California Coastal

Hebert and Ewald follow up Design Mixology with a sumptuous showcase of luxury beachfront homes in the Golden State. A modernist ethos prevails throughout, as seen in the sparsely decorated, minimalist bedroom of a Santa Cruz bungalow or the open floor plan of a Sea Ranch abode. Exploring how the homes’ architects draw influence from the landscape, the authors describe how designer Dan Weber preserved the impression of untouched nature when constructing a Santa Barbara County house by building the structure into a hillside and covering the roof with native vegetation. Also spotlighted is Butler Armsden Architects’ renovation of a Sonoma house with locally sourced redwood and Douglas fir exterior paneling, and a blue glass kitchen backsplash that evokes the sea. Other architects took their cues from their clients, the authors write, discussing how Jae Omar designed the spacious interiors of a Palisades home to reflect the owners’ openness. In addition to providing valuable insight into how architects conceive their designs, the authors demonstrate the transformative effect that one statement piece can have on a room, such as striking walnut paneling carved to resemble rippling waves or a reflective dining table with curved surfaces intended to resemble a melting glacier. Connoisseurs of high-end design will find much to savor.

Heather Sandy Hebert has spent her life immersed in literature, design, and wine. Raised in Marin County, she studied both literature and design, and earned an MBA along the way. After twenty-five years in the field of architecture, she embarked upon a second phase of her career, pursuing her love of storytelling. She now works with numerous design, hospitality, and wine clients, large and small, to help them craft and convey their stories. Her previous books are The New Architecture of Wine, At Home in the Wine Country (coauthored with Ewald), and Design Mixology (coauthored with Ewald).

Chase Reynolds Ewald is the author of 18 books on architecture, design, rustic style and western living. Recent titles include Wild Sugar with artisan baker Lady in the Wild West, as well as At Home in the Wine Country and Design Mixology, coauthored with Heather Sandy Hebert. American Rustic, Rustic Modern, Cabin Style and Bison: Portrait of an Icon were published. A graduate of Yale and U.C. Berkeley’s Graduate School of Journalism, she lives in Northern California, works with clients across the country, and takes road trips across the West whenever possible.