HORSE HILL MILL VALLEY CA

The promise of quintessential indoor-outdoor California living defines a home that feels as easy as slipping on a pair of your favorite jeans

An agrarian vernacular inspires the lived-in luxury and loft design of this home in Mill Valley, California. Fascinated by the idea of “repurposing,” the owners collaborated with the Bay Area interior designer team of Studio Collins Weir to develop a dialog between crafted and found objects. The resulting home is both gracious and grounded in artisanship.

The vaulted living, dining and kitchen area sets the tone with a welcoming openness reminiscent of warehouse loft interior design. Anchoring the sweeping space is the dining table: This majestic live-edge eucalyptus slab is the former work table of British sculptor David Nash and is pockmarked by the artist’s chainsaw. Reclaimed materials weave a sense of authenticity throughout the home including leather barstools by Jim Zivic, crafted from recycled belts of a printing press, and a lounge chair by Max Lipsey made from bike-frame manufacturing parts, referencing the family’s passion for cycling. 

Custom furniture by Studio Collins Weir is crafted with the client in mind such as the glass-topped walnut and brass coffee table that displays the family’s collection of art books. The studio’s custom pieces also include an office desk made from Douglas fir, a breakfast room banquette as well as the integral built-ins in the bedrooms. These moments are paired with the family’s highly personal art collection of work by contemporary and emerging artists. Furnishings by designers such as Hans Wegner, Poul Kjaerholm and Carl Auböck introduce yet another layer to the atmosphere of refinement.

The elemental palette takes its cue from the surrounding Marin valley vistas and architectural materials including matte black corrugated siding, waxed steel surfaces and poured concrete floors.

A priority for a family who wanted to feel their history in the newly-built home, the spaces and materials will patina over time. Open most of the year to the pool and lush landscape, the home celebrates a Northern California lifestyle and the casual refinement of Marin interior design. This is a home where indoor-outdoor living is paramount and wet feet from the yard are welcome.