Peek inside a rustic 1970s Topanga Canyon home

The article details the transformation of a 1970s bungalow in Topanga, Los Angeles, into a light-filled home characterized by warm wood and natural accents. Jewelry designer Malia Mau and her filmmaker husband, Jess Bianchi, sought a residence that provided easy access to nature and abundant sunlight, prompting their move from San Francisco. Although the house initially presented as dark, dated, and with haphazard DIY modifications, Mau was drawn to its simple structure and original features like hardwood floors and beamed ceilings. The renovation journey began with an unexpected challenge: a collapsing bathroom floor, black mold, and a rodent infestation discovered while Mau was pregnant. This necessitated a complete bathroom overhaul. Beyond this immediate repair, the couple embarked on a series of smaller projects aimed at enhancing natural light and blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. They preserved the original hardwood floors and beamed ceilings, which were key attractions, but painted the walls white to brighten the interiors. A significant addition was the installation of three skylights in the living room, ensuring the space was flooded with sunshine. Further modifications included converting the garage into a gym and an adjacent room into Mau's studio. In her studio, Malia and her sister, model Jessica Mau, are developing a women’s lifestyle brand, collaborating with female artisans in India and Colombia on handmade jewelry, textiles, and decor. To maintain a consistent aesthetic, both the gym and studio were treated with pinewood wall coverings and polished concrete flooring, imbuing them with an earthy warmth. The home's interior design reflects a thoughtful blend of rusticity and refinement. Elements such as nubby rugs sourced from a trip to Morocco, mid-century furnishings, and art from friends and admired artists contribute to a cohesive aesthetic. Mau describes her design philosophy as aiming for a "Southwestern-adobe-vintage vibe" that complements the house's original structure, emphasizing a preference for raw elements and natural fibers rather than adhering to a specific design inspiration. The overall effect creates a sense of effortless style that harmonizes with the Topanga environment. Despite the couple's historically nomadic tendencies—Mau having lived in Hawaii and Cyprus, and Bianchi in various international locations—the arrival of their son, Okana James, has fostered a more rooted lifestyle. Okana’s nursery also functions as a guest room, accommodating frequent visitors. While they also maintain a small 200-square-foot house in Kauai, their Topanga home has become a central hub for family and friends. The couple envisions further developing their garden with edible plants, including lemon, kumquat, tangerine trees, and a thriving blueberry bush, aiming for greater self-sufficiency and a deeper connection to their environment. This vision underscores their commitment to creating a nurturing and sustainable living space that benefits their growing family. #HomeTours #InteriorDesign #TopangaHome #NaturalAccents #Renovation #BohemianStyle #SustainableLiving #FamilyHome #DesignInspiration

This article highlights a vibrant design project undertaken by Leah Ring of Another Human for a 1923 bungalow in Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. The client, owner of a high-end pet supply store, sought to transform her two-bedroom home, which she shares with her two dogs, from a 'white box' into a space filled with color and personality. The project focused on interior design rather than structural renovations, emphasizing custom furnishings, rugs, lighting, wallpaper, and paint. Ring's approach involved embracing and enhancing existing quirky elements, such as stained glass windows. The small footprint of the bungalow was leveraged to create a cohesive color palette that flows throughout the adjacent rooms. The design concept blended 'east-coast granny chic' with 'Topanga canyon hippie in the '70s' vibes. In the living and dining room, a cheerful lavender tone (Benjamin Moore's Grape Ice) was chosen for the walls, complemented by a bright rug. The space incorporates vintage furniture alongside custom pieces, such as an upholstered bench with a skirt for whimsical aesthetics and hidden storage. This area was designed to feel layered and collected, with a focus on eccentric charm. The kitchen retained its retro character, with new lighting and a colorful runner adding updated personality. The primary bedroom features a peachy wall color (Benjamin Moore's Juno Peach) to create a warm, glowing atmosphere. It combines custom elements, like the headboard and a pillow made from a vintage quilt, with vintage nightstands, lamps, and a pendant, aiming for a serene and layered feel. A second bedroom was converted into a personal dressing room. This space includes a custom, wall-to-wall storage unit designed by Objects for Objects, intentionally built in free-standing sections for portability. The dressing room features yellow walls (Benjamin Moore's Citrus Burst) and vintage rug and light fixtures, with a sarong from Lisa Corti used as a curtain panel. The office, a crucial workspace for the client, showcases House of Hackney’s Artemis wallpaper in a vibrant colorway, which was a key inspiration for the project. The wainscoting is painted in Benjamin Moore's Adriatic Sea, and the room is furnished with vintage desk, chair, and table lamp. The bathroom incorporates textiles, with a kilim covering a built-in ledge under a glass top, enhancing the bohemian, lived-in aesthetic found throughout the home. Leah Ring emphasizes her client's adventurous personality and her willingness to embrace bold design choices. She advises against boxing oneself into a single aesthetic, suggesting that inspiration can be drawn from diverse sources like movies, songs, fashion campaigns, or travel memories to create truly unique interiors. Ring also highlights her preference for vintage and custom furnishings due to their eco-friendly nature and their ability to add character and unique stories to a space. For those still developing their style, she recommends visual communication through broad references, gradually narrowing down to specific elements that resonate most with the client's desired vibe. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #SmallSpaceDesign #ColorfulInteriors #VintageDecor #BungalowStyle #LosAngelesHomes #CustomFurnishings #BohemianChic

