Building a new custom home, particularly along the sunny beaches of Manhattan Beach, is a rewarding creative endeavor. From choosing a location to finalizing the layout, every step of the…

For some designers, appliances are little more than a finishing touch on new builds or home renovations. With standard dimensions for each type of appliance, all contractors really have to…

It’s no secret that collecting wine is a favorite pastime amongst coastal Californians, from the rolling hills of Napa Valley to the beaches of San Diego. In fact, wine collection…

If the originality and artistry of custom-built pieces doesn't already draw you in, consider the fact that the alternative, “fast furniture,” is hurting our bodies and the environment. Times have…

Considering custom building a second home? The southern California coast is a great place to do it! There’s something magical about vacation homes and their ability to connect extended family,…

Designing at home entertainment spaces that serve the entire family can be tricky, but luckily, custom building is about catering to your family’s unique needs. For some of us, a…

For a long while now, you’ve had certain new home features in mind that you know you’ll never get unless you custom build. They’re unique and very specific to your…

Beach design is about hardiness. Conditions at the beach can be rough, but it’s like swimming in the waves. If you work with them, rather than against them, it’s much…

With the right guidance, you can custom build a luxury beach house that works for your family and withstands the environmental stressors of oceanfront property. At White Sands, we’re not…

Want a home with a cool California coastal vibe? Use beach decor to create that ambiance in your custom built home! When we talk about beach decor, we’re really talking…

Thinking of building a beach house and feeling a little overwhelmed? These questions and tips will help you find your bearings on the California coast. 1. Renovate or demolish? There…

You’re designing a new home in California's South Bay? Don't overlook your beach house exterior. We know it’s easy (and fun!) to let interior design take center stage, especially when…

Do you have to sacrifice comfort and luxury for energy efficiency? It’s a common misconception that building an energy-efficient home means dim lights, lukewarm water, hot air in the summer,…

Choosing the right team is important in beach volleyball. It’s even more important when building your dream house. You’re ready to build the beach house you’ve always wanted. You’ve picked…

Considering custom-building? You’re probably thinking about air filtration in a serious way. With record-breaking California fire seasons, COVID, and regular old (ever increasing) pollution, it's not a home feature that…

If you’re dreaming of the ocean but not sure where in the South Bay to build, this post is for you. When we hear “Los Angeles County,” most of us…

Billiards and ping-pong tables are nice, but your basement can be more exciting. Have you ever considered a custom home gym? Think bouldering walls, indoor lap pools, interactive exercise mirrors.…

All houses need maintenance, but beach houses require extra TLC. Here’s how to do it in Southern California. Photo by Paul Jonason Between the sun, the salty air, and the…

The open floor plan has become extremely popular, but don’t underestimate the advantages to distinct rooms, with real walls. My husband and I just purchased a home, which we’re now…

Passive solar can plays a powerful role in good design. Ignoring natural light is a tragic—and rookie—mistake for Southern California beach homes. We live in Southern California. Obviously we love…

Many of us want to work from home these days, even as offices reopen. The way that we work has changed, and this change has been coming long before most…

We’re at home a lot these days, and we’re asking a lot of our spaces. We need our domestic environments to be safe, comforting, and functional—places we can live, work,…

All of our clients want their California beach house to be built fast and on-budget, with the finest finishes and furnishings. But custom building is a year-long journey, and building…

You want to build your California beach house in the South Bay. You know what zoning regulations your Manhattan Beach lot falls under. You know you want to build a…

You make a lot of decisions when you custom build. You may find yourself thinking about things you've never considered before, like doors and windows. Do you know what type of…

Your beach house can be kid and pet friendly without being boring or cluttered. Our clients sometimes assume that all the character and refinements have to be stripped from their…