Shawn Kallio This living area expands the idea of a "coastal" color palette with dusty pastels and earthy accents. Los Angeles-based interior decorator Kristi Bender returns to the San Diego-area beach of her childhood, and transforms a nondescript condo into a teen-approved retreat. Christine Lennon – May 18, 2021 | Updated May 14, 2021 âWe only recommend things we love. If you buy something through our site, we might earn a commission.â Take one look at this condo in Solana Beach, just north of San Diego, and scratch all of the things you think you know about coastal decor off of that tired list. Nothing is blue. There are no awning stripes. And there isnât a nautical or marine motif in sight. When Kristi Bender, an interior and furniture design partner at Cuff Studio in Los Angeles, and her husband Chris decided to invest in a beach condo just a few doors down from her parents, they knew they were embracing a beachier lifestyleâbut they wanted to do it their way.