In Los Angeles's Topanga Canyon, nestled among large boulders and ancient oak trees, lies a 1950s home designed by architect William Earl Wear for George R. and Jean E. Anderson. This low-slung structure, clad in concrete and old-growth redwood, is part of a compound now owned by multi-hyphenate artist Beatrice Faverjon. Faverjon, a ceramist who divides her time between California and Kauai, Hawaii, is known for her ceramic work and her passion for renovating and designing homes. However, when she acquired this particular property in 2016, her objective was not to undertake a complete redesign but rather to meticulously restore it to its original condition, a process that she notes is still ongoing. Initially, Faverjon's modifications were subtle yet significant. She linked the main house with the guest house through the addition of a galley kitchen, creating a seamless connection that makes the compound feel like one expansive home. The bathrooms underwent a thoughtful restoration, stripped back to their essence, and outfitted with fixtures that align with the home's original architectural style. Beyond these structural changes, Faverjon made aesthetic and functional enhancements. She reupholstered the living room's built-in furniture in rich gold velvet, a color chosen to complement the red tones of the wood and enhance the home's warmth. An area near the carport was repurposed to store her surfboard collection, reflecting her passion for surfing. The garden, which was initially bare, was revitalized exclusively with Californian native plants, aiming to restore the natural habitat and offer protection against fires and mudslides. Faverjon emphasizes that being surrounded by such beauty and craftsmanship deeply inspires her, pushing her to be a better artist and designer, and to pay closer attention to the construction of things, which she describes as a very positive influence on her life. Faverjon describes the house as a piece of art that needed significant care due to alterations made over the years. Her restoration process involved locating the original architectural plans to ensure authenticity. She recounts designing and building beds and desks in the smaller bedrooms to maximize efficiency, noting that one bedroom offers views of a large oak tree, while another is level with the garden. Her on-site ceramic studio, originally built by Wear and later expanded by Faverjon, is a fully concrete structure. Here, she finds inspiration in nature's colors, hand-building most of her ceramics with a focus on organic forms and a light touch with clay. She also repurposed an area under the carport, originally intended for tools, into a 'surf room' for her boards and wetsuits. In the primary bedroom, located on the second floor, the ceiling height mirrors that of the smaller bedrooms, maintaining a consistent aesthetic. While many furniture pieces are built-in and were designed by the original architect, Faverjon carefully selected additional freestanding pieces, prioritizing those that complement the house rather than standing out as statement pieces. She particularly values an old pine armchair near the coffee table. The original design by Wear also incorporated stonework, with concrete poured around rocks. The interplay of sunlight throughout the day creates dynamic light and shadow effects on the dark wood interiors. Faverjon notes Wear's inspiration from Frank Lloyd Wright, evident in the home's similarities to Usonian Houses, which are characterized by their harmony with nature. The bathroom renovations involved removing dated additions, such as a large 1990s marble tub with jets. Faverjon installed terracotta tiles on the floor, added a shower, and actively sought out an original Crane sink to match the home's era. In another bathroom, she removed marble tiles to reveal and preserve the underlying concrete, leaving it in a raw state. The dining table, an English refectory table from the nineteenth century, was chosen for its narrow form and craftsmanship, which Faverjon felt aligned with the house's character. She is currently working on restoring the two cantilevered balconies, a project involving reframing, waterproofing, and recladding them with old-growth redwood. Faverjon expresses gratitude for living in a home that continuously inspires her. #MidcenturyModern #HomeRestoration #ArchitecturalPreservation #CeramistHome #TopangaCanyon #CaliforniaHomes #InteriorDesign #HistoricHomes #SustainableGardening

