This California Home Proves the Power of Pattern

Interior designer Rachel Hills, founder and creative director of Rachel Hills Design Co., and her architect husband, Paul, principal of the Hills Group, have collaborated to create their modern California home. Completed in 2024, this new-build residence, located on a street named Tesoro, meaning “treasure” in Spanish, reflects the couple’s three decades of design experience. The project was conceived with a clear objective: to downsize thoughtfully and design a space that is both intuitive and refined, balancing functionality with aesthetic appeal. Every element in the house serves a purpose and contributes to its overall feeling. The home’s architecture and interior design were meticulously handled in-house, ensuring a cohesive and harmonious flow. The exterior features clean lines and a contemporary aesthetic, softened by organic materials and a natural color palette that seamlessly transitions to the interior. A key design element throughout the house is the thoughtful integration of accent walls. These walls, rather than being overtly dramatic, are subtly impactful, contributing to the home's nuanced texture and visual interest. For instance, the kitchen showcases richly patterned marble paired with two-tone cabinetry in spruce green and light oak. Honed black soapstone countertops, with their delicate green veining, subtly echo the cabinetry, while a gold metallic backsplash from Artistic Tile adds a touch of glamour. Hills emphasized the importance of tactile quality, ensuring surfaces were interesting without overwhelming the space. This emphasis on tactile richness extends to other areas of the home. In the living room, a linear fireplace from EcoSmart is integrated into a concrete tile wall, creating a sculptural contrast to the smooth wooden floors. Curved ceilings, ranging from 14 to 17 feet, are highlighted by custom steel I-beams that align with the architectural design. The ground floor features an open layout that offers views of an internal courtyard, a central element of the home. This courtyard, designed around a century-old olive tree and framed by glass walls, serves as a serene focal point, bringing natural light and a sense of calm into multiple rooms, providing a rhythmic and contemplative space. Art and personal history are woven into the interiors. A large painting of an Egyptian queen, salvaged and painted on tile, is a dramatic feature in the living room. Rachel Hills’s own artwork is also displayed, including an ocean-inspired canvas in the hallway and a floral painting in the guest bedroom, which introduces a softer, more traditional accent wall concept. The bathrooms also feature distinct surfaces; the primary suite includes softly textured wallpaper and an en-suite with metallic Italian stone-look flooring and charcoal tiles from WOW Design. The guest bath combines white marble with deep charcoal accents from Ann Sacks, demonstrating careful composition and visual variety while maintaining overall design consistency. Practicality was a significant consideration in the design. The home includes two separate kitchens: one for entertaining and another specifically tailored for the husband's weekly cooking routine. Hills underscores that functionality does not necessitate compromise but rather encourages intelligent design. The home, therefore, is not primarily intended to impress but to genuinely reflect the couple's current lifestyle, focusing on efficiency, clarity, and thoughtful living with fewer but more intentional possessions. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AccentWalls #ModernHome #CaliforniaLiving #Texture #NaturalPalette #ArchitecturalDesign #CustomHomes

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

Lisa and Gary Mieran, owners of Akyrah Kitchens, designed and largely built their two-storey, industrial-style home with modernist influences in Gympie, Queensland. The house, completed in December 2019 after a two-stage construction, is situated on land historically owned by Lisa's family. The design draws inspiration from Heide II, a modernist icon in Melbourne, celebrating concrete, timber, abundant light, and earthy tones. Lisa envisioned a home that would rise organically from the earth, becoming an integral part of the landscape and improving with age. The structure features off-form concrete, walls of glass, and tactile timbers, with the lower storey clad in cedar and the upper storey in recycled hardwood. Steel balustrading, handcrafted by Gary, complements the exterior, which also includes a swimming pool with Andorra limestone pavers. The interior features a breezeway offering spectacular views and airflow, with ceilings made of Henley Oak Grove engineered timber. The foyer includes a BassamFellows 'Geometric' day bed and artworks by Steve Waller. Given their expertise with Akyrah Kitchens, the kitchen in their home is a highlight, featuring blackbutt veneer doors, Basaltina benchtops, Circa taps from Brodware, and Inax 'Ceravio G' tiles. The living areas include a guest sitting area with a B&B Italia 'Le Bambole' sofa and a living room with a Cheminées Philippe fireplace and Jardan furnishings. The home was built in two stages to accommodate their grown children, Taren and Kirra. The first stage was a self-contained flat, which served as their temporary residence during the main build and now functions as a guest wing. The main house and another guest wing are connected by glassed walkways, with the main bedroom suite located upstairs. This design allows for three self-contained bedrooms with ensuites, providing private quarters for everyone while centralizing communal living spaces. Practicality and functionality are key design principles, evident in the integrated laundry within the bathroom behind a blackbutt joinery feature wall, and the kitchen's two large islands designed for simplicity and ample storage. The materials used throughout the home emphasize natural elements. Recycled timber is used for the upper storey and blackbutt joinery adds warmth, while the seamless flow of concrete from exterior to interior reinforces the architectural aesthetic. The home is designed for climate control, with generous light for winter warmth and cross-breezes for summer cooling. Lisa also undertook the landscaping, incorporating native plants like Xanthorrhoea, pandanus, native grasses, and succulents. The furniture, much of it Australian-made from brands like Jardan, is chosen for its timeless appeal and durability, reflecting the couple's preference for classic design over fleeting trends. The house stands as a testament to the couple's comprehensive involvement and shared vision, combining their professional skills with personal passions to create a harmonious and functional living space. #ModernistArchitecture #IndustrialStyle #ConcreteDesign #TimberAccents #SustainableMaterials #HomeDesign #OwnerBuilt #QueenslandHome #InteriorDesign

