It’s a tale as old as time: a house with character was given a quick, build-grade remodel by its previous owners, stripping it of its charm. “We wanted to bring back the original 1970s design character and personalization to the home,” says interior designer Leah Harmatz of Field Theory.
Margaret Austin
The new owner was drawn to the house, which was built in 1974, because it felt like “a magical treehouse in the redwoods.” She wanted to create a space where she could retreat and relax in a peaceful setting and that was a true reflection of her aesthetic and lifestyle. She also wanted a space to host dinner parties and houseguests—so the kitchen had to be more functional and a better indoor/outdoor flow was needed from the dining room to the expansive back deck.
Of course, the home’s stunning surroundings influenced its design. “When I first walked into the home, the floor-to-ceiling windows looking out on views of towering redwoods had an almost cathedral-like feel,” Leah says. “I wanted to make sure the interiors also had an earthy, natural quality that reflected the surroundings.”
Margaret Austin
The windows play a big part in the home’s design. The window trim was carefully chosen to create the perfect frame. Leah and team skipped wood trim and went with a simple drywall return on the newer window additions to create a modern, minimalist frame, which also went well with the ‘70s architecture. On the existing windows, they replaced the trim with a lower profile one with mitered corners.
Margaret Austin
In addition to the towering redwoods and the ‘70s architecture, the design was also inspired by the homeowner’s collection of art, decor, personal photography and other treasures.
“We wanted to bring a more intentional, handcrafted feel back to the space,” Leah says. “The primary design influences were the 1970s Marin roots of the house, layered with references to Scandinavian and mid-century design.”
Margaret Austin
When the renovation first started, the kitchen was what Leah describes as a “non-functional square, with the washer/dryer taking up a lot of valuable space.” They moved the washer/dryer downstairs and used the freed-up space to relocate the fridge and add more storage. They also added a custom oak island with a concrete countertop and extended the existing marble counter with a butcher block countertop and shelving below. Heath tile backsplash, floating white oak shelves, and ceramic light fixtures infused the space with character and warmth.
Margaret Austin
“We didn’t want to rip out all of the brand-new, perfectly functional cabinets and countertops for sustainability and budgeting reasons, so we figured out ways to integrate the new countertop extension, custom oak banquette dining nook, and island,” Leah says.
Margaret Austin
To further open up the kitchen to the living room and to views of the outdoors, the design team knocked down the wall between the kitchen and the dining room, which expanded the space. For the banquette nook, Leah and team designed the white oak dining table with Matt Scanlan to fit perfectly.
Margaret Austin
In the living room, all the windows were replaced, but the natural wood trim keeps the ‘70s vibes going. An additional window on the adjacent wall was added to capture light from the south and open up the space. Custom built-in shelving was designed next to the fireplace to display the client’s record player, records, books, and plants.
Margaret Austin
Another goal was to expand the primary bathroom and add a soaking tub. “We replaced an unnecessarily large, windowless walk-in closet with an ensuite bathroom with picture windows, a green Heath floor tile, and soaking tub,” Leah explains. “We adapted to the long, narrow space by creating a tub/shower wetroom at one end, and a toilet room at the other. The space has a very peaceful, Zen feel. We designed the custom white oak vanity and concrete countertop to continue the use of natural, earthy materials, and the Workstead sconces over the mirrors give off a warm light.”
Margaret Austin
Leah designed custom floor-to-ceiling white oak built-in closets with a local millworker. And to finish the space, In Common With light fixtures were installed.
Margaret Austin
The newly redesigned home is open, light-filled, and really does make one feel like they’re living in the trees. “She loves it,” Leah says of the owner. “When you walk into the house, it feels immediately meditative and deeply personal, with the expansive windows, vaulted ceilings, and connection to nature.”