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

Architect Burton Baldridge, founder of Baldridge Architects, was commissioned to design a grand residence on a ranch in Fredericksburg, Texas, approximately two hours from Austin. This project followed a previous collaboration with the clients on their Austin home in 2017. The new ranch property, known as Roam Ranch, is owned by entrepreneurs Taylor Collins and Katie Forrest, co-founders of Epic Provisions. After selling their company to General Mills in 2016, the couple relocated to the ranch during the pandemic and now operate Force of Nature, a company specializing in 100% grass-fed beef, bison, and pork. The clients' vision for Roam Ranch was to create a full-time family home suitable for their young family, while also accommodating business ventures such as hosted events and podcasts. A significant challenge for Baldridge was integrating two existing barn structures from the 1800s into a cohesive and functional living space that could serve both personal and professional needs. The resulting 4,362-square-foot home embodies a rustic yet modern ranch aesthetic, featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two kitchens, expansive living areas, generous terraces, and a covered carport designed to double as an entertainment space. Baldridge drew inspiration from historic dogtrot-style settler buildings, which feature enclosed living or working spaces connected by a covered, open-air area. This architectural element is particularly functional in the scorching Texas summers, providing shade and facilitating natural breezes. In Roam Ranch, the central open space functions as both a carport and a dogtrot, linking the detached sleeping and living wings of the house. This design choice highlights a distinctive approach, as Baldridge noted that carports are typically an afterthought in architectural design. The exterior of the residence blends with the natural landscape, constructed from Douglas fir, a material prevalent in central Texas, and Corten Steel. The interior incorporates locally sourced materials, including limestone from the property for the fireplace hearth. Other natural materials used throughout the home include rift-sawn oak, cedar, Douglas fir, and clay tile in the bathrooms. A notable and unconventional feature of Roam Ranch is a barn that has been repurposed into a pickleball court, further demonstrating the innovative and versatile design of the property. The house's design prioritizes both minimalist aesthetics and high functionality, accommodating the diverse needs of the owners and their working ranch environment. #minimalistDesign #ranchHome #texasHillCountry #baldridgeArchitects #epicProvisions #forceOfNature #dogtrotArchitecture #sustainableLiving #fredericksburgTexas

This article highlights the extensive renovation of a 1927 Santa Monica bungalow, originally designed by architect and Academy Award-nominated art director Leland Fuller. The house, which had been featured in Good Housekeeping in 1932, held significant historical charm, including a Dutch door, exposed beams, and a Latin inscription above the fireplace. Despite its historical value, the bungalow's original 1,200 square feet felt cramped to its current owner, an entertainment and media executive who purchased the home in 2010. The home suffered from a cluttered kitchen, a small breakfast area that doubled as a side entry, and a single bathroom, leading to a lack of a proper foyer or 'drop zone.' Lisa Henderson of Harvest Architecture was enlisted to undertake a comprehensive makeover. The owner desired a larger extension at the back of the house to accommodate a dining room and kitchen, suitable for entertaining. She also expressed interest in blending the existing English cottage aesthetic with contemporary materials like steel and glass doors and windows, along with brightly colored tiles. A key part of the vision was to create an outdoor space that flowed from an upper patio to a lower area, transforming the old driveway into a functional outdoor living space. The renovation process involved touching almost every inch of the original structure, with the exception of the hall bathroom. Approximately 350 square feet were added, and the floor plan of the entire back portion of the house—encompassing the kitchen, dining room, living room, and primary suite—was reconfigured. The project included installing new windows, roofing, HVAC systems, electrical wiring, plumbing, and fresh paint. A notable design challenge arose when the owner felt the living room ceiling, despite its original beams, was too low. The ceiling was subsequently raised by four inches, a modification that Lisa Henderson noted had a significant psychological impact on the perception of space and brightness. The finished renovation resulted in a brighter and airier home, characterized by bold colors, unique fixtures, and custom-made furnishings and accents. Nearly everything, from the book-matched marble in the kitchen to the hand-painted tiles in the primary bathroom, was custom-designed. The Riviera Bronze doors were a significant element, enhancing the connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The owner expressed immense satisfaction with the renovation, praising the collaborative design process and the final outcome, which she felt maintained the home's unique charm while meeting modern needs. The house now feels both cozy and unique, a successful blend of historical preservation and contemporary enhancement. #BungalowRenovation #SantaMonica #HomeTour #LelandFuller #HarvestArchitecture #InteriorDesign #CustomHome #HistoricPreservation #HomeMakeover

