Hilltop Retreat

CARMEL VALLEY, CA

Upon finding this hilltop retreat in Carmel Valley, with its distasteful butter yellow interior and blue gray exterior – I saw right through the unpleasantry of the structure and being so mesmerized by the site, I knew immediately what it could become.

The exterior was immediately painted a dark earthy black to disappear into the lush green hillside, while the interior took on a warm white canvas backdrop for the lightshow to take place. This also set the scene for the light to cast amazing shadows onto the sculptural furnishings, art, and objects, throughout the day. And in the evening, nature would show off with its warm fire sky sunsets.

Contrasted against the white walls are rich, earthy, sculptural forms by Faye Toogood, Ben and Aja Blanc, Marcela Diaz, Arno Declerq and many other talented artisans whose work I’ve collected throughout the years. These works provide scale and texture while also being warm. It is very important to me that nothing be too precious, a home should feel livable. Life is hard enough - you shouldn’t also feel the need to walk on eggshells in your own home.

The end result was real indoor outdoor artful livability. Textured, layered, dynamic, yet serene. A true retreat.

This house was Carissa’s home from 2016 to early 2019.