This article highlights the recent redesign of a four-bedroom farmhouse-style home located in Montecito, California, specifically in the Hedgerow neighborhood. The property, originally built in the 1970s, offers a secluded setting with a stunning garden and views of the Montecito mountains. Despite its idyllic location, the home presented interior design challenges before its transformation into a perfect retreat. The homeowners, a young family, enlisted interior designer Hayley English to create an unpretentious, youthful take on traditional farmhouse style, incorporating coastal decor elements. The primary goal was to establish a better backdrop for vacations and casual gatherings, as well as to improve the overall flow of the space. English focused on softening the home's original aesthetic and enhancing its warmth. In the kitchen, the designer opted for white units, moving beyond the often predictable and unremarkable nature of white kitchens. She introduced humble materials like a butcher block island and rattan chairs to create a surprisingly warm atmosphere. Feminine floral fabrics were used for drapery and upholstery, adding a softer touch, complemented by grosgrain cushion ties for a whimsical and chic feel. A vintage rug in muted shades of pink and gold further contributed to the warm color scheme. Key pieces in the kitchen include a pendant light from Hector Finch (Harbinger), barstools from Serena & Lily with Lisa Fine cushion fabric, and other fabrics from Soane Britain and Fermoie. The dining room, an open-plan area connected to the living room, was designed for a casual and comfortable ambiance. The wooden tabletop, intended to bear the marks of years of family gatherings, anchors the space. Chairs from Redford House with cushions from Schuyler Samperton (Jasper Showroom), Match Pewter candleholders, and table linen from Connected Goods complete the setting. For the living room, which serves as the first impression for guests, an open floor plan was strategically implemented to ensure optimal flow and an airy feel. A light color palette was chosen as a foundation, with pops of earth tones in the upholstery playing off the stone fireplace surround. Denim blues were integrated to introduce a coastal element. Antiques and vintage accessories were curated to create a traditional, relaxed, and welcoming atmosphere. The pitched ceiling with white clapboard paneling further reinforces the coastal theme. Notable items in this space include ottomans upholstered in Lisa Fine fabric, a coffee table from Redford House, a rug from Jamal Rugs, and throw pillows from Nickey Kehoe. The artwork throughout the home, including the living room, consists of vintage, commissioned, and antique pieces depicting California scenery, unifying the color schemes. The primary bedroom was designed to be unique and nostalgic, featuring a tall four-poster bed with crisp linen drapes that complement the cathedral ceiling. Key elements include a Serena & Lily bedframe, a bed cover from Chelsea Textiles, a quilt from Les Indiennes (Nickey Kehoe), drapery from Schumacher, and sconces by Mark Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting. Another bedroom adopted a cheerful, English cottage style, featuring pale green walls painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Guilford Green.' This room stands out for its playful mix of patterns and colors. Drapery by Penny Morrison, a quilt from Nicky Kehoe, a lampshade from Maison Maison, and pillowcases from ST Frank (Over the Moon) contribute to its distinctive character. A third bedroom exhibits a sophisticated yet approachable design with a punchy palette. Cool blue walls, painted in Benjamin Moore's 'Woodlawn Blue,' and elements like a cane bed and woven wood shades incorporate coastal motifs. The bedframe is from Serena & Lily, the quilt from Neem (Nicky Kehoe), euro pillow fabric from Décors Barbares Tissus Tartares, and pillowcases from Annie Selke. All photographs for the project were taken by Sara Tramp, with styling by Lauren May. #MontecitoHome #FarmhouseStyle #CoastalDecor #InteriorDesign #HayleyEnglishInteriors #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas

