Of the Land

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HKB Interior Design revamps a 1960s structure with nature-infused style

The living room features a custom sofa, a lounge chair by Kerry Joyce upholstered in a Mokum fabric and a glass side table by Pulp. Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

“We approach design as a balance between intuition and intention and begin every project by closely observing the surrounding landscape and architecture, while also taking time to understand the client and how they want their home to feel,” says Heather K. Bernstein of HKB Interior Design. “That foundation allows the design to respond naturally to both place and person.”

In the dining room a custom table and stools were designed by HKB and built by Timothy Lovett, the is from Holly Hunt and the Bocci pendants were found at The Future Perfect.
Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.
The flush mount lights in the kitchen are by McEwen, the stools are by Fyrn and all plumbing fixtures are by Waterworks. Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.
Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

When designing this 2,500-square-foot home in Ross for clients they met through Instagram, they relied on the abundance of nature on the property as the main point of inspiration for the interiors. “The property’s expansive views became the driving force behind the project, shaping decisions around materiality, form and light,” Bernstein recalls. “The homeowner was deeply interested in expanding and strengthening the relationship between interior and exterior, and the design evolved to support that seamless connection.”

The team installed an inspiring breakfast nook with a custom table design by HKB that was built by Uni Marble. The Dagon chairs are by Carmworks. Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.
Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

Originally designed in the 1960s, the clients wanted to modernize the home while keeping the original footprint in place. “They wanted the entry to feel intentional and clearly guide movement into the home, establishing a sense of arrival and flow,” she notes. “Another key goal was strengthening the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces. New decks were designed along the main living and dining areas to extend the living environment outward, allowing the surrounding views and landscape to become an integral part of the home. The overall design was inspired by the site, with an emphasis on a relaxed, expressive aesthetic that avoided formality and reflected the client’s lifestyle.”

A bed by Verellen and pendants from Pax Lighting float in the primary bedroom. Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.
In the primary bathroom the plumbing fixtures are by Waterworks. Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.
Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

The panorama of views doesn’t come easy. The hillside location posed challenges when it came to designing the outdoor living areas. “The decks had to be carefully cantilevered over the slope, ensuring they extended naturally from the living and dining areas while also flowing seamlessly with the contours of the surrounding landscape,” she says. “Internally, a large central structural support required thoughtful planning to create a cohesive flow throughout the main living spaces. Our design integrated this element seamlessly, preserving openness and continuity while allowing each space to feel connected yet distinct.”

Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

They worked with Green 17 and Willem Devries on the landscape design to ensure each area felt like artwork when viewed from inside the home. “The most significant feature of the home is its relationship to the surrounding landscape, which we treated as the home’s most important artwork,” says the designer. “Expansive glazing frames the shifting sky and distant horizon, drawing the views inward and making the natural environment an integral part of the interior design.”

Photos by Suzanna Scott, styling by Yedda Morrison.

What makes this structure so unique is the deep connection to nature achieved through the thoughtful architectural details and organic materials throughout. When asked how the client feels about the home, Bernstein responds, “It feels like an elevated version of himself…comfortable without trying too hard and thoughtfully connected to the landscape beyond. Working with him was an absolute joy, and he has expressed that the ease and trust of our collaboration is evident in the design and in the way he experiences the space.”