Robert Holgate Design
Robert Holgate Design
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Inverness: A Retreat Inspired by Nature

Inverness: A Retreat Inspired by Nature

 

This project was a whole house remodel and was the third project I worked on with these clients.  A local metalsmith made the peace sign out of a metal ring and a Manzanita branch that was cut on the property.  The design of the front door was inspired by the paintings of Piet Mondrian; I designed it to reflect the clients’ love of the unique. 

We used grass cloth wallpaper, glazing on the opposite ends of the living room and kitchen, gold travertine tiles on the floor, old redwood moldings and various fabric textures to create warmth and depth throughout the home. The fireplace surround was made by seaming together two slabs of granite to create a beautiful pattern reminiscent of a Rorschach test. The cabinets in the kitchen are made from recycled wine vats that were sandblasted to give them a ridged texture. We created natural luxury and comfort in the master bedroom with silk dupioni curtains, deep shag carpet and a taxidermy kaleidoscope of butterflies pinned to the wall. 

Outside, we created a peaceful retreat for relaxing and entertaining.  East Bay artist Marcia Donahue created the beautifully organic ceramic bamboo sculptures planted throughout the garden.  On the deck we installed a stainless steel soaking tub.  We designed the metal railing to disappear into the foliage surrounding the property and the tall bamboo fence to curve around an old growth tree.