This article details the transformation of a four-bedroom California bungalow on Sydney's Lower North Shore, owned by designer Jennie Cadman of Periwinkle Interiors. The renovation was undertaken to accommodate her growing family, which includes her husband and four children, aged between two and 12. Despite having completed a renovation on their previous home nearby, it proved insufficient for their needs, prompting the family to acquire this bungalow in 2018. The property was appealing due to its 'great bones,' featuring high ceilings, spacious bedrooms, a predominantly single-level layout, and a generous backyard. Previous owners had also effectively utilized the attic space, converting it into an additional bedroom and a family room. However, the bungalow presented challenges, particularly its dark and inefficient floor plan in the 1990s addition. This section included a bedroom and laundry overlooking the garden, a space Jennie felt was better suited for a living area. A significant issue was the lack of kitchen bench space, compelling Jennie to prepare meals on the stovetop. To address these functional shortcomings and improve the home's flow, the family engaged architect Adam Hampton of Hampton Architecture in 2019. Their primary goals were to design a new extension with a living area that maximized garden views, reconfigure the misplaced bedroom, and incorporate an ensuite for their eldest child, who needed a private bathroom. Today, the renovated home features an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area that occupies almost the entire left side of the house. A distinct sitting room is situated between this open-plan space and the entry, while the main bedroom suite and family bathroom are located to the right of the entry. The children’s bedrooms now overlook the backyard, and the pitched roof of the upper level houses a study and a family room. The kitchen, designed as the central hub, connects seamlessly to the new living room and the backyard. A notable architectural feature of the extension is its pitched roofline, which mirrors the original front facade and achieves an impressive height of approximately 4 meters, enhanced by skylights, to create an expansive and airy feel. Innovative design choices include a 1.4x1.1-meter cool room in place of a traditional fridge, providing an efficient way to store groceries. Jennie also specifically requested that all storage be below bench height, accommodating her stature. In the dining area, French doors were added, opening onto a deck overlooking the front garden and pool, with a sheltered sitting area beneath. Windows in the children’s bedrooms were enlarged, and the attic family room gained a balcony to further integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The main bedroom was reconfigured to enlarge both the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. The interior design, largely overseen by Jennie, showcases a bold navy blue palette, particularly prominent in the sitting room through artworks and soft furnishings. This is contrasted with vibrant pops of red and orange, seen in a Knoll ‘Womb’ chair and a patchwork kilim in the dining area. Jennie intentionally created a contrast between formal and informal spaces, with the casual living room being bright and airy, and the sitting room designed to be darker and more intimate. Texture plays a crucial role, with materials such as a linen modular sofa, linen curtains, timber floors, tongue-and-groove joinery, a concrete plinth, and a marble coffee table in the family room. The main bathroom features smooth marble, while the kitchen employs dolomite for benchtops and splashbacks, complemented by walnut veneer and brass finishes. Jennie identifies the sitting room as her favorite space, appreciating its cozy and enveloping atmosphere. #CaliforniaBungalow #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalExtension #OpenPlanLiving #NavyInteriors #CathedralCeilings #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving

Joanna Parol Interior Design, Inc. undertook a two-year project to transform a 1954 Santa Monica home into a serene and elegant retreat for a Hollywood film director and his wife, a painter and writer, who had immigrated from Hong Kong and sought to downsize. The clients envisioned a living space that would reflect their personal journey, creativity, and vision for a new chapter in their lives, blending their Asian heritage with a modern Californian setting. The designer was presented with an 8-foot stone Buddha statue, a deeply personal piece, which became the focal point of the backyard, establishing a meditative zone. The design challenge involved integrating the wife's preference for soft, muted tones and subtle textures with the husband's passion for bold, saturated colors and dramatic statements, aiming for a harmonious blend that celebrated both personalities while creating a visually cohesive environment. The ultimate vision was to craft a space that felt distinctly personal, resonating with the clients’ creative spirits and serving as an elegant yet welcoming expression of their shared life and heritage, blending Californian tranquility with understated Asian sophistication. The overarching aesthetic combines the effortless elegance of relaxed-Californian living with pared-back Asian design principles, incorporating natural materials, clean lines, and intentional simplicity. California-inspired elements such as light-filled spaces, natural woods, and organic finishes are infused with thoughtful nods to their Asian roots. The biggest challenge was reimagining the home, which was originally built in 1954 as a 5-bedroom, 4,000 sq. ft. property that had undergone multiple partial upgrades and additions over the years, resulting in a fragmented aesthetic lacking cohesion and purpose. The exterior was bland and characterless, with awkward proportions, while the interiors were outdated, chaotic, and lacked flow. To address these structural and aesthetic shortcomings, the renovation focused on creating architectural integrity. Key to the transformation was designing outdoor spaces that felt like natural extensions of the home, such as patios, courtyards, and gardens that seamlessly blended with the architecture. The backyard features a lily pond, symbolizing rebirth, reflecting both the home’s transformation and the new chapter in the homeowners' lives. A dedicated meditation space encourages calm and reflection, and a trellis with automatic louvers blends function and design, connecting nature and architecture. The Buddha statue, depicting Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, stands gracefully on a lotus pedestal, a symbol of purity and enlightenment, providing a spiritual and visual anchor for the outdoor space. Inside, the design reflects a thoughtful mix of calm and creativity. A standout feature is the powder room, which combines a striking pink stone with custom wallpaper. The designer serendipitously found the last three slabs of an extraordinary pink stone and, with the clients’ daughter’s approval, incorporated it. Tracy Hiner from Black Crow Studios designed custom wallpaper inspired by the stone’s colors, installing it on both walls and ceiling, creating a unique “jewel-box” effect. The custom de Gournay wallpaper in the dining room was the first item purchased for the house and served as the foundation, setting the direction, color palette, and roadmap for the rest of the home’s design with its timeless elegance. The clients' emotional reaction upon seeing their new home, particularly the father's sentiment of finally feeling “at home” and the mother’s newfound appreciation for outdoor living, underscored the profound success of the transformation. #ZenInteriorDesign #CaliforniaHomes #AsianInfluence #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalTransformation #OutdoorLiving #NaturalMaterials #SantaMonica

