LRMID transformed an 80s nightmare into a contemporary showhome.

Orange County is known for its high number of attractive, solvent bachelors, but what happens when they finally realize that they want to settle down?

“All of the bachelor clients have come to me looking to transform their home,” says Lisa. “They’re finally looking to find that special someone, and are aware that their house is not up to a woman’s standards.”

According to the clients, they approached LRM Interior Design in the first place because of the company’s use of a clean aesthetic. “Plus, we have a practical and analytical style that appeals to men,” Lisa explains.”

Lisa amazed both of her bachelor clients with her ability to transform bachelor drab into showhome fab—something that wasn’t too masculine. “We created places where guests would feel comfortable but that would also impress the clients’ dates,” says Lisa.

A sprawling, 6,000 sq. ft. Cape Cod overlooking the Newport harbor was in desperate need of an update from what could only be called a “Miami Vice” inspired design. Lisa and her team gutted the interior, and transformed the house into a magnificent, yet comfortable, showhome with two stories and a mezzanine. Plus, the Cape Cod exterior was altered to complement the modern interior, including the addition of pool railings that matched those on the the staircase inside.

Soft grays and bold patterns create a look that is suited for a man but comfortable for guests

LRMID took a so-so condominium with ocean views in San Clemente and gave it a modern Moroccan makeover, with steel greys and geometric patterned accents. Lisa also designed custom furniture, creating two chaise longues that fit together into a double bed for guests.

Now LRM Interior Design has a new challenge from a bachelor. The outside areas of his modern beach house don’t match the interior’s cosmopolitan feel. “We will be taking these traditional-looking areas and updating them by pulling finishes and adding furniture that is inspired by the home’s interior,” explains Lisa. “There are so many fantastic outdoor furniture lines now, and we’ve even found the items we want in stainless steel.”

The LRM team looks forward to using organic elements like fire and water with construction materials such as concrete and glass to create an outdoor space that will provide a hip lounging area for his guests—whether that be a small group of friends, or just that special lady.

Napa Lounge is a new venture, and being built from the ground up. Lisa McDennon is pleased to announce that LRM Interior Design has won the contract, and is coming in on the early stages to design from scratch. “We’re going with a clean, modern look, with natural wood and stone, concrete floors, cool lighting and comfortable seating,” says Lisa, principal of LRM Interior Design.

Napa Lounge developer and owner Todd Melinn had seen LRMID’s work through his friends The Clemens. Both Scott Clemens and his wife Danielle are clients – LRMID designed Scott’s office; Danielle’s hair studio, Studio DC in Laguna Beach; as well as their home residence. Todd came to Scott to discuss the project, and asked for a recommendation for a designer. Scott didn’t hesitate to put Lisa’s name forward.

“Although Todd impressed with our studio’s work, he did interview another designer,” explained Lisa. “Our initial design bid was too high for his budget, and Todd thought he’d have to go with the other designer.”

Luckily, after discussing budgets, Todd and Lisa were able to come to a compromise: Lisa would design the interior, with completed renderings and all colors, furniture and fabrics chosen. LRM Interior Design would then hand the project off to Todd. Lisa explains: “That meant his final cost would not include any project management, and that shaved quite a bit off the bid.” Project management can include design meetings with the contractors, construction and shop drawings. By just providing a conceptualized template, Todd would save on LRM’s costs for design, but still provide him with a well-designed roadmap to create a beautiful space.

The hope is to have Napa Lounge open by Christmas—an ambitious goal. “Our team has just started the drawings, which will include preliminary space plans and original concepts for the restaurant interiors, occupancy numbers, and maybe a patio outside.”

Lisa and the team are excited about the Napa Lounge project, as it rounds out LRM Interior Design’s already extensive portfolio of retail, commercial, residential and resort properties.