KAA Design and Pamela Smith Interiors Interweave Indoors and Out for a Southern California Abode

Designer Kari Arendsen, principal at Intimate Living Interiors, embarked on a significant renovation of Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Chase Daniel and his wife Hillary's 12,000-square-foot Tuscan-style residence in Rancho Santa Fe, California. The initial challenge involved removing heavy, dated Tuscan-inspired millwork that dominated the home. Despite initial apprehension from the Daniels about stripping away existing elements, Arendsen, along with her business partner Tory Peterson and architect Mark Radford, aimed to create interiors that felt "fresh and alive" and enhanced the overall design. The renovation focused on transforming the five-bedroom, six-bathroom, and two half-bath property into a peaceful and functional family home. A key aspect of the redesign was strategic lighting, incorporating sconces, overhead fixtures, and LEDs to establish different moods in each room. Spatial reconfigurations were also central to the project, adapting the existing layout to better suit the family's needs. For instance, an existing bar was converted into a cozy nook for reading and meditation, reflecting the designer's goal to infuse a sense of stillness and create spaces for quiet gathering. The Daniels sought a calming environment, and Arendsen delivered by focusing on intentional design choices that promoted comfort and tranquility. In the kitchen, no detail was overlooked. It features a custom Lacanche range, backlit steel cabinets, and a hidden coffee bar with its own faucet. Practical elements for the family with young children include refrigerator drawers placed within reach for easy snack access. The 900-square-foot kitchen area, which encompasses a butler’s kitchenette, a breakfast nook, and a walk-in pantry, also saw a revised layout, including a pass-through connecting the indoor space to an outdoor barbecue station. The island was designed with extra-durable quartzite to withstand daily use and messes, ensuring longevity. A quiet color palette defines the home's aesthetic, with soft green accents strategically introduced to connect with nature. This choice was important to the clients, as seen in the viridescent pendant lights above the kitchen island, which were hand-painted in a custom color, and the dramatic forest-green walls in Chase Daniel's home office. Hillary Daniel noted that while blue is often associated with calm, the use of green achieves a similar calming effect while offering more visual interest. Specific design details are highlighted throughout the home. In the dining room, symmetry and alignment were carefully considered, featuring a Palecek chandelier, Sherwin-Williams 'Futon' paint, and furniture from ILI Be Home. Chase Daniel's study was designed to be both masculine and moody, utilizing Sherwin-Williams 'Rookwood Dark Green' paint, Zak+Fox curtains, and a custom desk by ILI Be Home. The primary bedroom serves as a peaceful retreat, incorporating rich, plush textures, and a soft palette with Sherwin-Williams 'Futon' paint, Zak+Fox wallpaper, and an Oly Studio bed frame. A sweet nook with a banquette and storage, complete with Georges lighting and Christopher Farr wallpaper, was created for the Daniels' young daughter. The primary bathroom features a standalone bathtub from European Kitchen & Bath and flooring by KC Design Stone & Tile. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #CaliforniaLiving #FamilyHome #KariArendsen #QuietLuxury #CustomDesign

The Hilltop Estate project, designed by Studio McGee, exemplifies a sophisticated blend of Napa-inspired aesthetics with a coastal California sensibility, taking advantage of the property's incredible views from every window. The design journey begins with the entryway, which sets a warm and inviting tone through the strategic use of white oak wood paneling on walls and ceilings, providing a comforting embrace despite abundant glass. Sconces are incorporated to free up console table space while maintaining ambient lighting. Moving into the formal living room and dining room, a sense of continuity is achieved with uniform drapery and symmetrical chandeliers, despite distinct functions. The living room features a focal wall with built-in shelving, a limestone fireplace, and flannel-textured wallpaper, while furniture is artfully mixed to achieve a cohesive yet varied look. The dining room maximizes space and visual interest with a sideboard and a large hutch, reflecting views and offering storage. The kitchen and breakfast nook maintain consistency with vaulted, wood-stained ceilings. This space blends contemporary elements, such as mixed cabinetry and chunky brass hardware, with luxurious details like a Calacatta marble countertop and backspace. Steel windows are meticulously integrated into the marble, and a marble drip edge upgrades the apron-front farmhouse sink. A vintage pocket pantry door reveals a moody, charcoal-grey pantry (Sherwin Williams Peppercorn) with a patterned paint tile backsplash and soapstone countertop. The breakfast nook features vertical tongue and groove paneling, a buttery yellow laminated cushion, and McGee & Co.’s Reeves dining chairs. The family room serves as a casual hangout space, featuring a sectional sofa and a thoughtfully placed Beckett Chair to maintain flow. An antique carved wood mirror adds a unique accent to a large wall. The primary suite, located upstairs, offers a relaxing retreat with a balcony and vaulted ceilings with white oak beams. Walls are painted in Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards, a warm white. Asymmetrical nightstands and varied lamp heights create balance, while the custom canopy bed, upholstered in striped blue and cream fabric, is accented with vintage block print pillows in blue and reddish-orange. The primary bathroom embraces glamor with ornate paneling, smooth limestone floors, and a palette of creams and warm whites. A vintage patterned rug introduces olive and blue tones, complementing reeded drawer fronts and Calcutta marble countertops. For the children's rooms, durability and adaptability are key. The girls' room features a soft palette of light turquoise and faded gold, with blush pink accents on the ceiling (Farrow & Ball Setting Plaster) and a Cloud Toile wallpaper by Schumacher in the built-ins. Boys' rooms incorporate personality with patterned sheets, football art, and board and batten details, using industrial plug-in sconces and a neutral wall color (Swiss Coffee by Dunn Edwards). The homework room doubles as a hangout space with a deep sofa, TV, beanbag chairs, and built-in desks, all benefiting from ample natural light and flush-mounted brass light fixtures. The wine room, a unique and moody space, features dark-stained herringbone hardwood floors with a double-striped perimeter. Walls are painted in Benjamin Moore Midnight, extending to a coffered, stained wood ceiling and a plaster-coated barrel-vaulted ceiling in the wine storage area. Details include black steel doors, a black marble fireplace, tonal drapes, a rolling wood ladder, antiqued mirrors, a vintage rug, leather club chairs, and an emerald green tufted velvet sofa. The wine storage itself is custom-stained oak, accommodating an extensive bottle collection at optimal temperatures. The outdoor spaces and pool house are designed as an extension of the home, facilitating indoor/outdoor living in Southern California. The L-shaped main house opens to a backyard centered around a pool, with various zones for gathering, including a courtyard with a firepit and café lights. The outdoor dining area incorporates warm wood beams and woven pendants, while a partitioned area features a built-in pizza oven and BBQ with L-shaped banquette seating. Olive trees and planters enhance the SoCal vibe. The pool house, with its high-contrast black and white exterior, features black steel doors and custom-colored siding, mirroring the main house. A garage window opens to a pass-through bar, and accordion-style steel doors connect the interior with the pool area. The pool house design adopts a beachier, lighter aesthetic with a shiplap ceiling in Swiss Coffee, steel cable ties, and limestone pavers extending from the pool deck. It includes an indoor/outdoor rug, a charcoal-colored performance fabric sectional, and art by Brian Kingston. The kitchen and bar area feature blue ceramic tiles, light wood cabinets, and louvered doors, designed for heavy use. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CaliforniaDesign #NapaInspired #CoastalLiving #DesignTips #StudioMcGee #HomeStyling