This article details the design process and key takeaways from a California home renovation, designed by Corine Maggio for Elaine and Jeff Burrell. The couple, inspired by 'Classic European and Luxury California' aesthetics and Elaine's background in luxury hospitality, sought to create an elegant, monochrome, and highly functional home suitable for entertaining and a growing family. The project began with the primary bedroom and family room, later expanding to include the kitchen and entryway, guided by the homeowners' desire for a 'wow' factor while maintaining comfort and practicality. The entryway was designed to make a strong first impression, featuring black and white checkerboard floor tiles, full-height dramatic paneling for a classic European feel, traditional sconces, a crystal flush mount, and a console table with a mirror, all contributing to a hospitality-inspired aesthetic. The hallway extension, overseen by Jeff Burrell's architect father, created a dedicated entrance space, maximizing impact within a small area. The monochrome theme extends into the kitchen, where a deliberate choice was made for dark cabinetry balanced with a white island. This decision was driven by the kitchen's ample natural light and the desire to differentiate it from common all-white kitchen designs, while the white island ensures a dynamic feel in the not-so-large space. Unique details were incorporated to add character, such as a custom-designed bronze hood with a brass and bronze finish, and distinctive pendant lights over the island that blend modern and traditional elements. An unlacquered bridge faucet and ogee edge counter detail further enhance the traditional aesthetic, complemented by coffered ceilings that add height and sophistication. The family room, described as both formal and inviting, presented a challenge due to its long and narrow shape. Maggio addressed this by strategically arranging seating zones to foster intimate yet connected conversation areas, using a chaise lounge to bridge the main sitting space and chairs by the window. The primary bedroom was conceived as a hotel suite, incorporating hotel-inspired bedding, pillows, and lighting. A black four-poster bed was chosen for its dramatic and stately presence, even in a moderately sized room, with cost-saving paneling on one wall. A Greek key rug pattern and tufted bench connect the room to the broader European aesthetic of the home. The article emphasizes the importance of softening rooms with elements like off-white curtains, which, though not always closed, add height and warmth, providing a necessary relief from the predominant black and white palette. Finally, the design leveraged architectural quirks, transforming a recessed alcove in the hallway into a functional and aesthetic feature for hosting, complete with a black sideboard for glassware, Art Deco-style gold details, and contemporary leaning artwork, ensuring the home is always ready for social gatherings. #CaliforniaHome #MonochromeDesign #InteriorDesignTips #LuxuryInteriors #HomeRenovation #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDesign #BedroomDesign #EntrywayIdeas

This article details the transformation of a 1915 San Francisco home by designer Kevin Sawyers, who aimed to imbue it with the vibrant personal style of its owner. Although the house was in good structural condition, it lacked personality and cohesive color. Sawyers addressed this by developing a “lip-smacking and playful, but certainly sophisticated” color palette that directly reflects the homeowner's wardrobe choices. The design strategy involved a tight edit of recurring colors to create cohesion and whimsy. For instance, the deep red from the dining room wallpaper reappears on the kitchen backsplash, family room rug, and as the guest bathroom’s wall paint. Similarly, a peachy orange from the kitchen island is echoed in the primary suite. This intentional repetition of strong colors ensures a unified yet dynamic aesthetic throughout the home. Beyond color, the project emphasized custom woodworking, which serves as a grounding element for the bold palette. Built-in case goods and white oak murals cover many walls, providing functional storage and integrated furniture. These custom pieces also feature unique decorative elements, such as mountain range murals inspired by the family’s vacation to Switzerland, adding a personalized touch. Despite minimal structural changes, primarily limited to the children’s bathroom, the three-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home underwent a complete aesthetic overhaul. Virtually every surface was altered, updated, or replaced, making it unrecognizable from its initial state. The extensive design efforts ensured that the house not only became a reflection of its owner but also achieved a joyful, stylish, and clean atmosphere. Key areas of the home showcase this design philosophy. The entryway features a graphic 3D wall mural depicting Swiss mountains and practical storage solutions with circular wall knobs. The living room introduces the home’s ethos with a fireplace framed in Heath Ceramics tile, a nod to the client’s collection, and playful elements like an arch painted on the wall. The family room and playroom embody a flexible, family-friendly style, with wood slats providing subtle separation and a nocturnal Swiss mountain mural in the stairwell. The kitchen features updated cabinetry painted in bold colors like Snowy Shadow and Mysterious Blue, complemented by light fixtures and tiles that match the vibrant hues. A tucked-away pantry adds a playful touch with neon green floating shelves. The breakfast nook, designed for versatility, includes a custom banquette and fluted details that echo design elements found elsewhere in the house. The dining room offers a sleek space for entertaining, with Lee Jofa wallpaper over wainscoting and Benjamin Moore Magenta paint. The primary bedroom provides a tranquil retreat with softer tones like Daytona Peach, while the primary and guest bathrooms incorporate punchy hues, durable materials, and retro-inspired elements like terrazzo-style concrete countertops, maintaining the home's overall vibrant theme. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #ColorPalette #CustomWoodwork #SanFranciscoHome #PersonalStyle #ResidentialDesign #VibrantInteriors #HomeRenovation

