Design house: Sophisticated, Mediterranean-inspired home in California, designed by Julie Rootes

A careful blend of pattern and colour make this Kentfield, Californian home a delight of the senses.

The project was a remodel facilitated by Chambers + Chambers Architects and theinterior designer was carried out by Julie Rootes.

Known for her determined attention to detail, Julie personalises interiors with memorable colours, textures, and custom moments.

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The entire floor plan was revamped to allow for better living spaces, to simplify the private bedrooms and to update the home overall.

Julie talks us through her design project below.

THE PROPERTY

'We coined the home "Sophisticated Mediterranean" because we wanted to keep the Mediterranean architectural integrity of the home while still giving it an elevated face-lift,' says Julie.

The homeowner recently purchased the home with the intention of raising her only daughter here through her high school years.'

KITCHEN

'We opened up the kitchen/dining area to capitalise on its entertaining capabilities and maximize its incredible Mount Tamalpais views and natural light.'

Entertaining was always at the forefront, and, in typical Marin fashion, making the most of the indoor outdoor living was key. The homeowner is an avid cook and gardener and I think those elements really spoke to her when we were re-designing this space.

We intentionally used neutral Farrow & Ball paint colours as a backdrop to the beautiful exterior greenery and plantings.

The entrance hall is stamped with limestone flooring that is carried through to the kitchen to enhance the Mediterranean feel of the home. Custom overhead light fixtures and sconces used throughout the home really add to the unique character of the space throughout.

We integrated custom rift sawn white oak kitchen cabinetry with metal inlays in the kitchen with open shelving stamped with hand painted Tabarka tiles. The countertops are Taj Mahal natural quartzite and speak to the natural elements outdoors with steel doors that completely open out to the view.

The butlers pantry is one of the stars with is custom Galbraith & Paul wallcovering, blue cabinetry, custom lighting and mirrored backsplash.

LIVING ROOM

HALL

BEDROOM

HOME OFFICE

BATHROOM

The master bath is outfitted in travertine that is bookmatched in the shower and in the vanity with a sunken tub to take the day in. A custom floating vanity and hardware paired with handmade tiles from Waterworks and custom lighting from Urban Electric set the stage amidst a vintage rug.

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This was such a fun project to work on because the homeowner really valued pushing the envelope and implementing unique custom design elements throughout the home.

Photography/ Paul Dyer

Interior design/ Julie Rootes

Architecture/ Chambers + Chambers Architects