KAA Design, a Los Angeles-based firm, undertook a significant renovation of a 1980s ranch-style home in Palos Verdes, California. The project aimed to transform the residence from its original Spanish aesthetic to a warm modern and contemporary setting, leveraging the property’s inherent assets, including panoramic views of the Santa Monica Bay, Pacific Ocean, Malibu, and Downtown Los Angeles. The owners, now empty nesters, desired a change from their previous Italianate revival home, seeking a breezy atmosphere with a pale monochrome palette. The original layout of the L-shaped house was considered beautiful, forming a courtyard around a large front lawn and a back area for a new pool and terrace, meticulously integrated into an elaborate landscape scheme designed by Michael McGowan. The renovation initiated with the replacement of the original entry gate with a new anodized metal gate and the creation of an outdoor entry gallery featuring concrete pavers. The initial contemporary vision is introduced through slimmed-down plaster columns, replacing the heavier originals. A major structural change involved demolishing a central wall in the living room, necessitating new bracing. Architect Grant Kirkpatrick opted to leave the steel beams exposed, finishing them with automotive paint. Beyond demolition, the renovation included significant new construction. KAA Design added a ground-up indoor-outdoor dining extension, positioned perpendicularly to the al fresco entry passage. This extension is served by a Bulthaup kitchen and can be integrated with the adjacent living room via sliders. Black-painted aluminum louvers on the opposite side provide shaded views of the lawn and gardens, while heat lamps and a radiant-heated floor ensure comfort during cooler evenings. Furthermore, a new wing was constructed, incorporating three additional bedrooms and a “bunk” room designed for the owners’ extended family, increasing the home’s total area from 6,000 to 7,500 square feet. An intentional gap in the rooflines between the new extension and the existing structure was innovatively utilized to create “the olive courtyard,” centered around a large olive tree. The interior design features a consistent creamy color scheme, primarily achieved through the application of Semco, a seamless bond resurfacing treatment, on both walls and floors. The existing tongue-and-groove ceilings, with their exposed beams, were painted white. While Kirkpatrick oversaw the design of the main bathroom, which includes limestone flooring and ash cabinetry, the majority of the furnishings were personally selected by the homeowners. The overall transformation emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, modern aesthetics, and a neutral, sophisticated palette. #SoCalHome #KAADesign #HomeRenovation #ResidentialDesign #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #PalosVerdes #GrantKirkpatrick

This article details a comprehensive whole-house remodel of a Mediterranean-style home in Danville, California, built in the early 2000s. The objective of the renovation, undertaken by interior designer Nicole Salceda and her firm Eye for Pretty, was to transform the existing structure into a bright, comfortable, and transitional family living space. The project involved updating every surface, including flooring, walls, cabinets, and paint, over six months, during the initial phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, which required careful management of crews and restrictions. The clients provided minimal input, allowing the design team significant freedom to execute their vision. The remodel began by addressing the entry, where a wide hallway with a sweeping curved staircase was transformed. New hardwood flooring and a minimal staircase balustrade were installed, alongside a gallery wall on the upstairs landing. This open hallway now connects directly to the new kitchen, creating a central hub for the home. The existing builder-grade finishes were replaced to achieve a more bespoke and comfortable aesthetic suitable for a young family. The kitchen underwent a significant upgrade, focusing on both beauty and functionality. Key features include gray perimeter cabinetry, a soapstone counter and backsplash, including a soapstone sink, and a white oak island with open shelving. Integrated appliances and a Calacatta quartz island top were incorporated, complemented by cognac leather counter stools. The design aims to provide a comfortable and practical space for the family. An open-concept living area was created, encompassing an informal dining space and a family room. The dining area features a rustic, pale wood table with a smart white top, echoing the kitchen's soapstone counters, paired with rush-seated dining chairs. The family room emphasizes functionality and a streamlined design, aiming for a cozy, organic, and comfortable environment. It includes a luxurious sectional sofa in a soft off-white shade, adorned with pastel pillows, and a window seat for additional seating during gatherings. A black console table visually separates the seating and dining areas within the open-plan layout, enhancing organization. A pale wood coffee table further integrates the natural elements present throughout the adjacent dining area and kitchen. The sectional sofa's configuration helps define a more intimate zone within the larger open space. For more formal occasions, a dedicated dining room is strategically tucked into a corner of the remodeled open-plan living area. This space features a sophisticated scheme with a dark wood round table that can be extended for larger parties. Textural artworks are displayed in a gallery arrangement, and a contemporary Roxy Chandelier serves as a prominent focal point. Additionally, a formal living room offers a retreat from the main family activities. This snug area maintains a sophisticated aesthetic, featuring a vintage-look sofa and armchairs upholstered in a windowpane check pattern. A Montauk black stripe rug from Eye for Pretty ties the room's elements together. The primary bedroom was designed with a focus on luxury and tranquility. A contemporary four-poster bed provides structure without overwhelming the space, contributing to a calm and neutral environment ideal for rest. A seascape painting is neatly integrated into the bedframe, creating a 'frame within a frame' effect. The bathroom received a luxurious update, featuring marble finishes on both the walls and counters. A freestanding tub with gray-blue sides is positioned under a window, and an intricately tessellated tiled floor adds visual interest to the space. Overall, the remodel successfully transformed the home into a series of inspiring and comfortable living spaces. #HomeRemodel #InteriorDesign #CaliforniaHomes #OpenPlanLiving #TransitionalStyle #KitchenDesign #LuxuryLiving #FamilyHome #NeutralPalette