Textile designer Aelfie Oudghiri's Brooklyn townhouse, shared with her husband, Hicham, and daughter, Mirah, serves as a living showcase for her eponymous line of bedding, soft goods, rugs, and furniture. Housed in a former industrial pencil factory, the 1,800-square-foot space reflects an easy, comfortable, and effortlessly stylish aesthetic deeply rooted in Oudghiri’s upbringing. Her parents, both builders and developers, introduced her to the transformative power of design early on, and an oversized Kerman rug from her childhood ignited her passion for textiles, inspiring her eventual career. Many pieces in her home are samples from her company, allowing her to live with and test products before their official launch, ensuring they are practical and durable. Oudghiri's journey into design began with an e-commerce store in her teens, focusing on products made by other young women, which taught her the foundations of design. Her childhood dream, however, was to design bedding, driven by frustration with the gendered, corny, or poor-quality synthetic options available at the time. Her early sketchbooks are filled with bedding concepts, foreshadowing her future in textile design. When designing her home, the living room was the starting point, prioritized for its comfort, openness, and suitability for entertaining. Her Moroccan husband influenced the layout, seeking a space reminiscent of a Moroccan salon with ample seating for guests. This led to the inclusion of a mint green sofa from CB2, praised for its durability, and another from ABC Carpet & Home. Oudghiri approaches home design with a lack of inherent attachment to spaces, a common sentiment in New York, preferring to evolve the design slowly. Her access to her own home decor line means her apartment is filled with a complementary array of her designs, from bath mats and pillows to poufs and tables, all serving as practical testaments to their wear and tear resistance. A key design element for Oudghiri was baby-proofing and creating a kid-friendly environment for her daughter, Mirah. The massive, open layout allowed for a play-friendly space free from hard obstacles or fragile items. The open and industrial nature of the former factory presented challenges in making the space feel cozy and welcoming. Oudghiri overcame this by strategically using rugs and artwork to soften the industrial brick walls and warm up the cold aesthetic. Her favorite aspects of the home include the exposed beams, high ceilings, abundant wall space for art, and the intricate texture of the floors. A design element she recommends for readers is foregoing a traditional coffee table in favor of side tables and poufs. This decision, initially driven by an inability to find a beloved coffee table, later proved invaluable for creating a large, open play area for her daughter. Visitors often comment on the home's established feel, assuming Oudghiri has lived there for a long time, despite only a few years passing, indicating the successful integration of her personal style and products. #TextileDesign #BrooklynHome #HomeTour #InteriorDesign #ColorfulDecor #PatternMixing #KidFriendlyDesign #IndustrialConversion #DesignerHome

