- Interior
In the heart of California's wine country, just a three-hour drive from bustling Los Angeles, a crafted ranch-style home stands out as a sophisticated retreat amid idyllic vineyards. Infused with a harmonious blend of rural charm and contemporary elegance, this home serves as a full-time residence for its winemaking owners and avid art collectors.
Located in Los Olivos, tucked away in the scenic Santa Ynez Valley, it reflects the breathtaking surroundings of Santa Barbara County, with its sprawling vineyards, wineries and rustic allure. The house, originally built in the 1980s, has an attractive and spacious ranch-style design stretching across acres of vineyards, surrounded by olive trees, horses and even emus. For interior designer Corinne Mathern, who led the project, the drive to the Santa Ynez Valley alone was an inspiration. Her goal was to create a calming and inspiring environment that provided the perfect backdrop for the residents' lives. The interior spaces of the house are carefully shaped around intricate stone patterns, with furniture playing a central role. Natural wood and understated cream-coloured plaster form the base, while moody black stones add a touch of modern charm.The result is a timeless interior that reflects the essence of its surroundings while embracing contemporary elegance.The residents, not only winemakers but also avid art collectors with a love of travel, assigned the house as the home for their sons. In collaboration with the interior designer, the house was given a tangible reflection not only of the owners' personalities but also of their art collection. Iconic furniture pieces formed the basis for the design, while artistic finishes, such as the carved stone sink in the 'powder room', create a unique atmosphere.
Iconic pieces of furniture formed the basis for the design
The house's colour palettes are infused with natural wood tones, muted cream plaster and subtle layers of black stone, evoking a sense of sophistication and modern aesthetics. Notable is an original Michael Taylor sofa, reupholstered in sky blue Pierre Frey mohair, introducing the only dose of colour into the house. Mathern, who is always inspired by nature, has created a masterpiece that not only reflects the Californian landscape, but also an oasis of tranquillity and sophistication. The project, led by a detail-oriented contractor called "Maestro", required patience and precision, especially for the intricate stone patterns and plaster finishes. A project that took two years, from contract signing to installation, but was worth every investment of time and effort.The result is not just any house; it is a sophisticated reflection of the residents' lives, a place where tranquillity and beauty go hand in hand. The colour palette, furniture and artworks harmonise to create a space that is not only visually appealing, but also steeped in the soul of its occupants.In this crafted home, amid the vineyards, not only does the natural splendour of California come alive, but also the personal aesthetic of those who call the house home.It is an invitation to enter a world of timeless elegance, where every detail has been thought through and where life is celebrated in the warm glow of the vineyards. Photography by Nicole Franzen
Interior Design by Corinne Mathern
Text by Elke Aerts