California casual style is an enduring interior design aesthetic characterized by bright, airy rooms, abundant natural light, and a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor living. This style marries coastal, rustic, and modern elements, creating a warm, cozy, and inviting atmosphere. It prioritizes comfort and approachability, accommodating families and pets without sacrificing sophistication. The core of California casual style revolves around a neutral color palette, incorporating ocean-inspired hues as accents. Cream paints provide a clean base, with subtle colors introduced through soft furnishings, artwork, and decorative items. Designers emphasize avoiding overtly 'beachy' decor to maintain the style's unique identity. This aesthetic diverges from sleek minimalism, offering a lived-in feel without appearing cluttered. Natural light is paramount, often facilitated by oversized windows and sliding doors that connect indoor spaces to outdoor living areas. Materiality is key, with a focus on mixing various textures and finishes. Wood, leather, linen fabrics, and soft boucle are commonly used, particularly in living spaces. For utilitarian areas like bathrooms and kitchens, the style encourages combining contrasting finishes such as gold hardware with black metal accents and natural wooden tones. Subtle pattern play and a mix of metals and wood tones contribute to visual interest without overwhelming the senses. Decorative items are strategically chosen to introduce color and personality. Earthy tones are prevalent, complemented by pops of turquoise and coral. Instead of typical coastal motifs like seashells, California casual style prefers more unique and artistic expressions, such as vintage surfboards or framed shark teeth, which serve as sculptural elements and conversation starters. Furniture selection is crucial, favoring plush, oversized pieces with clean lines that embody comfort and functionality. Large, comfortable sectionals in light linen or performance fabrics are often central to living spaces. Dining options are flexible, designed to accommodate daily living and larger gatherings. Natural materials like rope, jute, wicker, rattan, and shiplap are frequently integrated into furniture and decor, adding authenticity to the aesthetic. An integral aspect of California casual living is the cohesive outdoor space. Outdoor areas are considered an extension of the indoor living environment, featuring comfortable seating arrangements that mirror the interior's design scheme. This emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is reinforced by the strategic placement of outdoor furnishings and thoughtful landscaping, maximizing the home's usable space. The overall effect is one of timeless elegance, combining well-crafted furniture, a blend of old and new decorative pieces, and an enduring emphasis on comfort and sophistication. #CaliforniaCasualStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #NeutralPalette #IndoorOutdoorLiving #DesignTrends #CoastalDesign #RusticModern #OversizedFurniture

The article explores the renovation of a 1960s 1,000-square-foot house in West Marin, Northern California, originally built by local designer and organic architect Alex Riley. The current owners, described as creative polymaths and philanthropists, commissioned Commune Design to update the home while preserving its architectural integrity and embracing the region's bohemian spirit. The renovation aims to blend the West Marin aesthetic with elements of Scandinavian summer home design, a particular interest of Commune Design's Roman Alonso. Commune Design's approach involved integrating local craftwork and materials throughout the home. Examples include vivid glass rondels and mosaic tiles by Oakland-based Theodore Ellison Designs, and a dining table crafted by Tripp Carpenter, son of Arthur Espenet Carpenter. The house features Heath Ceramics tile, sculptures by JB Blunk, an Ido Yoshimoto cocktail table, and redwood lounge chairs by Jesse Schlesinger. Artwork by Bay Area artists such as Lena Wolff, Kelly Ording, and Ruth Charlotte Kneass further enhances the site-specific mood, celebrating California's design heritage. To introduce the Scandinavian influence, Alonso incorporated classic Danish chairs by Hans Wegner and Ole Wanscher, Swedish flat-weave carpets, Arne Jacobsen fixtures, and a variety of Josef Frank wallpapers, fabrics, and furnishings for Svenskt Tenn. The design also includes unique pieces that bridge these styles, such as light fixtures by Gino Sarfatti, an antique Tiffany Studios pendant lamp, and wallpaper by British designer Marthe Armitage, creating an eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Key design interventions included staining the floors a deep blue-green, refinishing the interior cedar siding to neutralize its original orange hue, and painting architectural elements like columns, trusses, and trim in dark green. These changes were intended to heighten the drama of Riley’s original architectural composition. New mahogany bookshelves, cabinetry, and millwork details were designed to be consistent with an existing built-in hutch in the dining room, ensuring continuity with the original architecture. The home features various nooks, daybeds, and perches, fulfilling the clients' desire for spaces conducive to reading and relaxation. The bedrooms, located along a central corridor with views of the West Marin landscape, are adorned with Josef Frank wallpapers. These are complemented by upholstered patchwork headboards by textile artist Adam Pogue, custom polychromatic bedding, and color-blocked Swedish carpets. The combination creates a warm and serene atmosphere, rather than a chaotic one. The overall design achieves a balance between traditional and modern elements, catering to the diverse tastes of the homeowners. The clients expressed satisfaction with the genuine harmony achieved not only in the furnishings and decor but also in the collaborative relationships formed with craftspeople and fabricators. The renovated home is described as a place for thought, rejuvenation, and enjoyment, reflecting a blend of California cool and Scandinavian summer home sensibilities. #HomeDesign #CaliforniaCool #ScandinavianDesign #CommuneDesign #InteriorRenovation #Craftsmanship #BohemianStyle #ArchitecturalPreservation #EclecticDecor #SustainableDesign