The Bay Area Home, a collaboration between Olson Kundig architecture firm and NICOLEHOLLIS interiors, presents a sophisticated blend of modern architecture and carefully curated interiors. This residence is designed to accommodate a family’s active and art-centric lifestyle within an established San Francisco Bay Area neighborhood. It functions as a serene retreat, integrating indoor and outdoor living through the incorporation of mature oak trees, reflective water features, and expansive garden views. Architect Tom Kundig's design strategically divides the home into distinct zones, offering both formal spaces for entertaining and more intimate areas for family life. This dual functionality provides a sense of openness while simultaneously fostering warmth and closeness. The design emphasizes a strong connection to nature through extensive use of glass walls and kinetic architectural elements, effectively blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces. The home's entrance is marked by a dramatic black steel bridge spanning a lightwell, leading to a bronze pivoting front door that opens into an art-filled entryway. Large walls throughout the residence are dedicated to showcasing the family’s significant art collection, which includes works by artists such as Oscar Murillo and Alma Allen. Oversized glass windows ensure uninterrupted views of the surrounding lush landscape, further integrating the natural environment into the living experience. An Olympic-sized swimming pool runs along the axis of the primary suite, extending into a covered outdoor living area. Adjacent to the pool, a cabana houses a sauna, a cold plunge pool, and an outdoor gym, promoting an active and wellness-focused lifestyle for the residents. The formal wing of the house features reflecting pools and is framed by black steel columns. Two 13-foot pivoting glass doors allow ample natural light to penetrate the space. Custom elements, such as a botanical bronze screen created by artist David Wiseman, introduce intricate textures and artistic depth. Nicole Hollis highlighted this custom screen as one of the most distinctive design choices. In contrast to the formal areas, the family zones are designed for casual yet luxurious living. The kitchen, distinguished by a 28-foot-long Titiano marble island, extends onto a terrace. This outdoor extension includes dedicated areas for cooking and dining, sheltered beneath the cantilevered volume of the primary suite. The outdoor kitchen, pool, and sports facilities are central to encouraging an active lifestyle, with Kundig noting that the outdoor kitchen specifically extends the home’s energy into the landscape and the pool links the various recreational activities. The upper level of the home includes a tranquil primary suite, featuring a marble bathtub positioned to offer peaceful views of the tree canopy. A separate wing is dedicated to children, providing both privacy and play areas. The basement level contains a gym and a recreation room, which open into a landscaped lightwell, ensuring that even the lower sections of the home receive natural light. Nicole Hollis's interior design approach creates a serene and inviting atmosphere, thoughtfully contrasting soft furnishings with the home’s bold architectural lines. The selected materials and finishes are chosen to complement the exterior landscape, establishing a calming environment. This interplay between rigorous architecture and playful interior details ensures the space is both functional and refined, enhancing the overall livability of the home. The integration of various functional and aesthetic elements underscores a cohesive design vision, where every detail contributes to a harmonious and sophisticated living experience. #BayAreaHome #OlsonKundig #NicoleHollis #ModernArchitecture #InteriorDesign #OutdoorLiving #ArtIntegration #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalDesign

This article highlights the design philosophy and personal home of Katie Kath, an interior designer and partner at Jkath Design Build + Reinvent. Kath embarked on building her dream home with her husband, Jesse, on a double-wide lot along Minnehaha Creek, aiming to create a space that prioritizes timeless interiors, exceptional quality, and impeccable craftsmanship, moving away from a standard builder-grade aesthetic. The vision for their 4,000-square-foot home was to incorporate customized features tailored to their family of five, ensuring every detail was intentional and thoughtfully chosen. The construction of the home, which commenced during the pandemic, was completed in a swift eight months. Despite the rapid timeline, design decisions were meticulously made, with Katie acting as both the manager and client. This dual role necessitated careful attention to both major and minor details to ensure the home's enduring appeal. Key design elements on the main floor include reclaimed wood beams from Manomin Resawn Timbers and alder accents in the cabinetry, island, and built-in banquette, which together create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The cast stone fireplace surround, matching the kitchen cabinetry, serves as a contemporary focal point in the living room, with white oak flooring extending up to its base for a seamless look. The home's modern design is enhanced by black-frame windows, which are balanced with gold tones to maintain a comfortable and clean feel. The baseboards and millwork are intentionally taller than standard, adding a traditional touch. Unlacquered brass cabinet hardware from Armac Martin in London provides a desired contrast in the kitchen. Beyond the physical design, the article emphasizes that the true essence of Kath's home lies in the traditions she shares with her family, especially during the holiday season. These traditions transform the house into a cozy, safe, warm, and inviting home, fulfilling her original vision of a timeless, traditional abode with festive flair. Kath also shares practical tips for incorporating seasonal spirit into home decor without overwhelming the space or compromising on timelessness. She advises decorating for the season rather than specific holidays to allow decor to remain relevant for longer periods. Sticking to neutral earth tones for the main color scheme, with bright accents, is another recommendation. Kath suggests focusing decorating efforts on main entertaining areas, like the ground floor, and involving family in the decorating process to make it an enjoyable event. Finally, she advocates for investing in high-quality, reusable decor pieces, such as garland, and taking advantage of end-of-season sales to build a collection of timeless decorations that can be cherished year after year. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #TimelessInteriors #HolidayDecor #CustomHome #JkathDesignBuild #Renovation #FamilyHome #SeasonalDecor

