northern California home renovation — Sacramento Interior Design - Blog - Kristen Elizabeth Design

A harmonious blend of style, comfort, and sophistication

This month on the blog, we’re thrilled to share that our Calm and Collected project has been highlighted in AD Italia! A big thank you to the AD Italia team, we are honored to be included as a special feature. To give you a closer look, we’re diving into an in-depth before and after, so you can explore all the details behind this stunning project.

When a couple left the chaos of the Bay Area tech scene and relocated to a peaceful 5-acre Loomis countryside estate, they were drawn to the ample space, idyllic surroundings, and thoughtful layout. However, the aesthetic didn’t reflect their style. The house, a time capsule of the early 2000s, felt dark and dated in a French Country aesthetic. Our clients saw the strong bones and potential beneath the outdated features and were ready for a fresh start. Keep reading to discover how we transformed this home into a warm inviting, timeless California residence.

Before: Stuck in the Past

The home was in desperate need of an upgrade, with a design that belonged to a different era—remember when sponge-painted walls were trendy? The original build had potential, but the faux architectural elements and overwhelming dark palette took away from the beauty of the space. Large windows were hidden behind shutters and bulky drapery, blocking the natural light the home deserved. The homeowners wanted to brighten things up and create interiors that felt both fresh and timeless. Our goal was clear: breathe new life into the space while honoring the structure's strong bones.

Every room needed an update, from the entryway to the family room. While the layout remained intact, we knew that a full transformation, including a kitchen remodel and updating all surfaces, finishes, and furnishings throughout, was necessary to achieve the clean, classic look the clients desired.

The Transformation: Breathing New Life Into the Home

Updating a 6,500-square-foot home is no small task, but we embraced the challenge. In addition to overhauling the look and feel of the home, we also wanted to draw stunning views from the backyard inside. To accomplish this, we updated every room. With new cabinetry, flooring, lighting, furnishings, custom design elements, and fresh paint throughout, we transformed the home into a space that was truly reflective of our clients.

Taking inspiration from Quiet Luxury we used classic design principles and elevated materials to create an understated yet undeniably sophisticated home. We looked to the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly Mission style, and married it with a laid-back California vibe. Authenticity was key, so every material we used was chosen for its craftsmanship and timeless appeal.

The Entryway

The inviting entryway makes for a grand yet welcoming first impression, offering guests an immediate sense of luxury as they arrive. Using classic materials and shapes, we paired a custom mosaic marble mat with a mercury glass and chainmail pendant light overhead. The interplay of materials is subtle yet captivating.

The Kitchen

The kitchen was a complete overhaul. We updated cabinetry and surfaces to create a cohesive, functional design. Custom inset cabinetry includes a combination of traditional style doors, frosted glass fronts, and open shelving that gives the space a varied yet balanced and elevated look. The island is a showstopper, featuring a honed, bookmatched Calacatta Borghini Supreme slab that exudes elegance. We balanced this luxurious stone with playful barstools, adding a touch of casual fun. These elements combined with the quiet white Dolomite backsplash, Belgian-inspired terracotta floors, and custom range hood epitomize Quiet Luxury.

The breakfast nook includes a custom-designed built-in with a hidden laptop workstation—perfect for keeping tech out of sight when not in use. The industrial-style light fixture over the table by Hubbardton Forge brings an unexpected edge that elevates the room’s design.

The space is now the true heart of the home—a place where our clients can enjoy casual meals together or host friends for a weekend brunch.

The Living Room

Off the kitchen is the living room, which presented an opportunity to blend comfort with sophistication. We refaced the fireplace in beautiful hand-cut Rocky Mountain granite, added custom white oak beams, and redesigned the millwork to showcase family collectibles and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

With two seating areas, this room is ideal for conversation, free from the distraction of a television. Verellen sofas by the fireplace are some of the most comfortable pieces we’ve ever had the pleasure of sitting in. The custom white oak and steel coffee table by Douglas Allen Designs ties in with the wood and metal accents throughout the space.

For a personal touch, the built-ins were styled with our client's travel mementos—South African statuettes, an ostrich egg, and generational books, among other keepsakes. This serene and elegant space is perfect for entertaining guests, enjoying quiet evenings by the fire, sharing stories, or simply relaxing.

The Powder Room

Glamour meets elegance in the powder room. The room features a laser-cut marble wall, soft pink paint, blue diamond hand-painted terracotta floor tiles, and a luxurious Waterworks commode, all chosen to reflect the homeowner's elevated sense of design and create a space that is purely feminine.

This beautifully crafted space offers guests a charming yet luxurious experience, a small jewel box of personality within the home.

The Dining Room

A departure from the original paint design in the dining room turned out to be a happy accident. The painter mistakenly painted the whole room a rich plumb color—Amazon Soil by Benjamin Moore—leaving the room feeling like a cozy cocoon, wrapped in a deeper, richer hue than originally planned. We decided to keep it, forgoing the chair rail and lighter paint, which would have softened the effect. The Thos. Moser classic walnut table and mohair-covered seating in mossy green complement the drama of the rich walls. And like the breakfast nook, the pendant drop chandelier adds the perfect unexpected element of industrial edge yet sophistication to polish off the space.

The intimate setting is now the perfect backdrop for family dinners, holiday celebrations, and heartfelt conversations over a lovingly prepared meal.

The Primary Bedroom

In the primary bedroom, we embraced color, introducing grasscloth walls in Blue Violet Juicy Jute by Phillip Jeffries, and octagon terracotta tiles for the hearth of the newly refaced fireplace. The balance between vibrant and neutral elements brings a feeling of both relaxation and sophistication.

A luxurious Nathon Anthony bed, dressed in cozy textiles and playful patterned pillows, adds to the serene ambiance. This calming sanctuary is now a peaceful escape, where the couple can unwind at the end of the day, enveloped in understated luxury.

The Family Room

The last stage of the project included the family room, which has a sophisticated yet playful feel. The striped table by Global Views, paired with the green chenille Rowe and Robin Bruce Derby Sectional, brings an unexpected pop of personality.

This relaxed space serves as the home’s ultimate gathering spot, where loved ones can come together for fun and laughter or a quiet, cozy night in.

The Final Result

The completed home is a harmonious blend of quiet luxury, authentic materials, and personal style. We successfully merged the couple’s different design preferences, creating spaces they’ll love for years to come. In the end, this is more than an updated house—it’s a fully reimagined home, where every corner reflects the clients’ personalities. A place where they can relax, entertain, and create lasting memories.