This case study, produced by Local Project, offers a deep exploration of Casa Moderna—an exemplary project where Spanish Colonial design harmonizes with a California coastal lifestyle. A truly remarkable collaboration between timeless Spanish Colonial architecture and sophisticated California coastal living, Casa Moderna stands as a beacon of elegantly livable design. Located in Dana Point and designed by the brilliant Olga Doykhen, with premium materials supplied by Ollin Stone, this project blends old-world charm with contemporary luxury. Through thoughtful design and the masterful use of travertine, Casa Moderna celebrates tradition while embodying modern values of comfort and style.
This blog takes you inside Casa Moderna, exploring its design influences, the creative spirit behind its interiors, and the exquisite use of travertine that brings the space to life.
The Heart of Dana Point
Situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, Dana Point is a picturesque seaside town celebrated for its relaxed coastal vibe and stunning natural beauty. Just a short five-minute walk from Casa Moderna lies the harbor and beach, offering an irresistible blend of tranquility and outdoor adventure. From its golden sands to glittering waters, Dana Point reflects the essence of sunlit California living—a lifestyle Casa Moderna channels through its design.
Casa Moderna by Olga Doykhen
Meet the Visionary Behind Casa Moderna
Interior designer Olga Doykhen has built her career shaping luxurious, livable spaces that provide both function and beauty. With her design studio located in Orange County, Olga brings a European perspective to her work. Drawing inspiration from her upbringing in Europe and her travels through France, Greece, and Italy, Olga’s designs balance timeless elegance with modern sensibilities.
Her UCLA architecture and design training, coupled with her passion for spatial awareness and refined finishes, makes her a sought-after designer for custom high-end residential and commercial projects. Olga’s signature approach goes beyond aesthetics—she creates meaningful spaces that feel deeply personal, functional, and approachable. “A home,” Olga believes, “should be a meaningful reflection of those living within it.”
Olga Doykhen, Interior Designer based in OC
Ollin Stone’s Role in Casa Moderna
When designing Casa Moderna, Olga collaborated with Ollin Stone, a premier supplier of high-quality natural stone. Known for their commitment to sourcing unique and premium materials from across the globe, Ollin Stone has been a trusted partner for architects and interior designers for over three decades.
Scott Foster, Creative Director at Ollin Stone, reflected on the partnership, saying, “Olga came to our team looking for authentic natural stone. We worked with her to find the most authentic Italian travertine for her to signify different rooms.” This collaboration highlights Ollin Stone’s dedication to turning a client’s vision into reality through personalized support and exceptional materials.
The Role of Travertine in Casa Moderna’s Design
Among the standout features of Casa Moderna is the extensive use of travertine, a natural stone with a rich history dating back to Roman architecture. Its timeless quality and inherent beauty made it a deliberate and thoughtful choice for this project.
Olga Doykhen explains, “The choice of travertine was very specific. It is such a traditional material and a natural material throughout the ages, and I wanted to bring the European feel with that stone.”
Two distinct types of travertine—Ocean Silver and Silver Crystal—were used across Casa Moderna to create a seamless blend of elegance and comfort.
Ocean Silver Travertine
A cool, oceanic hue defines this stone, which was used extensively throughout Casa Moderna’s ground floor. The kitchen, outdoor kitchen, and external water feature are all adorned with Ocean Silver, tying indoor and outdoor spaces into one cohesive experience.
- Kitchen Features: The main indoor kitchen features Ocean Silver travertine across the countertops, backsplash, and kitchen island. Integrated solutions like Bocci light sockets and Gaggenau cooktops elevate the design.
- Outdoor Kitchen: The alfresco kitchen continues the use of Ocean Silver, harmonizing with the surrounding coastal landscape.
- Water Elements: The outdoor water feature also incorporates Ocean Silver, delivering a serene, spa-like feeling that ties to the home’s seaside location.
Silver Crystal Travertine
On the upper levels, Silver Crystal travertine adds luxurious touches to private spaces like bedrooms and bathrooms.
- Master Bathroom: The stone is vein-cut to create sleek, seamless dual vanities and a walk-through shower. Even the ceilings are adorned in travertine, turning the bathroom into a true sanctuary.
- Bedrooms: Floors and walls lined with Silver Crystal create an atmosphere of quiet sophistication, balancing texture with minimalist design.
Travertine not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of Casa Moderna but also provides a tactile, inviting warmth, transforming the house into a sanctuary.
A Masterpiece of Spanish Colonial Elegance
Rather than simply mimicking traditional Spanish Colonial architecture, Olga Doykhen infused Casa Moderna with authentic, essential elements of the style. The white walls, red clay roof tiles, and graceful arches pay homage to its Spanish influence, while the seamless integration of travertine solidifies its character.
Pocket doors lead the indoor kitchen to an outdoor dining area featuring a firepit and alfresco kitchen, further showcasing how the home accommodates both daily life and coastal leisure. Add in the swimming pool, sauna, and library, and Casa Moderna balances sophistication with comfort for modern living.
Turning Stone Into Stories
Casa Moderna is more than a home—it’s a testament to collaboration and excellence in design. From Ollin Stone’s dedication to sourcing extraordinary materials to Olga Doykhen’s thoughtful execution, every element of the project reinforces the beauty of Spanish Colonial design and the timeless allure of travertine.
Whether you’re an architect, interior designer, or simply a lover of great design, Casa Moderna serves as proof that the right materials and vision can transform a house into a masterpiece.
Are you ready to elevate your next project with the timeless elegance of natural stone? Explore Ollin Stone’s curated collection today and start crafting your own story.