This article details the transformation of a 470-square-foot guest house on Vashon Island, Washington, which lacked character and functionality. The client, originally from England, intended to use it as a peaceful retreat and eventual permanent home, planning to inhabit the guest house while the main farmhouse underwent renovations. The original guest house was described as built in a cost-conscious manner, lacking detailed design, material quality, and warmth. Its low ceilings made the space feel compressed and dark. Functionality was also a major concern, as the cottage lacked storage, laundry facilities, a dishwasher, and had a slippery bathroom floor. White Space Design Group, with designers Alexandria Childs and Brooke Prince, undertook a substantial space-planning phase for the renovation, focusing on working within the existing building envelope. The client's primary goals were to add storage, transition away from natural gas, and incorporate air conditioning, laundry, and a dishwasher. Additionally, the space needed areas for dining and working, all while maintaining the small footprint. Aesthetically, the client desired a fresh, inviting, and cozy feel with a farmhouse character, incorporating warm woods, natural stone, non-shiny surfaces, shaker cabinets, and traditional details mixed with clean lines, with a preference for the color blue. The design also aimed to complement the main house's existing farmhouse and coastal home aesthetic, referencing its paneling and built-ins. Key design elements implemented in the renovation include replacing the main entry door with a Dutch-style door to improve airflow, natural light, and serve as a barrier for pets. The entry ceiling was vaulted to create a more open feel, and paneling was added for texture and durability. A petite entry bench was incorporated for practical use. Durable luxury vinyl plank flooring was installed throughout for longevity, particularly with pets and guests. The main living area, which functions as living, dining, and office space, was furnished with carefully chosen pieces, such as a love seat, a slim console table for dining and work, an electric fireplace with a mounted TV, and floor-to-ceiling shelving for display. The kitchen, spanning the back wall of the living space, was designed to be highly functional despite its compact size. This was achieved by using smaller-than-standard appliances, including a single-basin farmhouse sink, dishwasher, oven with an induction cooktop, and a full-height pantry with an inner outlet for a microwave. Smart storage solutions, such as glass insets in upper cabinetry for visual lightness and paneled appliances to reduce visual clutter, were utilized. A plate rack above the sink added both charm and utility. In the primary bedroom, the ceiling was vaulted and a skylight installed to enhance natural light. Custom built-in storage, two full-height closets, and wall-mounted reading lights were added to maximize space and functionality. A low-profile queen bed was chosen to fit the limited depth, with integrated nightstands and headboard functionality. The bathroom was enlarged by repurposing space from the bedroom to accommodate a stackable washer/dryer and a custom vanity with increased storage. The shower was meticulously designed to double as a dog washing station. Outside, existing French doors leading to the deck were refreshed, effectively doubling the living space when open. The owner expressed satisfaction with the compact yet comfortable space, appreciating the attention to detail and finishes that integrate with the aesthetic of the main farmhouse. #PacificNorthwest #StorybookCottage #SmallSpaceDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FarmhouseStyle #FunctionalLiving #VashonIsland