Kacey Primer, the owner and founder of Marietta-based interior design firm 26th & Oregon, brings a unique blend of function and personality to family homes. Ten years ago, Primer, a Texas native, felt a calling for a fresh start, leading her and her partner, Michelle, to move from Milwaukee to Cobb County. This decision marked a new chapter, allowing Primer to pursue her long-held dream of becoming an interior designer. The couple quickly established their business in 2015, with Kacey focusing on design concepts and Michelle managing project execution and contractor coordination. The firm's name, 26th & Oregon, pays homage to the Milwaukee streets where they first met two decades ago, symbolizing their enduring partnership in both life and business. 26th & Oregon offers a comprehensive range of bespoke design services, including full-service renovations, home refreshers, consultations, e-designs, and a curated online shop. The firm caters to a diverse clientele with varying design preferences, from traditional to maximalist and mid-century modern styles. While Kacey has experience in both commercial and residential projects, her specialty lies in single-family homes. Her design philosophy emphasizes creating functional yet aesthetically pleasing spaces, incorporating eclectic details and unexpected charm to make homes feel uniquely lived-in and cherished. Primer describes her personal style as contemporary with a modern flair, often featuring whimsical pops of color, bold artwork, and upholstered accent chairs, all while ensuring that family homes can be both stylish and practical. A core belief for Primer is that everyone deserves a beautiful home, regardless of their lifestyle. Primer's inspiration is primarily drawn from her clients' aspirations for their spaces, paying close attention to minor details such as art collections or even shoe choices to visualize a design that perfectly aligns with their aesthetic desires. She embraces each new project as an opportunity for creative exploration, keeping up with the latest design trends through social media, publications, and home markets, though always adapting them to suit her clients' individual preferences. Primer also encourages clients to venture beyond their comfort zones, subtly introducing elements of the 26th & Oregon aesthetic, even for those who prefer a minimalist approach, through accents like rugs or art pieces. Her creative foundation was built in a childhood home filled with DIY projects and artistic endeavors, influenced by her mother's passion for home improvements and her late father, radio legend Bobby O’Jay's, entrepreneurial spirit and eloquence. These influences instilled in her a natural inclination for self-expression through design and business. Initially viewing interior design as a hobby, Primer's confidence grew through personal home renovations and collaborations with contractors. Her experience in event planning, which involved transforming spaces with unique themes, solidified her vision for a full-time career in design. Looking ahead, Primer aims to expand 26th & Oregon, planning to take on more commercial projects and establish a brick-and-mortar store in the coming years. She envisions the business as a family legacy, to be passed down to future generations. Primer also highlights the connection between interior design and mental well-being, believing that comfortable and beautiful living spaces contribute to a better quality of life. She intends to evolve 26th & Oregon into a broader lifestyle and wellness brand, all while remaining focused on her own path and avoiding comparisons, underscoring the importance of forging one's unique journey in entrepreneurship. Primer offers practical tips for homeowners looking to elevate their spaces, including advice on curtain styling, minimizing glass decor, decluttering, organizing throws, embracing negative space, and experimenting with furniture paint and hardware upgrades. Additionally, she suggests DIY hacks for a luxurious look, such as adding trim to soft furnishings, upgrading cabinet hardware and switch plates, layering lighting, creating custom accent pillows, mixing old and new decor, and using art frame TVs or custom frames for existing televisions to display art, along with layering rugs for a sophisticated touch. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #KaceyPrimer #26thAndOregon #Marietta #EclecticDesign #FunctionalHomes #DIYHome #DesignTips

The 2025 Sunset Western Home & Design Awards recognize top interior design firms and individuals who are creating distinctive and luxurious living spaces across the Western United States. This article highlights eight award-winning designers and firms, showcasing their unique approaches to interior aesthetics, ranging from livable luxury and small space solutions to organic modern and full-on glamour. Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, a Seattle-based architecture and interiors firm, was awarded for 'Best Livable Luxury' for their work on a remodeled Pacific Northwest island home. The design emphasizes quiet luxury through a blend of rich textures, including velvet, bouclé, honed marble, and handmade oak cabinetry, creating an idyllic and cozy family compound. Their expertise lies in masterminding properties with exquisite detailing that evoke a sense of understated opulence. Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors received recognition for 'Best Small Space Solutions.' Jung, based in San Francisco, specializes in optimizing compact living areas, particularly in elegant city apartments and Bay Area bungalows. Her designs are characterized by a playful use of color and ingenious millwork that integrates smart storage solutions, effectively maximizing space without compromising on style or functionality for busy families. Susannah Holmberg Studios earned the 'Best Organic Modern' award. Holmberg, who relocated to Salt Lake City, draws inspiration from the American West, evident in her palette of warm neutrals. Her work, such as a four-season poolhouse in Park City featuring rosy zellige tile, showcases a strong artistic background with curvilinear shapes and bold, sculptural accents that appear in her projects throughout Utah and beyond. Redmond Aldrich Design, led by Chloe Redmond Warner, was honored for 'Best Scene-Setter.' Warner's approach involves creating immersive and imaginative interiors, as demonstrated by a Montana mountain home inspired by a fictitious Japanese art student. The San Francisco-based designer is celebrated for her creative vision, infusing luxury spaces with wit and distinct style. Romanek Design Studio, under the direction of Brigette Romanek, achieved the 'Best Full-On Glamour' award. Romanek’s clientele includes notable figures, reflecting her ability to craft stylish and comfortable environments. Her designs are distinguished by sculptural lines, museum-quality vintage pieces, and whimsical touches such as bold art and vibrant color schemes. Morrison Interiors, based in Orange County, was recognized for 'Best Family Compound.' Denise Morrison specializes in designing upscale retreats that balance luxury with a relaxed atmosphere. Her own Idaho lake-view home exemplifies her style, featuring comfortable seating, high-end finishes, and a low-key vacation ambiance, designed to accommodate large gatherings. Amber Interior Design Studio received the award for 'Best California Neo Classicist.' Amber Lewis's interiors are quintessential Californian, characterized by soft fabrics, organic materials, comfortable seating, understated opulence, and an uncluttered informality. Her work is described as modern, timeless, and exceptionally comfortable, resonating with contemporary lifestyle preferences. Finally, Sarahliz Lawson Design was honored for 'Best Elevated Mountain' design. Lawson, from Saratoga, California, is known for her classic designs with a contemporary twist. Her work, including a luxurious Tahoe residence, brings urban sophistication to mountain living, creating refined rural retreats that offer a compelling alternative to traditional outdoor activities. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignAwards #WesternHomes #LuxuryDesign #SmallSpaceSolutions #OrganicModern #GlamourDesign #FamilyCompounds #CaliforniaStyle

