Views on Views
ORINDA, CALIFORNIA
Builder: Plath & Company Architect: N/A Cabinetry: Bo Williams Square Footage: 2,000
Photographer: Paul Dyer Photography Stylist: Rachel Forslund
After relocating their primary residence to Montana, our clients purchased a 2,000 square foot home in California to keep a foothold in the Bay Area and stay connected to their roots in the region. Nestled in the hills of Orinda, we took advantage of the stunning views, and a desire for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, by reworking the ‘80s architecture and reorienting the home toward the views of the mountains. We opened up the kitchen to the dining room and outdoor spaces, and added white-oak vaulted ceilings and large windows, creating a nature-inspired feel throughout the home.
Taking inspiration from the family’s passion for fly-fishing, hunting, and travel, we weaved in natural wood finishes and collected items to bring the outdoors in.
In the kitchen, we designed a narrow nine-foot furniture piece to provide a landing space – for food prep or a buffet for entertaining – to create texture and allow for crowds to flow through the space. We followed a simple, clean palette, with lightly pigmented cream cabinets, natural stone, and white-pearl quartzite countertops to complement the organic details throughout the home.
In the living room, we doubled the window size to bring in more light and views. We removed existing, angled builtins and constructed white-oak display and storage cabinets, with a new fireplace constructed of black Taj Mahal quartzite, making the wall a stunning focal point.
Outside, we reimagined the pool area by adding a blue-stone deck and outdoor fireplace to extend the home’s charm and entertaining possibilities.
“Marianne elevated our home using beautiful materials and details. She knew how we wanted to live and entertain, and created the perfect space for our lifestyle. We feel like we’re staying in our favorite hotel, cozy, woodsy and done to the nines.”