Caroline Edwards and Nicholas Kraft embarked on a comprehensive remodel of their Laurel Canyon home, initially planning only a primary bathroom tub addition. This vision expanded significantly, influenced by their designer Gianpiero Gaglione’s enthusiasm and the couple's penchant for large projects. Kraft, a film and television producer and co-founder of Chain, already had an established connection with Gaglione through shared pastimes. The project aimed to embody the breezy, bohemian spirit of Laurel Canyon, a neighborhood renowned for its history with musicians like the Doors and Joni Mitchell. A key objective was to respect the home's original 1950s post-and-beam architecture, ensuring that no element felt overtly 'new or renovated.' Perched on stilts amidst a dense canopy of trees, the residence features large windows that frame views of the surrounding landscape and distant hills. Edwards, a podcast agent, emphasized the desire to maintain a 'cozy-but-chic treehouse feeling,' insisting that all renovations appear as if they had always been part of the home. This commitment to an aged aesthetic led to a unique challenge during the kitchen renovation, where their tiler quit due to the couple's demand for imperfect, non-flush tile work for the backsplash. To achieve an old-world charm, the design incorporated vintage knobs and pulls, live-edge wood vanities, cane doors for built-ins, and woven rush details on the kitchen island. Even the balustrade was custom-designed, drawing inspiration from the 1930s. The kitchen, despite being entirely new, was meticulously crafted to appear aged, featuring sage cabinetry and rustic brick tiles around the range, each field-cut and treated to look worn. Vinyl window trims and baseboards throughout the house were upgraded to white oak, and club chairs, inherited from Edwards’s grandfather, were reupholstered in a tropical bird print, a subtle homage to Los Angeles's sunny climate. Living in the canyon presented a challenge with earlier sunsets and frequent overcast skies. To counteract this, the couple sought solutions for evening lighting. Given the post-and-beam structure lacked attic space, flush-mounted lights were installed by drilling through the sandblasted cedar ceilings, creating a 'profoundly beautiful halo effect.' Gaglione further enhanced natural light penetration by replacing a timber dining room door with large sliding glass partitions. Edwards particularly enjoys the primary bathroom, transformed from a small space with only a shower cubicle and single vanity into a tranquil retreat with a freestanding tub and double vanity. This expansion was skillfully achieved by incorporating a window, maximizing the available space. A unique outdoor shower, offering an open-air experience, is highlighted as the ultimate feature, encapsulating the adventurous spirit of Laurel Canyon living. The renovation successfully blended historical respect with modern comfort, creating a home that feels both established and intimately connected to its natural and cultural surroundings. #HomeTour #LaurelCanyon #InteriorDesign #Renovation #BohemianStyle #MidCenturyModern #RusticCharm #CustomCabinetry #VintageInspired

This article details the creation of a unique resort-style home in Bali for Alexander Jovanovic, designed by the A2Kreasitama (A2K) team. The project addressed the challenge of an irregularly shaped plot of land, which ultimately inspired the central octagonal foyer, serving as a functional meeting point and a symbolic compass for the house. The design aimed to merge the characteristics of a resort villa, emphasizing natural airflow, with the functionality of a traditional home where spaces could be fully enclosed. To achieve this dual functionality, the A2K team incorporated aluminum glass doors that can be fully opened to allow natural ventilation while also being tightly sealed to prevent insect intrusion. Strategic placement and height of the house were crucial in maximizing natural airflow, effectively eliminating the need for air conditioning. The home's location in Dreamland – Pecatu, Bali, allowed for the integration of Balinese contemporary design elements, starting with intricate wooden carvings at the main entrance. The octagonal foyer, inspired by Taoist cosmology, was intended to bring balance and stability to the irregular landform. The interior of the foyer features white granite tile floors, a sleek console table with a painting, and a contemporary chandelier above a central round table. From the foyer, access is provided to two bedrooms through oversized solid wood doors, and a glass door opens to the swimming pool. The guest bedroom is situated to the left, adjacent to a staircase leading to the upper floors, while the master bedroom on the right offers direct access to a green-stone swimming pool and a private wooden parquet patio. The master suite includes a walk-in closet connecting to a Balinese semi-outdoor bathroom, which features a freestanding bathtub, a solid wall finish, and a stonescape garden, enhancing the private resort-like ambiance. An outdoor whirlpool is located between the master bedroom and the main pool. The guest bedroom also has an open terrace for entertaining or enjoying sunsets, and its bathroom is equipped with a glass wall shower and a small garden leading to the swimming pool. All bedrooms are finished with wooden parquet floors and adorned with solid wood and natural stone accents. An eye-catching contemporary staircase, constructed from steel and solid wood with frameless glass railings, leads to the upper levels. A high synthetic rattan ceiling above the staircase not only serves as an aesthetic feature but also demonstrates a clever use of local materials. The living and dining areas are uniquely positioned on the upper floor to offer magnificent views during daily activities, cultivating a recreational, resort, and tropical atmosphere. The living room, encased by transparent glass doors and solid wood columns, is a focal point of the house. It includes a solid wood dining table with an integrated teppanyaki-style stove for entertaining. Above the dining room, an attic serves as a relaxing space and provides access to a rooftop with panoramic views of Jimbaran Bay and the airport runway, ideal for social gatherings. The lower ground level accommodates a service area, laundry room, and a spacious garage with a carport that can function as a versatile multi-purpose space. Given the owner's background in the hospitality business, the A2K team meticulously designed the home to offer luxurious comfort and a distinct resort feel. The public and private areas are clearly delineated, and the designer used scale effectively to maximize space and apply hospitality industry standards to a private residence. For example, the octagonal foyer's atrium was designed to be larger than typical for a home of its size. The innovative design on the 505 sqm plot successfully integrated various functions to cater to the owner's lifestyle, resulting in a truly unique resort-style home. #ArchitectureInterior #ResortStyleHome #BaliDesign #A2Kreasitama #SustainableDesign #BalineseContemporary #LuxuryLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation

Remi Ishizuka and Nate Pontious, wellness influencers and founders of HomeBodies, transitioned from a busy Los Angeles life to a sprawling ranch outside Austin, Texas, to better accommodate their passion for raising animals. Despite the property's three-year-old 3,515-square-foot stone house, they sought to infuse it with their personal style. They enlisted interior designer Amanda Gunawan of OWIU Design to soften the home's rustic elements and enhance its natural light, especially in the kitchen, a key space for Ishizuka's food content creation and entertaining. The design philosophy centered on preserving the existing structure and craftsmanship while introducing modern, serene elements. The renovation began with extensive landscaping, using goats to clear brush and animals like cows, donkeys, pigs, horses, and chickens to regenerate the land, improving soil quality. The interior design focused on creating a harmonious blend of rustic and zen aesthetics. In the kitchen, a notable innovation is the island, which integrates parts of a boulder to create a unique, solid-rock appearance while incorporating a dining table. This intricate design required careful engineering and two weeks of sculpting to achieve. An additional window was installed to maximize natural light, and the countertops were kept minimal with hidden appliances and a clever corner cabinet design for cooking sauces. The existing vent hood was also customized with laser-cut buttons to match the new steel cladding. A dedicated coffee bar, designed for Nate Pontious, was crafted from hot-rolled steel, featuring a shelf sourced from a stone yard's reject pile, showcasing a blend of industrial and reclaimed elements. To add storage and delineate space, wood built-ins were introduced to separate the living room from the entryway, doubling as bookshelves for Nate's extensive collection and storage for guest dinnerware. The living room underwent significant softening, with the existing fireplace molded with Venetian plaster and a curved, light-colored stone bench installed to neutralize the yellow tones of the original stone pillars. Comfort was a priority, leading to the selection of a plush sofa. A purely aesthetic decision involved cutting a round hole in the TV room wall, which lightened the visual weight of a rugged steel staircase and allowed natural light to cascade through. The slats beneath the marble shelf in this area were designed to match the pantry door, ensuring visual cohesion. The desk area functions as a workspace and a cozy spot for evening relaxation. The master bedroom was transformed into a minimalist sanctuary, emphasizing calm and sleep. The original stone wall and fireplace were removed, replaced by a smooth surface and an LED light behind the bed, offering adjustable lighting for different needs, including those of a newborn. The overall renovation successfully transformed the ranch house into a unique space that balances its rustic Texas setting with the tranquil and modern sensibilities of its wellness-focused owners. #HomeTour #RanchHouse #InteriorDesign #RusticZen #KitchenDesign #WellnessHome #SustainableLiving #TexasHome #Renovation

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

Matthew Segal, a San Diego architect, designed an award-winning concrete-and-glass home for his family in Mission Hills, moving from a city-centric lifestyle in Little Italy to a more suburban, nature-adjacent environment. The new residence, situated at the edge of a canyon, offers proximity to wildlife while maintaining access to urban amenities. The property was a challenging "flag" lot, chosen due to its steep terrain behind an existing modern home. Segal's design approach involved navigating complex city permitting processes and convincing authorities that the three-story structure, with its lowest level tucked into the hillside, complied with height and scale regulations. This project was completed in 11 months, showcasing Segal's integrated process that involves a collaborative team of specialists. Segal’s design received a 2024 Honor Award from the American Institute of Architects, San Diego. The house draws inspiration from modernist architectural principles, including those of Le Corbusier, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and post-war Case Study Houses. A significant feature is the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, exemplified by the 15-by-42-foot patio accessible through large sliding glass doors. Italian porcelain tile floors extend seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, enhancing the continuous flow of space. The central living area features a long kitchen with an island, complemented by ceiling-height walnut cabinets that discreetly store household items. The interior is furnished with iconic modernist pieces like Mies van der Rohe's Barcelona chairs and a Florence Knoll sofa, along with Segal’s custom-designed steel-and-glass dining table. The home is organized across three levels. The middle floor hosts the main living areas, including the kitchen, dining space, and a children's play area. A concealed elevator connects all floors. The lower level accommodates the primary suite and the children’s bedrooms, intentionally designed to be close to each other. The primary bedroom and en-suite bathroom feature glass walls, offering extensive canyon views. The top level contains the garage, a guest room, and a compact office, complete with engineered walnut floors, a vintage rosewood desk, and artwork by Segal’s sister, Austen Segal. Fire safety was a primary concern for Segal due to the home's proximity to the canyon. The design incorporates thick concrete walls and fire-resistant glass panels with inert gas to diffuse heat, enhancing the structure's resilience against potential fires. Beyond safety, the concrete construction provides energy efficiency through its thermal mass. The home also uses rooftop solar panels to generate nearly all its electricity, even accounting for electric vehicle charging. The Mission Hills location offers a balanced lifestyle, with convenient access to schools, a neighborhood park, local businesses, and Matthew’s wife April’s holistic pharmacy in Little Italy, and Matthew’s shared office in Barrio Logan. Segal expressed a strong sense of permanence about the home, noting its unique blend of wilderness and urban accessibility. The family enjoys hearing owls and observing coyotes, creating a distinct connection to nature while remaining minutes away from downtown San Diego. The architecture is designed to harmonize with the canyon landscape, light, and sky, providing dynamic and ever-changing vistas. The minimalist design is warmed by inviting materials, textures, and strategic splashes of color, making it a functional and aesthetically pleasing residence that supports the family's desire for a balanced, nature-integrated lifestyle. #ArchitecturalDesign #MissionHills #MatthewSegal #ModernHome #CanyonLiving #SanDiegoArchitecture #SustainableDesign #IndoorOutdoorLiving