This article details the restoration and renovation of a historic Spanish Revival home in Montecito, CA, originally designed by renowned architect Wallace Neff in 1922. The recent renovation, led by interior designer Bridgid Williams, focused on peeling back previous unsympathetic changes to highlight the home's period details and original character. The redesign emphasizes a transitional scheme rich in warmth and character, achieved through a blend of beautifully crafted new and old furniture, exquisite details, and specific finishes. Key elements of the restoration include preserving unique and handcrafted decorative details. The entryway, for instance, features original handmade terracotta tiles, which informed the home's overall color palette. The decision to reinstate soft white plaster walls, characteristic of Spanish colonial revival architecture, helps accentuate the decorative tile details on the stair risers and ironwork. The renovation also saw the reintroduction of bullnose corners and the elimination of baseboards, allowing plaster walls to meet the flooring directly. A notable detail in the terracotta floors is a century-old dog paw print, which was intentionally preserved, symbolizing an appreciation for imperfection and adding a unique narrative to the home. The kitchen and dining areas showcase a thoughtful combination of heirloom pieces and well-crafted new furniture. In the kitchen, a vintage Welsh potboard is paired with a custom-built island designed to resemble a furniture piece, serving as a focal point for displaying the homeowner's collected treasures. Classic details were reinstated, such as replacing a stainless steel extractor hood with a traditional-style white plaster one and incorporating a warm Tadelakt plaster backsplash. The original terracotta floors dictated the design, with sophisticated navy cabinetry (Farrow & Ball’s Black Blue) chosen to complement their rich rust color, benefiting from ample natural light. The dining room, merged with the kitchen, features vintage pieces like visually lighter wicker dining chairs to prevent overwhelming the space. An architectural intervention involved creating a thick three-centered arch between the kitchen and dining room, opening the space for entertaining while reintroducing a softness lost in previous remodels. This arch now acts as a central axis for the rear of the house. Custom furniture, such as a white oak racetrack dining table by Petersen Antiques and a Linear chandelier from Currey & Co, complete the setting. The living room retains unique original details, including an orchestra balcony that once hosted performers, adding an unexpected layer of interest. The original fireplace, iron railings, and stairs leading to the balcony remain intact, contributing to the home's charm. The restoration emphasized highlighting vaulted ceilings and arched openings, though the goal was not to create a museum-like environment. Instead, the focus was on incorporating living finishes and materials that would age and patina over time. The long living space was divided into two sitting areas, unified by identical jute rugs and infused with pops of green through various decorative elements. Bedrooms feature earthy tones that reflect Mediterranean hues, aligning with the relaxed California style and traditional Spanish aesthetics. An original corner bedroom fireplace, with its rounded profile and stucco chimney breast, serves as a charming focal point in the guest suite. In the primary bathroom, waterproof plaster walls create a spa-like, calming retreat, allowing elements like a chandelier and custom reeded cabinetry to stand out without competition. Texture is used to add depth, as seen in the custom double vanity with its reeded detailing. For the grandkids' room, bobbin beds, refinished in Benjamin Moore Galapagos Green, provide a contemporary yet traditional touch. Custom pieces were commissioned when vintage options were unavailable, such as a barley twist leg vanity in the grandchildren's en suite from Paul Smith Studios, which maximizes space and adds nostalgic character. The exterior landscaping, designed by Alexander Champagne Landscape Design, integrates seamlessly with the architecture, enhancing the indoor-outdoor experience and providing a perfect finishing touch to the meticulously restored home. #HistoricHomeRenovation #SpanishRevivalArchitecture #InteriorDesign #BridgidWilliams #MontecitoCalifornia #TerracottaTiles #VintageFurniture #CustomCabinetry #PlasterWalls

