Nestled amidst the serene oak-dotted landscape an hour and a half north of San Francisco, a dynamic young family's residence in Sonoma's acclaimed wine country has been meticulously reinvented. This dwelling transcends a mere city escape, embodying a profound dedication to 'l'art de vivre.' What was once a traditional 1960s Spanish hacienda has been masterfully reimagined into a captivating contemporary haven, a testament to modern design and a vibrant backdrop for an impressive art collection.
A Harmonious Blend of Art and Living in Sonoma
The extensive renovation, spearheaded by the Oakland-based firm Building Lab, set the stage for Chroma, a San Francisco-based interior design studio led by Alexis Tompkins and Leann Conquer, to craft a distinctive interior narrative. The homeowners, avid art collectors deeply involved with a prominent contemporary art museum, sought a space that would not only highlight their cherished pieces but also foster a lively and welcoming atmosphere for their two teenage daughters. Tompkins noted the family's desire to modernize the home to complement their significant art holdings, while Conquer highlighted their clients' relaxed demeanor and their children's passions for music, reading, archery, fencing, and outdoor activities.
Chroma's vision for the 3,900 sq ft, four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom residence embraces a vivid, textured mid-century aesthetic that harmoniously dialogues with the surrounding natural beauty. The living room, designed for both casual comfort and sophisticated entertaining, features expansive sliding doors that dissolve the boundary between indoors and the pool deck, offering breathtaking views of the Mayacamas Mountains and the vineyards. Here, a custom sectional in chartreuse mohair pairs with vintage 1950s Lawrence Peabody lounge chairs, re-upholstered in an ecru La Manach fabric, and an Egg Collective Kerman Coffee Table crafted from natural cork. The space is completed by a bespoke rug, a walnut-framed lounger by Rob Parry, and a striking large-scale artwork by abstract American artist Wyatt Kahn.
The dining area extends this indoor-outdoor philosophy, opening directly onto a yard meticulously designed with native plantings by Lucy McFadden Landscape Design. The custom dining table, a unique piece handcrafted in San Francisco by Julian Giuntoli Custom Furniture, is surrounded by 1960 Danish rattan-backed chairs upholstered in blue leather. Above, an iridescent chromate pendant by Luft Tanka Studio adds a modernist flourish, its perforations echoing the rattan's texture. The dining room also hosts a 1970s painting by Latvian-born American artist Andrew Jansons, a cherished gift to one of the clients' fathers, and a series of abstract portraits by Kenturah Davis, creating an engaging visual narrative.
Throughout the home, a curated selection of artworks creates intriguing juxtapositions. A 1910 impressionist portrait by J. Phillip Schmand and a 19th-century oil by Samuel Marsden Brookes, 'Still Life with Smelt,' are placed alongside a complex assemblage by contemporary Chicana artist Lorena Ochoa, which even incorporates elements like a Toyota truck tailgate, and 2019 cyanotypes by Sean McFarland. The guest cottage further exemplifies this artistic integration, with a breathtaking watercolor-like mural by Rafael Arana transforming the walls and ceiling into an immersive landscape. Furnishings in the cottage, including a Tito Agnoli lounge chair, a custom coffee table, a Sergio Rodrigues marble top dining table, and Gio Ponti dining chairs, complement artworks by Los Angeles-based artists Patrick Martinez and Shannon Ebner.
A Canvas for Living: The Art of Personal Space
This Sonoma residence stands as a powerful illustration of how thoughtful design can elevate everyday living into an art form. The collaboration between the imaginative clients and the innovative designers at Chroma underscores the value of an open, experimental approach to interior architecture. By harmonizing an extensive art collection with a family-friendly atmosphere and integrating the natural surroundings, the home becomes more than just a dwelling; it's a living canvas that inspires, delights, and perfectly embodies the owners' passion for art and adventure. The successful blend of modern aesthetics, personal narratives, and functionality offers a compelling vision for contemporary family homes.