Inside a Former Church Turned Family Home in Laguna Beach | House Tour

The Church House is a former church in Bluebird Canyon, Laguna Beach, transformed into a warm and deeply personal family home by its owner and interior designer, Kim Duensing.

When Kim and her family first discovered the property, the building was worn down and far from perfect. Most people would have torn it down. But surrounded by hillsides, canyon light, and a framed ocean view toward Catalina Island, the church carried something that felt too special to lose.

Instead of starting over, they chose to listen to the existing structure.

The former sanctuary, choir loft, church offices, and gathering spaces were carefully reimagined into a home that preserves the spirit of what was there while creating a new way of living within it. Architect Scott Laidlaw helped open the building to natural light, connect the separate pods, and create an indoor-outdoor experience shaped by the land around it.

With polished concrete, split-face block, Douglas fir, brick, natural patina, and colors drawn from the surrounding hillsides, The Church House embraces imperfection and celebrates the beauty of working with what already exists.

In this house tour, Kim shares the story of trusting the process, preserving the unexpected, and creating a home that continues to evolve with her family.


CREDITS

Interior design by Kim Duensing.
Architecture by Scott Laidlaw.
Specialty architectural wood by Saroyan.
Filmed, edited, and produced by Stay Awhile.


STAY AWHILE

Architecture, design & experience
We capture how spaces are lived in

Inquiries: https://stayawhilefilms.com