Pure Salt Interiors undertook a comprehensive renovation of a 1998 home in Huntington Beach, California, transforming a standard, compartmentalized four-bedroom, four-bathroom house into a functional and aesthetically balanced space for a young family. The project, led by co-founders Leigh Lincoln and Aly Morford, focused on maximizing every square foot by opening up the floor plan and integrating indoor-outdoor living. The ground floor received a significant overhaul, including a renovated kitchen with a large banquette and a newly built bar, along with new furnishings for the living area. The upstairs bathrooms were gutted and redesigned, bedrooms were styled, and a loft was added to serve as a family hangout spot. Outside, a pool house was constructed from scratch, with the collaboration of builder C. Jones & Company and architect Trifon Metodiev of Vulkan Architects, designed to be a central hub for entertaining. The homeowner, a creative individual, desired a blend of eclectic taste with traditional sensibility, incorporating the luxurious feel of a hotel. To achieve this, Pure Salt Interiors utilized rich materials and bold elements without overwhelming the overall aesthetic. These included navy blue velvet upholstery, black-and-white marble tiles, deep green paint, pink onyx countertops, and statement wallpaper. The aim was to create distinctive elements that spark conversation while maintaining a clean and natural aesthetic, ultimately balancing traditional glamour with modern design. The renovation faced significant challenges due to the onset of COVID-19, leading to labor shortages, supply chain issues, and general uncertainty. The design team adapted by prioritizing patience and focusing on making the space functional while navigating the pandemic's impact. The project also pushed the designers creatively, as they incorporated unique touches that diverged from their usual coastal aesthetic but perfectly suited the client's eclectic preferences. Budget allocation saw a considerable portion invested in the downstairs level, particularly the great room, which was envisioned as a primary gathering space for the family and their guests. Custom woodwork throughout the home also accounted for a substantial part of the budget, adding small, unique details that distinguished the residence. To manage costs, the designers preserved existing wood floors where possible. In areas where new flooring was needed to match existing ones, such as the dining room after the great room was opened, a creative solution was implemented: a herringbone pattern flooring was installed, creating a permanent rug-like effect that seamlessly blended with the surrounding original floors, proving both cost-effective and aesthetically cohesive. Memorable details of the project include the intentional juxtaposition of natural materials with unexpected twists, such as the pink onyx countertop in the pool house and the tumbled soapstone and marble in a checked pattern for the primary bath flooring. This fusion of traditional design with playful elements is also evident in the classic woodwork painted with a pop of color in the bedrooms and the brass accents incorporated throughout many spaces, adding a touch of glamour and spice. The overall design successfully honored the family's attachment to their home by transforming it into a more functional and stylish environment for long-term enjoyment and growth. #CaliforniaHome #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #EclecticStyle #TraditionalDesign #LuxuryInteriors #PureSaltInteriors #DesignChallenges #BudgetFriendlyDesign

This article details the construction of a new Edina home for Kara and Jason Allcox, which integrates European and Californian design influences through specific architectural and interior design choices. The homeowner, Kara Allcox, had a clear vision for the house even before the family relocated to Minnesota, meticulously planning every detail. Her design aspirations included a German smear exterior, rounded bullnose corners on interior walls, plaster for the fireplace, exposed ceiling beams, arches, and built-in features to achieve an old-world European aesthetic. She also pre-selected light fixtures and cabinet hardware, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to the home's design. The Allcoxes, having previously renovated their Chicago townhouse, decided to build a new home in the Minneapolis area to be closer to family. They partnered with City Homes, a custom builder in the Twin Cities, and selected a corner lot in Edina, valued for its urban feel within a suburban setting, close to local shops and restaurants. Architect Tom Flint from Alexander Design Group was engaged to bring Kara’s vision to life, focusing on a design that combined European sensibilities with a California vibe, emphasizing abundant natural light. The team successfully incorporated specific details such as an arched front door, a brick firebox, and a subtle herringbone pattern throughout the home, which appears in the white oak flooring of an upstairs hallway. Rebecca Remick, principal and general manager of City Homes, noted the extensive detailing in the house, where every space features unique elements. The design incorporates numerous arches, starting from the custom front door and extending into the living room, complementing a floating staircase that maximizes natural light. The interior walls are painted in Benjamin Moore’s Snowfall White with a matte finish, providing a neutral backdrop for furniture and artwork. The TV room includes a fireplace wall finished in plaster, deliberately designed without a tempered glass door to evoke an old-world aesthetic, alongside exposed ceiling beams. Material selections were crucial in achieving the desired casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. Kara chose honed quartzite for the kitchen countertops and backsplash, avoiding shiny materials. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware with a living finish was used, intended to develop a patina over time, and various metals were mixed throughout the house to add character. Vintage-looking pendants from Ann-Morris were a favorite fixture in the kitchen. The kitchen layout strategically places the sink on the perimeter rather than the island, with an arched opening above it providing a partial view outside while maintaining privacy. The butler's pantry was designed with extensive cabinetry, including a refrigerator and freezer drawer, reflecting a desire for ample storage space. The primary bedroom features painted beams and a shiplap-clad cove ceiling, creating a grand and distinctive space. A transom window was incorporated to allow more natural light. The primary bathroom continues the no-sheen theme with a matte tub and honed marble countertops and tile flooring, avoiding a glitzy appearance. An Italian tub was perfectly fitted into a vaulted alcove, a design modification resulting from a permit issue that ultimately enhanced the space. Under-counter lighting with motion detection was installed beneath the white oak vanity, adding a modern and practical touch. The project involved collaborations with City Homes as the builder, Alexander Design Group for architecture, and Studio M Interiors for interior design. #HomeDesign #EuropeanInfluence #CaliforniaVibe #CustomBuild #InteriorDetails #ArchitecturalDesign #EdinaHome #NaturalLight #VintageElements