The article profiles the Montecito dwelling known as the Quarry House, which has been reimagined by designer Tamara Honey of House of Honey. The property, originally a modest wooden cabin built in the 1950s by architect Lutah Maria Riggs, has been transformed into a serene and soulful sanctuary, reflecting Honey's personal aesthetic while honoring Riggs' original vision. The exterior of the Quarry House is now clad in blackened cedar, a design choice that references the traditional Japanese 'shou sugi ban' technique, involving charring wood for preservation. Honey integrated original boulders into the decking, forming a sculptural 'social stair' intended for gatherings. The entire property, including the pool and wraparound deck, along with the surrounding landscape, has been re-envisioned to align with Honey's design principles. Inside, the home combines 'Japandi' restraint—a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics—with a sense of Californian warmth. The interior design emphasizes natural materials such as wood, stone, and glass, complemented by vintage furnishings, sculptural art pieces, and carefully selected artwork. This approach creates a minimalist yet inviting atmosphere that is both sophisticated and comfortable. The home's design is subtly influenced by Montecito's bohemian character and is conceptualized as a retreat from urban life. The Quarry House is situated within a former rock quarry on a one-acre hillside, nestled between the Santa Barbara foothills and the Santa Ynez mountains. This location offers extensive views of both the mountainous terrain and the ocean. Honey's renovation maximizes this natural setting by creating a strong connection between the indoors and the outdoors. To enhance this connection, Honey opened up the interior spaces and introduced two prominent glass volumes. One of these additions houses a new primary suite, while the other serves as a freestanding guesthouse. Despite the main house measuring just 1,800 sq ft, with an additional 550 sq ft in the guest quarters, the design makes it feel spacious. The boundaries between the interior and the landscape are intentionally softened, contributing to an expansive feel. Honey's work on the Quarry House demonstrates how size is not a limiting factor in creating a deeply personal retreat. The project successfully balances historical heritage with modern innovation, and natural elements with intentional design. The resulting home reflects Honey's distinctive design philosophy, which is described as soulful, playful, and unexpected, culminating in a unique living space that respects its origins while embracing contemporary design principles. #InteriorDesign #MontecitoHome #TamaraHoney #HouseOfHoney #QuarryHouse #LutahMariaRiggs #JapandiStyle #CalifornianArchitecture #SustainableDesign