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

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

This blog post explores the transformation of a historic colonial revival home dating back to 1895 in Newton Center, Massachusetts. The owners sought to update their property with a glamorous, sexy, and elegant aesthetic, while simultaneously restoring and enhancing its original architectural features. The project aimed to integrate sympathetic interior décor with a contemporary flair from the 2020s. Before addressing the design details, the primary challenge involved removing uncomplimentary architectural additions from the 1940s, 80s, and 90s, particularly a deteriorating 1980s kitchen. Designer Cecilia Casagrande was commissioned to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing the home's original architecture while adapting it for modern living. Her approach successfully blended original period details with quirky and glamorous contemporary touches. The kitchen redesign, for instance, drew inspiration from the client’s Turkish Iznik pottery collection and antique rugs, transforming a drab 1980s space into a bright, open area. The design incorporated a mix of midcentury, antique, and modern elements, evident in pairings like a midcentury side table with a modern bed frame, or a curved sofa with modern lamps. The breakfast nook features an antique pedestal table and vintage dining chairs, harmonizing with the updated kitchen. The cabinet colors, specifically Farrow & Ball’s Paean Black and Benjamin Moore’s Yorktowne Green, were inspired by the blue hues of the Turkish plate collection. The kitchen also boasts vintage rugs from Afghanistan, brass taps by Barber Wilson, and handmade tiles from Winchester Tile in England, along with green stone accents, contributing to a worldly and earthy feel. The living room, characterized by intricate wood detailing and an impressive bay window, features walls, trim, and ceiling painted in Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue. This bold color choice maintains the modernity of the ornate trim while creating a cozy Victorian parlor ambiance. Natural walnut elements on doors and trim are highlighted with a clear poly finish. The room includes a midcentury vintage sofa upholstered in mohair blue velvet, complemented by a rounded Jonathan Adler Danner sofa and Kelly Wearstler lamps to create a “sexy vibe.” Midcentury furnishings, such as a reupholstered Thayer Coggin swivel chair and a new Thayer Coggin Roxy chair, along with a round midcentury pi-coffee table and Moroccan inlaid side tables, contribute to a global aesthetic through eclectic accessories sourced internationally. A vibrant artwork by Hunt Slonem in a gilt frame and a vintage carved sideboard add glamour to a corner of the living room. The dining room reflects the clients' vision with quirky contemporary elements like Cole & Son Leopard Walk wallpaper and a stag chandelier sourced from Germany. Iconic midcentury Saarinen chairs and a stunning Suzani tablecloth complete the eclectic and joyful space, which is described as Victorian modern. The upstairs landing serves as an inviting seating area, utilizing natural light from an original gothic-detailed 1895 window and featuring French-style armchairs and a chess set. The primary bedroom showcases pastel pinks, blending antique, vintage, and modern furnishings. Brass elements, such as Sarreid chests, an antique mirror, and an Alexa Hampton ceiling light, add character. Walls are painted in Farrow & Ball's Middleton Pink with trim in Dove Tail, while House of Hackney and Timorous Beasties pillows, a modern champagne velvet bed, and a faux sheepskin swivel chair balance the vintage pieces. The bathroom features a Penhaglion cast iron tub in unlacquered brass, a striking choice for the historic home, complemented by classic marble tiles, Timorous Beasties curtains, and brass accents, offering a modern twist on traditional design. The homeowners expressed satisfaction with the transformation, noting that each room was thoughtfully designed and inspired by their existing collections, making the renovation a collaborative effort from architectural restoration to fabric selection. The project successfully honored the home's original features while introducing contemporary humor and subtle updates. #HistoricHomeRenovation #ColonialRevival #InteriorDesign #BoldColorSchemes #VictorianModern #KitchenDesign #LivingRoomDecor #BedroomIdeas #BathroomDesign

