This oceanfront boardwalk home, fondly known as The Happy Place, was built from the ground up as both a personal retreat and a rental property for the client. We were honored to curate the art in conjunction with the 2025 Newport Harbor Home Tour, where the home was proudly featured.

Our curatorial process always begins with story. For this project, our mission was to honor the spirit of California and Newport Beach in a way that felt elevated.

Cole Sternberg’s hybrid canvas, equal parts photograph and painting, depicts the Pacific Ocean at sunset and was created in collaboration with the sea—pulled through the saltwater so that the ocean could act as co-author on the work. It anchors the main living space with reverence and texture. Local photographer Yoni Goldberg’s quiet captures of the Newport Peninsula, including a well-loved surf break off 56th Street, root the interiors in memory and place.

We also wanted to reflect the vibrancy of boardwalk life and summertime energy. Thai Mainhard and Kyle Steed infuse movement and spontaneity into communal areas, while more meditative works offer quiet moments of stillness in private corners.

Every piece was placed with intention to elevate daily rituals and echo the home’s already joyful spirit.