How Vintage Charm and Heritage Prints Revitalize a Historic Californian Home
Lily and her husband, Andrew, had admired their dream home in Larkspur, California, for years before it became theirs. They were drawn to its secluded position, surrounded by mature trees and boasting an expansive backyard featuring a classic pool and towering hedges that provide privacy. The neighborhood also appealed to them, offering access to the beautiful trails of Mount Tamalpais, with San Francisco Bay inlets to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. When the property went up for sale, they seized the opportunity to make it their own.
Research uncovered that this home was originally constructed in 1921 for the town's mayor. Designed in the Arts & Crafts style with black shingles and mahogany accents, the redwood materials were sourced from the canyon nearby, harvested a century ago, and marked with the home's address at the local mill. Local lore suggests that the best square dances took place in the barn that once stood in the backyard.
The home's rich history, provenance, and setting make it exceptional, but its recent renovation by talented San Francisco interior designer, Caitlin Flemming, has taken it to a new level of charm.
Join us on a tour of the home as Caitlin shares her vision and inspiration for the project, detailing how she and her clients achieved a harmonious balance between respecting the home's past and embracing its future.
"This project was a dream and a true collaboration," Caitlin explains. "Lily and I resonated with each other's ideas, which helped manifest them into the home. Our thoughts aligned seamlessly on several key aspects. We brightened the floors by replacing the dark-stained red oak with a fresh French white oak, painted the walls in Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore, and incorporated wallpaper in various areas. Aiming to complete the work within months, we wanted the family to move in before the school year started."
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, where Lily spends quality time crafting meals for her family and friends, often filled with fresh produce from the local farmers market. The design features an inviting family dining area with a rustic table and vintage French chairs adorned with custom cushions from Les Indiennes.
A lengthy soapstone island provides ample workspace while large windows and French doors allow for beautiful outdoor views. The open-plan layout creates a spacious atmosphere and promotes tranquility throughout the main living areas.
The kitchen also offers plenty of opportunities to showcase vintage treasures, such as chopping boards and market baskets, alongside bespoke narrow display shelves for additional finds.
Sense of Place - the latest book by designer Caitlin Flemming
Caitlin Flemming is recognized for her blog Sacramento Street and her popular coffee table book, Travel Home. Her upcoming book, Sense of Place, will be published later this year and is available for presale.
"The client had a sophisticated vision for her home," Caitlin notes. "I assisted her in selecting the ideal textiles and furnishings. Much of the furniture we discovered was antique, and we were fortunate to find the perfect pieces."
The dining room features the stunning Meadow Suite wallpaper by Morris & Co., with curtains and cushions on the bench made from Vasant Teal by Wells Abbott. The table, chairs, bench, and mirror are a mix of custom and antique items sourced from Elsie Green.
A critical aspect of the redesign was achieving the perfect color palette. "The colors chosen for the home reflect the natural beauty outside," Caitlin explains. "In summer, the hills of Northern California turn a lovely golden hue, while the waters in winter creeks and the ocean shift from slate greens to browns and blues. This is the palette we incorporated into the home."
Caitlin's living room design showcases a linen sofa by Verellen, with antique chairs upholstered in Fern by Les Indiennes. The large pillows on the sofa are Gobi Green by Penny Morrison. "Installing the tall cabinet in the living room was nerve-wracking," Caitlin admits. "Its impressive height serves as the focal point of the room."
The gallery wall in the living room mirrors the home's color scheme while reflecting the hues of the Northern Californian landscape outside, adding a cohesive touch to the interiors. The textile patterns on the cushions and poufs blend beautifully with the dining room's wallpaper and curtains, a crucial consideration in a space that opens to the adjacent area.
The primary bedroom is located upstairs, where all rooms maintain a light and airy feel. The bedroom features a serene custom linen bed from Cisco Home, paired with a vintage chaise from Elsie Green upholstered in Les Indiennes fabric, echoing the downstairs print in a different colorway. Custom pillows on both the chaise and bed are crafted from Lisa Fine fabric.
Guests are sure to enjoy a restful night in this room. The guest bedroom features striking natural fabric blinds that provide privacy while still offering treetop views. The palette of soft pastels and neutrals continues into this space, preserving the harmony throughout the home.
The son's bedroom includes French doors leading to the terrace and backyard. Various wool plaids are utilized, with a blanket at the end of the bed from Tartan & Company and fabric for the curtains by Holland & Sherry. Horizontal cladding on the walls enhances the outdoor feel, making this an ideal space for garden access.
Caitlin suggested converting part of the closet into a compact desk area in the son's room. This dedicated workspace helps minimize clutter and maximizes floor space.
Reflecting on the entire project, Caitlin shares, "This was a dream project. Lily and I were in sync, and our ideas came together beautifully in the home. It was a genuine collaboration." The results are nothing short of delightful: a seamless blend of old and new, a balance between the house and its surrounding landscape, and a joyful combination of prints and patterns that imbue the home with character and personality.
Design Caitlin Flemming
Photography Stephanie Russo