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old American Craftsman home in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by the design firm Salvesen Graham. The project was initiated when a young couple, one American and one British, relocated from California and sought a home that blended their cultural traditions, offering both relaxation and elegance without being overly formal. The designers, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, aimed to create a comfortable yet sophisticated living space. The house, part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century, presented a unique opportunity for Salvesen Graham, a firm more accustomed to working with buildings over 100 years old in the UK. The designers meticulously preserved and enhanced the home's period features, such as its brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda. Their approach balanced respect for the original architecture with a desire to update it for modern living, rather than creating a "living museum" of a 1900s mining town house. In the entryway, a small-scale patterned wallpaper contributes to a Victorian aesthetic, complemented by an Arts and Crafts lantern. The designers made a conscious decision to paint some of the original pine woodwork a sage green to neutralize its overwhelming orange tones, allowing the unpainted sections of craftsmanship to be appreciated more easily. This thoughtful intervention highlights the delicate balance between preservation and contemporary adaptation. The drawing room was designed as a sophisticated space for entertaining, with the clients actively participating in sourcing art, including an abstract floral piece. The living room, in contrast, serves as a more casual gathering area. The project was significantly impacted by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to initial client-designer interactions via Zoom. This period also amplified the British client's desire to infuse English design elements into the American architectural style. A central pass-through space in the house was transformed into a hallway-cum-library, offering an intentional quiet zone that connects different rooms. The kitchen, designed in a Shaker style, bridges functional utilitarianism with English charm. Its formal layout was maintained, rejecting the trend of open-plan spaces, and features fitted units and a large island painted in various shades of blue. The dining room, referred to as the "hearth room," provides an informal dining experience with windows on three sides, creating a sense of dining among treetops. The space incorporates a striped floral fabric for curtains and Roman shades, aligning with painted tongue-and-groove paneling on the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a vibrant green built-in window seat contribute to a layered aesthetic. The bedrooms, particularly the master suite, are characterized by a rich interplay of color and pattern, featuring florals, stripes, paisleys, and soft geometrics in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Salvesen Graham, founded in London in 2013 by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, is known for its layered aesthetic and timeless approach, aiming to create warm and soft interiors inspired by Georgian England and 18th- and 19th-century Indian textiles, while bringing an edge to quintessential British charm. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AmericanCraftsman #BritishCharm #SalvesenGraham #ColoradoHomes #HistoricRenovation #TraditionalModern #LayeredAesthetic

In 2022, facing a challenging real estate market, Cody and Ashley Spencer, along with Cody’s brother and sister-in-law, collaboratively purchased a property in Langley. This acquisition laid the groundwork for their company, Homestead Design Build, which specializes in multi-generational living projects. Their clientele often includes younger generations struggling to enter the housing market, leading to creative solutions like parents moving into basements or building laneways. The Spencers' personal project involved renovating an existing house for Cody's brother and sister-in-law while constructing a new home for themselves on the opposite end of the deep, forest-bordered lot. Initial plans for a sprawling rancher were re-evaluated due to the lot's narrow profile and proximity to a creek, leading them to design a two-storey, 1,950-square-foot residence. Inspired by storybook European cottages, the new home blends modern aesthetics with a cozy, timeless appeal. The exterior features steeply pitched rooflines, board-and-batten siding, and warm cedar accents against a charcoal-on-black color scheme. A covered back patio, sheltered by a vaulted ceiling with exposed beams and slim skylights, provides a three-season outdoor living space amidst Douglas fir and cedar trees, fostering a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Inside, dual-panel sliding-glass doors open into a living room dominated by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, continuing the European cottage theme. The interior design incorporates an eclectic mix of vintage and modern furnishings, including a minimalist gallery wall and a dining area with spindle-back chairs, modern benches, and a traditional console. The kitchen is a focal point with a custom-framed hood fan, built-in shelves, and a striking quartz slab backsplash in a soft green hue. Defying convention, a framed artwork hangs above the range. A fieldstone feature wall near the farmhouse-style sink and brushed-gold faucet visually links to the living room fireplace. White and rift-cut white oak cabinetry with polished-chrome hardware contributes to a light, modern feel, while the Caesarstone-topped island features reeded side paneling and an integrated feeding nook for the family dog. The main floor powder room introduces a bold touch with walls and wainscotting drenched in Sherwin Williams Evergreen Fog. Upstairs, the primary bathroom offers a spa-like retreat with a freestanding tub, ceramic herringbone floor tile, and large-format wall tiles mitered into the windows with quartz sills, creating a durable, waterproof wet area. The daughter's bedroom is decorated in bright pink, complemented by a green and rose bathroom with playful terrazzo hex floor tile and a practical pull-out stool from the vanity for accessibility. The couple’s home office, where they work side-by-side on projects, reflects their collaborative design-build approach. While the Spencers thoughtfully designed their home for longevity and adaptability to their family's growth, they acknowledge that minor details can be refreshed over time, ensuring the home remains both functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. #HomeDesign #CottagecoreStyle #MultiGenerationalLiving #HomesteadDesignBuild #CustomHome #InteriorDesign #EuropeanCottage #OutdoorLiving #FamilyHome