Dreams Come True In Orinda
Author:Philip FerratoIt’s a classic Bay Area tale: About five years ago, a young couple bought a home on a lovely sloping site with old oak trees and sweeping, protected views, moving in with their two young daughters after a quick kitchen renovation. Three years later and still in love with the site and the views, the couple embarked on a major renovation, transforming and expanding the structure. Two years of planning, demolition and construction later, interior designer Jeffrey Neve– working closely with Sarah– created a setting that’s both serene and the epitome of sophisticated California design.
Longtime admirers of Santa Barbara’s iconic Four Seasons hotel, the owners sought an updated version of that aesthetic with a strong, sophisticated sense of color and pattern. And they had no qualms about undergoing a complete renovation, which included moving the kitchen to the former family room. Below, the new kitchen’s encaustic tile backsplash perfectly complements the Fornasetti wallpaper in the wife’s adjoining office. There’s also a butler’s pantry serving the dining room and a bar, making the house perfect for entertaining.
Throughout, wall and ceiling finishes are by specialist painter Caroline Lizzagara, including the outscaled faux agate in the wine cellar.
The powder room with Brunschwig and Fils wallpaper, plus the most elegant laundry room in Northern California.
The master bedroom, with Phillip Jeffries wallcovering.
Below, one of the the daughters’ bedrooms.
The husband’s office is very private, enabling him to work from home without distraction.
The Team: Interior design by Jeffrey Neve; architectural design by Steven Kubitschek; general contractor Jeff Barrett, Blue Line Custom Builders; interior painted finishes by Caroline Lizzaraga.