Elevated Mood
Location Calistoga, CA · Architect Signum Architecture · Contractor Method Homes and Fairweather & Associates · Photographer Bruce Damonte · Stylist Yedda Morrison · Square Footage 5200
Project story
Unexpected colors, bespoke furnishings, and evocative photography enhance the minimalist architecture of this Calistoga getaway. Utilizing modular construction and materials responsive to a changing environment and the ever-present threat of wildfire, we worked in collaboration with Signum Architecture to create a rural sanctuary for our urban clients. Our interpretation of modern interior design for wine country welcomes the outside in and the inside out. Large windows frame striking views and natural textures of the surrounding hillsides, calmly wrapping the retreat and embracing indoor outdoor living.
The client’s contemporary art collection—including works by Philip-Lorca diCorcia, Edward Burtynsky, Leo Villareal, and Laurie Simmons—called for a muted palette that lets the artwork speak for itself. Commensurate in tone, the furniture, lighting, and housewares are as original and rare as their counterparts on the walls.
Subtle nods to design history are apparent in every room through custom pieces that reflect and elevate the client’s sensibilities and vintage furniture from favorite designers. In the kitchen, a custom wood counter is cut into the island at a diagonal, showcasing materiality and inviting people to gather and stay a while. A ceramic backsplash inspired by concentric crop circles evokes vinyl records, connecting to the client’s love of music. Vistas take center stage in the center of the home with the soft forms of Milo Baughman and Pierre Paulin furniture balancing the sleek concrete and metal encasing the modern living room. Shou Sugi Ban clads the dining room walls and extends to the exterior, providing an indoor outdoor connection and tactile backdrop for vintage Matteo Grassi chairs in well-worn leather, an impressive custom walnut and chrome dining table and a dramatic verdigris-patinaed pendant that sits watch above.
This Egg Collective coffee table was named after a dear friend so it will always be special to us. A vintage rosewood Milo Baughman lounge chair looks on, green with jealousy.
I love working with repeat clients because my creative eye refines over time. It is exciting to see how that maturity translates into new projects for former clients.
The living room is the axis of the home, opening its doors to visitors in anticipation of late night swims, open air dance parties, and singing loudly for nobody to hear.
A panoply of lighting marches through this layered view. Vintage 70s Italian fixtures illuminate a custom kitchen island while a verdigris pendant by Lindsey Adelman beckons guests into the dining room beyond.
Cool metal, warm wood, vintage chairs, modern art. This room has so much to offer, but still shows some restraint. An ever-changing piece by Leo Villreal provides the opportunity to stare endlessly into the abyss and contemplate it all.
Rock n' Roll can never die. An origami-inspired table by Urban Hardwoods anchors the kitchen like a stage while custom Fireclay tiles reminiscent of spinning records are hardly wallflowers.
Blues and greens bring the outdoors in. A Paola Lenti side table and vintage Lusch Co chair make a dynamite duo. The Angello Lelli floor lamp gives them the spotlight they deserve.
Dreams are made sweeter with this custom Susan Lankford headboard.
A Paola Lenti side table proudly shows off her great legs to an onlooking David Weeks sconce.
Guess what this Calico wallpapers favorite color is? Pink!
In the restrained palette of the study, a Kyle Bunting rug causes a scene as he hypnotizes the Almond Co. desk lamp and a CRI chair.
A Mark Nelson rug has old friends over to chat. The Hardesty Dwyer sofa recently retired and the Milo Baughman chairs started crossfit.
Cle Tile winds its way beneath the Laurie Simmons dollhouse wallpaper for Maharam creating an urban scape of it's own.
