A classic Mid-Century gem, this La Jolla hillside home is my own and truly is a reflection of my ethos, visual language, and aesthetic principles as an interior designer. Infusing new life into found pieces, highlighting family heirlooms, and combining design-forward decor with practical functionality makes inspired spaces that are artfully intriguing while also fit for families.

Featuring hallmark Mid-Century vaulted ceilings and a sunken living room, the perfect family enclave is framed with clerestory windows, letting in the expansive Pacific ocean views at all angles. The original flagstone and quartzite stone fireplace, another key Mid-Century must-have, anchors the space and provides a focal point for the family room furniture. Fundamentally vintage, the living area is modernized with a mix of cleverly sourced pieces, artwork, and personal mementos.

The perfect perch to admire the view, play eye spy with a telescope or a game of chess, the languidly curved wood table and matching chairs were amazing garage sale finds. I reupholstered them in a rich chocolate mohair to bring them up to date with a luxurious finish. The cool zebra rug, adding a pop of print to define the space, originally came from Craig’s List. Adjacent, an antique piano serves as both a visual showstopper as well as a musical outlet for the kids.

A sumptuous brown leather chaise expertly divides the family room into a seating area that welcomes people to gather while a navy sofa is abundant in vintage textile pillows tying in a variety of colors brought in by knicknacks, art books, sculptures, and souvenirs. Two hammered brass coffee tables add just the right amount of metallic shine to lift the otherwise neutral color palette, underscored by a warm tonal Turkish rug. For an effusive glow that ups the design aesthetic, a Herman Miller Saucer pendant lamp and Noguchi’s Akari E pendant lamp hang like art installations from the ceiling.

Another Mid-Century keeper are the original built-ins in light wood. The shelving unit provides ample space to spotlight artwork, coral collectibles, an ironically top-shelf tequila assortment that looks too beautiful to drink, and other keepsakes from around the world and across the generations. A variety of oil paintings, figure drawings, hats, and mounted deer heads wind across the opposite wall tying in references from Granny’s ranch to California coastal favorites bringing the seascape inside.

A bedroom is a space that’s inherently deeply personal, before any design flourishes make an appearance. A place for well-earned solace, slumber and solitude, the primary bedroom should feel like one’s home within the home. Given this sensibility, I wanted to pay homage to my Granny and Papa who’s ranch gave me millions of warm childhood memories. Their oriental rug from the 1940s, made of woven wool and silk, is super close to my heart and I designed the entire space around its mossy green-gray colorblocking and winding floral pattern.

I went for a maximalist approach by mixing pattern on pattern that is balanced by neutral bedding and a green velvet couch. The St. Frank’s geometric fabric for the curtains feel graphic and retro at the same time and I played off of that with a matching upholstered headboard and pillows in a complimentary purple-and-taupe colorway. Artwork of our beloved dog Lucy and our two children enjoying their ice cream continues the familial theme.

Rounding out the tribute to dear grandparents, all of the furniture including the Mid-Century Modern dresser and side tables were passed down as well from Granny and Papa. I had them refurbished at a great company called The Mahogany Shop, restoring all of their luster and former glory. Simply styled with a tray, book, and pottery also from their collection, these treasures get a new lease on life decades later. A colorful vintage pot and modern photograph make a bold, green splash together (although stylistically dissimilar) while a lush fiddle leaf tree graces the room with a welcome oversized, sculptural presence.