Contemporary San Diego Residence

Built on a trusted, long-term partnership with the homeowners, this project demonstrates how thoughtful updates over time can transform a residence. Rather than a single full remodel, the client’s needs evolved gradually, with projects ranging from adding shades to individual rooms to installing large custom chandeliers. At each stage, LIGHTWORKS provided tailored lighting, shading, and AV solutions, helping the family bring their vision to life while strengthening a long-term, trusted relationship.

Working with interior designer Christina Kelley, LIGHTWORKS brought together technical expertise and design sensitivity to enhance every corner of the home.

We developed a comprehensive lighting design which incorporated details such as trim-less outlets by Trufig and flangeless DMF downlights to achieve a smooth, uninterrupted wall and ceiling aesthetic. We also provided dim-to-warm fixtures in the multimedia space for adaptable ambiance. Art lighting was thoughtfully positioned to enhance the home’s gallery-quality pieces, ensuring the overall scheme was both functional and visually refined.

Lutron RadioRA 3 lighting provided flexible control that could grow with the home over time, while Lutron motorized shades and Romans offered reliable performance and a clean, cohesive look. Control4 automation connected the home’s entertainment and distribution systems, and custom AV upgrades elevated key spaces for immersive experiences.

A whole-home shading and drapery plan tied everything together. In the gallery, powder room, and living room, tailored drapery softened natural light, while motorized shades in the powder bath added convenience. The master bedroom features blackout-lined drapery for restful sleep, and other bedrooms, play areas, and sitting rooms were fitted with Roman shades for privacy and comfort. Offices and the kitchen received privacy-lined Romans to filter light without sacrificing brightness. Even utility spaces like the laundry and closets were outfitted with coordinating shades for consistency and practicality. In entertainment areas—including the theater, bar, and media rooms—blackout-lined Romans provide precise light control, creating the perfect environment for viewing and listening.

Extensive electrical and smart home integration supports both technology and design features, from dramatic chandeliers to integrated pergola lighting, ensuring the home is both functional and beautiful.

The project’s technical highlights included the installation of three five-foot chandeliers, each weighing nearly 200 pounds, requiring specialized equipment, on-site problem solving, and custom-fabricated parts. In the outdoor pergola, LIGHTWORKS embedded lighting into a custom wood structure, working closely with carpenters to conceal wiring and maintain the clean design. Every space was tailored to the family’s needs.

The homeowners were thrilled with the results, noting how each system enhanced both the usability and the atmosphere of their home. The listening lounge, featuring a Focal Utopia 1000 system for exceptional clarity and depth, became a favorite spot for shared enjoyment, while the media room emerged as a hub for entertainment and relaxation. Multi-discipline, multi-phase projects like this one bring unique challenges, but with careful coordination and adaptability at every stage, the result is a seamless living environment that homeowners can enjoy throughout the process and beyond.

This project highlights the close collaboration between LIGHTWORKS, the homeowners, and interior designer Christina Kelley, bringing together lighting, AV, shading, and integration into a cohesive experience. The team worked hand in hand with designers, subcontractors, and the family to address technical challenges while supporting their vision for each space. From engineering large-scale installations to creating subtle moments of comfort and ambiance, the residence reflects a shared effort to balance technology, design, and the family’s lifestyle.