Julia Kramer, a former Bon Appétit editor, and her husband, Zach Kaplan, purchased a Craftsman home in Koreatown, Los Angeles, sight unseen during the early days of the pandemic. The decision was primarily influenced by a stained-glass peacock window in the dining room, which resonated with their family's experience visiting live peacocks at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. This personal connection served as a significant sign, making the long-distance purchase feel destined. The couple, still residing in their two-bedroom apartment in New York’s Upper West Side, relied on an L.A.-based friend to view the property shortly after it was listed before making an offer. Following the purchase, and with only six weeks until their move, Kramer and Kaplan enlisted the help of Jamie Haller, an experienced Craftsman restorer and shoe designer. Haller's primary task was to modernize certain aspects of the home while also stripping away inappropriate additions, such as built-in speaker systems in the living room and kitchen, and numerous recessed lights. The goal was to preserve the original character and 'good stuff' of the Craftsman style. Kramer, who was largely put off by the ubiquity of newly remodeled kitchens featuring subway tile and open shelves during her house hunt, found the untouched, wood-heavy kitchen of this home particularly appealing. She expressed a preference for living without common countertop materials like marble and granite and appreciated the kitchen's separation from other rooms, allowing her personal space while cooking. Restoration efforts in the kitchen focused on subtle yet crucial updates. Haller oversaw the replacement of awning window chains with historically accurate hardware, a task that required considerable effort to source and install. She emphasized 'restraint' in the renovation process, focusing on making the space functional without sacrificing its original charm. A carpenter was brought in to repair the track of the old-fashioned bread box's garage door, ensuring its safe operation. While the kitchen lacks modern amenities like soft-close hinges, it retains a distinct 'soul' that appealed to the owners. One of the most challenging projects was the living room, where plaster walls had been covered in blue silk dupioni fabric and secured with an estimated 45,000 staples. Removing these staples was a laborious process, taking a week of manual effort. The focal point of the revitalized living room became Kramer’s vintage coffee table, a 1stdibs acquisition, which uniquely functions as a champagne and shrimp cocktail station, with its inverted center perfectly accommodating her ice bucket. Haller also had to source new lighting fixtures, as the previous owners took the originals. She turned to a salvage shop in Los Angeles known for preserving lights from Old Hollywood celebrity homes, finding an antique sconce for the guest bedroom’s salvaged sink that once belonged to Buster Keaton. Distinguishing this Craftsman from others, the home features dark, purple-hued mahogany wood rather than the typical red-orange Douglas fir. This unique wood tone harmonizes surprisingly well with subtle pink accents, such as the original fireplace grout and the new dining room walls, which were painted a soft dusty lavender-gray. Haller noted that the natural light interacting with these elements creates a warm glow. Due to the tight renovation schedule, restoring the painted wood trim was not feasible. Instead, it was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s dark navy shade, Railings, to achieve a cohesive look. In contrast to the home’s more vibrant areas, the main bedroom adopted a softer palette, transforming its previous purple walls into a serene cream. Kramer, typically drawn to maximalist designs, was swayed by Haller’s vision for a neutral, tranquil space. The bedroom renovation included creating two closets on either side of the bed by reallocating space from an adjacent children’s room, and adding a built-in reading nook with a tufted cushion, which serves as Kramer’s preferred work-from-home spot. For the children’s bedrooms, Kramer and Haller exercised a different form of restraint, opting for allover wallpapers with prints that strike a balance between kid-friendly and adult-approved aesthetics. Kramer expressed her desire to postpone 'ugly child spaces,' choosing whimsical crane designs by House of Hackney for her youngest son's room and a floral print by the same brand for the bathroom. She found that the numerous built-ins in the large bathroom helped to break up the busy floral pattern effectively. The various bird motifs throughout the home, from the initial peacock window to the crane wallpaper, have become a personal symbol of good fortune for Kramer. #HomeTour #CraftsmanHome #LosAngelesRealEstate #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #SightUnseenPurchase #HistoricPreservation #VintageDecor #FamilyHome

The article explores Baileyana Park, a historic Hillsborough estate with a rich Hollywood legacy, now owned and meticulously updated by designer Simona Irwin. Originally conceived as a compound by the renowned "King of Comedy," Mack Sennett, the property served as a secluded retreat for Hollywood stars and San Francisco socialites alike. Sennett, famous for his silent movies and an honorary Academy Award recipient, frequently entertained celebrity friends such as Bing Crosby, Charlie Chaplin, and W.C. Fields at this residence, a fact substantiated by archival photographs and Sennett's autobiography. The estate's centerpiece is an extraordinary swimming pool, a rarity for its time, featuring hand-cut Italian tiles that extend from the surface to the bottom. Simona Irwin, who shares the home with her venture capitalist husband, Scott Irwin, and their three daughters, highlights that the pool’s design creates an immediate vacation atmosphere and its sun-drenched position ensures usability throughout the day. When Irwin acquired the property 12 years ago, she undertook a retrofitting of the pool, carefully preserving its original handmade Italian tiles, maintaining its historical appearance as seen in Sennett's "Bathing Beauties" silent movie series, many of which were filmed on site. The home itself exudes the glamorous and cinematic aesthetic reminiscent of 1940s Hollywood Hills residences, making the most of natural light. Beyond the pool, the estate is distinguished by its expansive multi-level gardens, terraces, and numerous entrances. Two ancient redwood trees majestically frame one of the property's entrances, a site so iconic that locals often visit to photograph themselves with the gate and trees as a backdrop. The design seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living, with large sliding glass doors in the living room opening onto a vast terrace overlooking the pool, offering residents a sense of complete privacy and relaxation. The estate features three distinct entrances, each with its own character: the main entrance framed by redwoods, and two side entrances adorned with mature trees and classic French chateau-style gates. A dedicated section of the house, complete with its own entrance and pathway to the pool house and swimming pool, is designed for the children, allowing for family entertainment without disturbing other areas of the home. Simona Irwin's design philosophy is deeply influenced by her upbringing, her mother and grandmother's appreciation for beauty, and her experiences living abroad, particularly her years in Paris. She applies a fashion-like approach to interior design, emphasizing the harmonious blend of color and texture, and prioritizing natural light and a welcoming aesthetic over heavy, overpowering elements. Despite adding a significant amount of square footage to the house during renovations, Irwin ensured that the additions blended seamlessly with the original structure, making it difficult to distinguish between old and new. This meticulous approach has allowed her to modernize the historic property for contemporary standards while preserving its original character, ensuring its continued status as a cherished part of old Hillsborough. #HomeDesign #HistoricEstate #HollywoodLegacy #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #OutdoorSpaces #ArchitecturalRenovation #CaliforniaHomes #SimonaIrwin