true talent.
Karen said:
Hi Linda,
I need to drive down and see the house from curb side. I’d love to see it on the inside but doubt that will happen. What street is it on (seriously, I’m not a stalker :-))
karen
Sandee said:
I too have visited this home, before and after the addition – the owner/designer is truly gifted. Every detail is addressed; yet so comfortable and inviting. I still have this (2006) issue on my table.
Sandee
Karen said:
Sandee,
I’ve got both the before and after and I look at them often…they are so inspiring of what I strive for in my own home, don’t you agree?
Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit.
Karen
Bryan said:
My all time favorite Randy Boyd home. Stunning inside and out!
Karen said:
Bryan,
Am I correct in assuming Randy is your brother? He does amazing work! Thanks for the visit.
Karen
Valere Mayer said:
Karen,
Cottage Living was truly one of my favorites magazines, and I miss it too. I still have many saved issues as well. The one featuring Randy Boyd’s house in Laguna Beach tops the list as I love his work! I’ve been privileged to visit three of the houses he has so magically transformed with his warm and gentle touch. One being in Laguna and two in the UK. He creates an atmosphere that is so inviting and one of warmth and relaxation. Perfect balance! Thanks for featuring this, Karen!
Karen said:
Valere,
Someone else commented that he had worked on their home in the UK. Since that is my favorite place to visit I knew my instincts were right on about the incredible vision and talent Randy possesses.
Thank you for visiting me!
Karen
Bobbi said:
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!! You are the Master of Cottages. Magical.
Karen said:
Hi Bobbi,
Thanks, I do love this particular cottage. There is something so inviting about a cottage. I don’t know that I could be comfortable in a very large home, not sure what that says about me, but I do love a cottage.
Thank you for stopping by, hope you’ll come back for a chat.
Karen
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