Sisters-in-law Katie Labourdette-Martinez and Olivia Wahler, after leaving unfulfilling careers in the fashion industry, transitioned into interior design, driven by a lifelong interest in home aesthetics. Labourdette-Martinez expressed a long-standing fascination with interiors, while Wahler grew up with constant home renovations, which exposed her to the design process early on. Wahler further developed her skills by taking on small design projects for family and friends, solidifying her passion for the craft. Their shared passion culminated in the co-founding of Hearth Homes Interiors in 2017. Initially, the business operated as a home-flipping and staging enterprise, gradually evolving its service offerings. Over time, they also provided project management services. However, in response to the unpredictable real estate market conditions experienced during the pandemic, Wahler and Labourdette-Martinez made a strategic decision to streamline their operations and focus exclusively on interior design. Their design portfolio showcases a wide array of architectural styles, including French countryside, Mexican colonial, midcentury modern, farmhouse, California bungalows, and craftsman homes. For each project, the designers prioritize incorporating unique elements that are authentic to the specific style of the home. For instance, in a French countryside house they dubbed the "Fleur House," they integrated a 19th-century marble mantel sourced from Paris to enhance its period authenticity. Similarly, for a Mexican colonial residence, they extensively used vibrant, hand-painted tiles to infuse character and life into the space. Beyond client-focused interior design, the duo also established Hearth Homes Stays, a venture that curates beautifully designed homes available for booking through Airbnb. This initiative aligns with their appreciation for the experiential aspect of design and hospitality. Labourdette-Martinez noted that the physical design of a space is crucial, but the overall experience can be equally, if not more, impactful. She also highlighted how having children made them realize the convenience and relaxation offered by Airbnb stays compared to traditional hotels. Currently, Hearth Homes Interiors is actively engaged in multiple new projects for both individual clients and their Hearth Homes Stays portfolio. They are also considering the ambitious prospect of designing an inn in the future. Throughout their creative endeavors, Santa Barbara serves as a constant source of inspiration, with Wahler emphasizing that inspiration is readily available to those who remain observant. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #FamilyBusiness #SantaBarbaraDesign #HearthHomesInteriors #CaliforniaCool #DesignTrends #RealEstate #LuxuryInteriors

The article details the transformation of a neglected 1950s California ranch house, located in the Santa Cruz Mountains, into a modern family home. This extensive renovation was undertaken by Studio Muka, a design firm founded by Zabie Mustafa and Neda Kakhsaz. The clients, Amir Kakhsaz and Raphaëlle Durand, both professionals in Silicon Valley with two sons, sought a home that could accommodate their active lifestyle and connect with the surrounding landscape. The property initially presented significant challenges, but the designers approached the project with a clear vision. They reconfigured and expanded the original layout, including relocating the staircase to improve the flow between rooms. The renovation also added an office for Raphaëlle Durand and four new bedrooms, significantly increasing the home's functionality and capacity for extended family visits. The design philosophy centered on an earthy color palette, intentionally chosen to integrate the interiors with the lush natural environment of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Key design elements and furnishings contribute to the home's refreshed aesthetic. The living room, for instance, features a muddy green plaster from Bauwerk Colour, reflecting the external landscape. It is furnished with an Arflex sofa designed by Mario Marenco from the 1970s, a custom cocktail table, a vintage blue lounge chair by Vico Magistretti, and vintage zinc table lamps by Ron Rezek. The kitchen showcases reclaimed terra-cotta tiles from Durand’s 16th-century family home in Normandy, providing a unique historical touch and warmth to the space. The eldest son’s bedroom includes a Roman shade from Smith & Noble, a 1950s Pierre Guariche Tulip chair, and a custom desk inspired by Donald Judd, complemented by a 1950s table lamp by Gilardi & Barzaghi. Mustafa, who previously worked at Workshop/APD, and Neda, formerly with Studio Shamshiri, brought their combined experience to create a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, noting that every space in the house is now utilized effectively, exceeding their initial expectations. The renovation successfully transformed a dated structure into a vibrant and comfortable family residence, deeply connected to its Californian setting. #CaliforniaRanch #HomeRenovation #StudioMuka #InteriorDesign #EarthyPalette #MidCenturyFurniture #SantaCruzMountains #FamilyHome

In the Pacific Palisades, a collaboration between Magni Kalman Design and Shubin Donaldson has resulted in a contemporary home that stands out not only for its scale but also for its integration with the challenging hillside site. The 14,500-square-foot main house, complemented by a 2,500-square-foot separate building for a gym, sauna, and game room, offers sweeping views of a state park and the Pacific Ocean. The owners, a tech entrepreneur and a finance professional, embarked on this project with no children, but by its five-year completion, they had three, influencing the home’s evolving needs. The architectural design cleverly addresses the topography. The ground level forms a U-shape, while the upper level expands to an O-shape, incorporating a central courtyard. A notable design decision was to embed a six-car garage within the hill at the center of the U-shaped ground floor. This innovative placement avoids obstructing the panoramic views that would have been compromised by a traditional rear motor court. The garage roof transforms into an upstairs courtyard, featuring craned-in olive trees, which also ensures that the surrounding rooms on both levels are relatively shallow, allowing ample sunlight to penetrate. The aesthetic of the house is characterized by a blend of modernism and organic elements, emphasizing a handcrafted rather than machine-made feel. Architects Russell Shubin and Robin Donaldson prioritized creating architectural assemblages that highlight distinctions between materials. This is evident in the giant slatted panels outside the window walls, which can pivot to serve as sunshades, and the entry staircase, where treads float over a triangular reflecting pool lined with river rocks, providing a dramatic water feature in place of conventional hard flooring. The entry is further enhanced by a large Sean Scully painting, a composition of stripes in a saturated color palette, marking the owners' first significant art acquisition. The interior design, conceived by James Magni and Jason Kalman, extends the exterior's material palette indoors. A limited selection of stone and wood is consistently used, with the same limestone appearing on exterior walls, terraces, interior flooring, and fireplace surrounds, varying only in finish. Sapele mahogany frames doors and windows and reappears as slats in dividers and stair treads, echoing the black-painted steel framework used outdoors. Furnishings, largely custom-designed and now part of the Magni Home Collection, were chosen to introduce comfort and coziness into the expansive contemporary architecture. This is exemplified in the 23-foot-high living room, where vintage pieces like Gio Ponti and Finn Juhl chairs are mixed with custom elements, including a bronze and cast glass cocktail table and a grid-like chandelier, designed to humanize the room's grand scale. The dining room features a 14-foot-long custom walnut oval table with an oil-rubbed bronze base, crafted by a San Francisco furniture studio. A lighting cove above the table, surfaced in white-gold leaf, casts a warm glow. The kitchen includes a live-edge walnut island for casual family gatherings, while the adjacent den provides a relaxed space with a sectional and T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings ottomans, along with a Robert Rauschenberg artwork. The master suite, a generous 2,000 square feet, encompasses a small bedroom and a spa-like bathroom, complete with multiple vanities, a makeup counter, a large shower, and a massage space. Upstairs, beyond the master suite, are the children’s rooms, a playroom, and an office, all encircling the central courtyard. A sentimental touch on the ocean-facing mezzanine is a glass cocktail table encasing an alfalfa bale, a memento from the wife’s father. This home successfully combines contemporary design with personal touches, creating a sophisticated yet comfortable living environment. #ContemporaryHome #PacificPalisades #MagniKalmanDesign #ShubinDonaldson #ArchitecturalInnovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryResidence #CaliforniaDesign #MaterialPalette

