As we’ve just completed the final install and professional shoot (photos to come!) for our Wine Country Villa project, we wanted to share the backstory behind this total home makeover that included new furniture, custom upholstery, new fixtures and fresh new materials throughout.

Let's rewind to April 2022 in High Point, North Carolina furniture market. I found myself at a delightful ladies' dinner hosted by Dawn Sweitzer (painter/ textile designer) at her studio.

Among the guests were my dear friends Chelsea Miller from Olive and Rose, and Kim from Kim Betzina Interiors. After a thrilling day exploring High Point, soaking up inspiration, catching up with friends and vendors, we found ourselves at a late night dinner enchanted by the findings of Dawn's studio. She toured us around showing us where she finds her inspiration, creates her art, working her magic in textile dying and artistry. Amidst the laughter and camaraderie, I found myself seated next to a stranger.

As conversation flowed over dinner, we discovered commonalities in our lives— our professions, our locations. To my surprise, this stranger next to me also hailed from the Bay Area, a former furniture manufacturer now dating someone in Sonoma—let alone, we find out her new boyfriend lives on the very same street as me!

It was a serendipitous revelation that sparked an instant connection. My (future client) and her partner expressed their desire to renovate their weekend home which is stunning Spanish-style home in Sonoma. And so, plans were made to reconnect when we were back on the West Coast.

What began as a notion to update some furniture swiftly evolved into a grander vision—to modernize their 1990s Mediterranean villa. Though the floor plan remained promising, every surface, fixture, and furnishing cried out for renewal.

After months of deliberation, selecting materials, and engaging a contractor, the project finally commenced in the spring of 2023. Rob from RA Construction, a local Sonoma contractor, was entrusted with bringing our design to life. Together, with our studio's creative direction and the clients' enthusiastic collaboration, the transformation began….

The Design Process

What fun we had pulling together rich materials and refined finishes to give the home a completely refreshed look. New flooring, painted ceilings and beams, custom upholstered furnishings — she got the works.

The Living Room

Brightening up the living room with white ceilings and a new fireplace made all the difference to modernize and soften the main gathering space. The bay window was updated with new drapes and cushions.

The Dining Room

The additions of a new dining table and chairs, floor-to-ceiling drapes that filter the light in the space, white painted ceiling and darker beams and floor soften the palette.

The Powder Room & Guest Bath

Selecting a dark, moody plaster wall finish, and a marble corner sink with new brass fixtures refines the poweder room — as did new herringbone flooring, vanity, and wall sconces in the guest bath.

The Breakfast Nook

A custom upholstered sofa bench takes the nook from rarely used to an ideal morning coffee and Sunday paper comfort zone.

The Primary Bedroom

We left no surface untouched here, with a new custom upholstered bed frame, bedding, bench nightstands, lamps, and rug.

The Primary Bath

We had the MOST fun with this space from top to bottom, with the biggest design move in the brown-and-ivory checkered tile floor. Selecting the marble for the countertop was a delight, as was seeing the beadboard paneling and shower wall tiles applied. Another favorite detail on this project: the custom vanity by RA Wilson Sonoma Cabinetry Shop. We chose a custom stained Oak Inset style flat panel door which was a compliment to our detailed Calacatta Monet marble counter. Mouthwatering good.