Newport Harbor Home & Garden Tour was an overwhelming success, raising a record-breaking $200,000
The Newport Harbor Home & Garden Tour, held on Thursday, May 15 proved to be a day of design inspiration and friendly camaraderie – all while supporting the Newport Harbor Educational Foundation, which raises funds for student resources at Newport Harbor High School.
The tour was a sell-out weeks ahead, and according to Karen Taylor, co-chair of the Home Tour, “It was another beautiful day in Newport as guests enjoyed the 28th Annual Newport Harbor Home & Garden Tour, once again presented by Barclay Butera Interiors. Benefitting the 2,500 students at Newport Harbor High School, the day began at Pure Salt Interiors, followed by touring six magnificent homes in the Newport Harbor area. A delicious luncheon at the Newport Theatre Arts Center was catered by MJ’s Café & Catering, there was an opportunity drawing for fabulous prizes and the day ended at Barclay Butera Interiors in Westcliff with beautiful food and drinks provided by Nick’s, the new hot spot in Westcliff.”
In addition, a welcome respite was a refreshment stop at Molly Wood Garden Design.
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Photos by Amara Grover Photography
(L-R) NHHS Home Tour Co-Chairs Karen Taylor and Pam Hardenbergh at the Newport Theatre Arts Center luncheon venue
Six beautiful homes in the Newport Harbor High School area opened their doors to the viewing public.
Featured designers included Casey Hill (Casey Hill Studio); Desirae Block (Desirae Interiors); Rona Graf (Grace Blu Interior Design) with Courtney Gregg, Jada Burkhalter and Katie Miller, and Nicole Perrault (Haus of Design).
Here’s a glimpse of the homes in the order they appeared in the Home Tour Look Book:
1. The Happy Place on West Oceanfront, designed by Grace Blu Interior Design. This harbor gem exuding indoor/outdoor living with a modern California coastal vibe was a new build by Burkhart Brothers Construction. A highlight is the rooftop with its cozy living room, fireplace and swing. Designer’s tip: To create a sophisticated beach vibe, layer in blues, use light oak accents, layer with textures and add subtle coastal touches with pops of contrast.
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Endless views of the Pacific at The Happy Place on West Oceanfront
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Rooftop relaxation at The Happy Place
2. Newport Nantucket on Via Lido Soud on Lido Isle was designed by Grace Blu Interior Design. The designers had the challenge of going from concept to completion in 14 months. Materials used throughout are both functional and timeless. The accessories are a curated mix of items the client has collected throughout the years and from their travels. The designers loved the butler’s pantry – a hidden treasure. Designer’s tip: Thoughtful curation rather than trend-driven décor is what makes a home feel truly personal and enduring.
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Polished metals, warm woods and earthy tones translate to simplistic elegance in this Newport Nantucket kitchen
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The outdoor space, complete with sandy beach and private dock, exemplifies waterfront living at Newport Nantucket
3. A Lido Bit of Luxury on Via Koron on Lido Isle was designed by Haus of Design. This residential remodel was stripped down to the studs and completely reimagined. A secondary home for the out-of-state owners, every detail of this soft coastal color palette connects to the beachfront surroundings. Designer’s tip: Lighting is a powerful tool in interior design, capable of transforming a space by adding depth, dimension and visual interest. Incorporate decorative lighting wherever possible whether through underlit cabinetry, custom light fixtures or art lighting – they add the perfect finishing touches.
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At Via Koron, the beach is just steps away
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Contemporary furnishings curate a fresh and inviting space in this Lido Isle home on Via Koron
4. Sage Sanctuary on Santiago Drive was designed by Desirae Block, who loves the formal living room with its stunning marble fireplace and adjacent checkered marble entry. This 1960s build is warm, refined and livable – a mix of traditional, Mediterranean and California cottage with organic influences for timeless charm. Designer’s tip: Keep the base timeless and traditional and let your accessories tell the story. Against a neutral palette, wallpaper and textiles (lending pops of color) can be easily traded out as the seasons change and your style evolves.
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This formal living room with its stunning marble fireplace offers quiet repose in the Sage Sanctuary
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Sage Sanctuary’s private backyard beckons a dip in the pool and luxurious lounging
5. Surf Shack on Aliso Avenue was designed by Casey Hill of Casey Hill Studio. Drawing inspiration from some of her favorite 20th century decorators, Hill loves natural materials like stone, wood, cotton, linen and ceramics…and gravitates toward green. Her favorite space in this post-war cottage built in 1945 by a WWII veteran is the “Pirate’s Den,” a sunken room with a retro fireplace and hidden entertainment center. Designer’s tip: Edit, edit, edit! Invest in fewer but better pieces. Purchase what you truly love.
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This functional Surf Shack kitchen opens to the backyard and welcomes afternoon breezes, ideal for entertaining
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Soft pastels and lighting with a vanity-to-ceiling tile backsplash exude calm in the Surf Shack primary bath
6. Herringbone Habitat on Michael Place by designer Grace Blu Interior Design boasts sleek clean lines, vast glass windows and neutral textures throughout this California modern residence. The eye beholds daring tile selections and vibrant wallpaper throughout, along with the client’s wish list of a theater (with a secret entrance), gym and stunning rooftop patio. A dramatic addition to the kitchen is the cremone bolts (aged brass) on the cabinetry. Designer’s tip: Embrace a contrasting palette and weave it throughout your home, creating a playful and refined scheme with recurring elements.
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This home theater was on the client’s wish list (complete with a secret entrance) at the Herringbone Habitat
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Escape to the rooftop patio with at the Herringbone Habitat
A special thanks to Presenting Sponsor Barclay Butera Interiors, the NHEF staff, homeowners who graciously opened their homes to the public, docent volunteers, specialty boutique vendors, Fashion Island/Orlebar Brown/Great Maple for hosting the homeowner/underwriter party, businesses that sold Home Tour tickets in their stores and the many sponsors who made a special day memorably successful. Also, thank you to the art students who shared their beautiful artwork of the homes in this year’s Look Book, and Frameworks Custom Art Framing for framing their renderings for each homeowner.
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Pirette with their clean fragrances, hair and skincare lines was among the specialty boutique vendors
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(L-R) Jennifer Chapman, Nadia Barienbrock, Shannon McLaren and Missy Charlesworth of PRAIRIE Design, which is opening in August on Mariners’ Mile
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Backhouse, specializing in skincare products, home fragrances, gift boxes and hand-poured candles, was among the boutique vendors at the luncheon venue
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The lively After Party culminated the memorable day at Barclay Butera Interiors in Westcliff
Tray-passed hors d’oeuvres were paired with complimentary glasses of bubbly at the After Party
“It was a banner year, as the $200,000 net proceeds set a record for funds raised. Many thanks to all the designers, sponsors, advertisers and ticket holders who make this event possible. Mark your calendar for next year’s Home Tour on May 14, 2026!” said Taylor.
For more information, visit https://newportharborhometour.com.