This article details the design philosophy and execution behind a new West Palm Beach home, where the clients specifically requested a vibrant, non-white palette. Designer Cece Bowman of Kemble Interiors spearheaded the project, collaborating with Austin DePree of Northworks, who designed the home around a central courtyard. The design approach focused on creating a cohesive yet varied aesthetic, ensuring that while elements didn't explicitly "match," they harmonized to produce a unique tropical living space. The initial challenge for Bowman was to move away from traditional white walls, a common preference in design. The clients' clear directive for a fresh start, without a blank slate, led to a creative process where both the designer and clients pushed decorative boundaries. This involved bold choices like monkey sconces and navy tile in a teal-and-cream room, fostering a playful competition to explore design possibilities. The coordination required for such an intricate palette was extensive, with three full workdays dedicated solely to planning paints and wallcoverings. This meticulous attention to detail extended to every element, from ceilings to air-conditioning registers, ensuring a seamless integration of color and texture throughout the home. Architecturally, Austin DePree’s design oriented the house inward towards a central courtyard, minimizing transitional spaces and creating an open flow between rooms. This layout, combined with the distinctive interior design, offered a fresh take on South Florida living. Notable exterior choices included positioning the home away from the street and incorporating pale pink shutters, deviating from the typical blue found in the region. An unusual addition, a cricket table in the family room, further underscored the home's distinctive character. The article provides a room-by-room breakdown, highlighting key design features and product sources. The mudroom, the first space seen upon entering, boasts hidden appliances, Benjamin Moore's Blue Nose trim, St. Frank wallcovering, Newport Brass faucet, and Kohler sink. The sitting room showcases Schumacher chevron inlay on the ceiling, Del Mar Blue paint, a Worlds Away coffee table, Peter Fasano wallcovering, Hickory Chair and Creel and Gow chairs, and a Century Furniture sofa upholstered in Perennials fabric. The family room, serving as the home's central hub and an extension of the kitchen, features custom sofas and ottomans, a Mario Lopez Torres cricket table, a Samsung TV, a Palecek chair with Peter Fasano fabric, Midnight Sun light shades, and Schumacher wallcovering in the foyer. The kitchen conceals appliances behind painted paneling, with Artistic Frame counter stools, Weplight pendants with Radish Moon fabric, and Tiles of Ezra backsplash. The breakfast nook, designed for casual meals, utilizes Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, a Julie Neill chandelier, Design Within Reach chairs with Pierre Frey fabric, and a custom table. The bunk room maximizes a small space with Mirth Studio floor tile, Thibaut wallcovering, and Benjamin Moore's Cloud White and In Your Eyes paints. The girl's room, designed for longevity, features Sherwin-Williams Sprout paint, Pacific Designs International ceiling wallcovering, a Chelsea Textiles nightstand, Palecek sconces, Lisa Fine Textiles curtains, Matouk bedding, and a Coley Home bed. The primary bathroom is noted without specific details, while the cabana, designed for post-pool gatherings, incorporates Sabine Hill painted cement tile, Perennials performance fabric, Benjamin Moore's Marry Me paint on cabinets, Pacific Designs International wallcovering, and a vintage sofa. The patio and pool house complete the exterior, with the latter featuring shutters painted in Benjamin Moore's Pink Cloud, a subtle yet Floridian touch. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #WestPalmBeach #ColorPalette #KembleInteriors #HouseTour #ArchitecturalDesign #TropicalModern #CustomInteriors

Summer Jensen, CEO and principal of Hawk & Co., designed the interiors of a California coastal home, emphasizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design draws inspiration from the home's sweeping views and the rustic-meets-industrial architectural style, reminiscent of Napa Valley. Jensen, influenced by her Hawaiian upbringing, prioritizes nature in her designs, ensuring ample natural light and seamless transitions between interior and exterior living areas. The home's structure, created by Brandon Architects, provided a minimalist foundation. Jensen focused on architectural cues to inform the interior design, integrating elements like a staggered batten wood-paneled wall near the fireplace that extended to disguise kitchen cabinets. Skylights, particularly in the primary bath, were incorporated to harness natural light, aiding in regulating circadian rhythms. The design also features innovative solutions like barely perceptible kitchen cabinets, veiled by the same staggered batten wood-paneling for a cohesive look. One distinctive feature is a brewmaster’s bar on the lower level, equipped with 16 microbrews on tap and illuminated by a unique lighting sculpture, offering a sophisticated and entertaining space. The living room opens directly onto a patio, further enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience and maximizing the coastal views. Throughout the home, warm wood tones create a sense of continuity, extending into the primary bedroom. The exterior of the home also aligns with the rustic-industrial aesthetic, reflecting the design inspiration from Napa Valley. The project highlights a harmonious blend of architectural simplicity, natural inspiration, and functional design, creating a striking and livable coastal retreat. #CoastalLiving #CaliforniaHomes #IndoorOutdoorDesign #SummerJensen #HawkAndCo #RusticIndustrial #NaturalLight #HomeInteriors #ResidentialDesign