Behind the Design: A Mediterranean-Inspired Remodel in Granite Bay

Aug 19

Blending old-world elegance with contemporary comfort

Some homes are simply houses. While others are layered with memories, personal touches, and a deep emotional connection. That was the case with our client’s Tuscan-inspired Granite Bay residence. After twenty years in the home they had lovingly built, the owners were ready for a change.

They were at a crossroads: start fresh in a new home or reinvest in the place they had poured their hearts into. Ultimately, their love for their home’s unique character won, and the design challenge became clear: modernize without losing the soul of the space.

This month on the blog, we’re excited to take you behind the scenes of this Neoclassical Revival project and show you how we stayed true to the home’s roots while upgrading it for our clients.

*Kristen Elizabeth Design, Photographer: Stephanie Russo*

A Home Refresh Rooted in Purpose

This was no minor touch-up. The scope was a full refresh of the nearly 7,500 square foot, 5-bed, 7-bath home. We focused on the main bedroom, living room, entryway, encalve, family room, dining room, breakfast nook, powder room, and kitchen lighting—a full-scale cosmetic remodel and furnishing update. Our goal was twofold: breathe fresh life into the home and solve functional issues that had built up over time.

The first order of business? The walls. Originally covered in a decorative plaster intended to evoke the romance of an 18th-century Italian Villa, they felt heavy and dated. To let the home’s natural light shine and pay homage to its Mediterranean roots, we applied a Vasari hand-painted limewash, in a linen color, throughout most of the house. The result was transformative. Subtle texture, luminous depth, and a bright, sun-washed quality immediately elevated every space. The dining room remained an intentional exception, where we preserved the original finish to maintain a sense of timeless drama.

Design With Depth and Heart

The design aesthetic leaned into the home’s original European inspiration, but with a refreshed take, layering textures and neutrals to create a sense of airiness, while still honoring the drama of each space that the clients loved. Natural materials like elegant mohair, tight linens, hand-carved stone, and reclaimed lumber set the tone, with color reserved for curated accents: artfully placed vases, playful pillows, and expressive artwork.

Every room was designed with intention and individuality. For example, the family room, which previously lacked function, was reimagined as a hub for everyday living and entertaining. A thoughtfully planned Rowe sectional and swivel chairs combination reshaped the space into a true gathering space.

In the main bedroom, cozy elegance reigned. A plush Nathan Anthony Teddy Chair now offers a spot to curl up in the morning light or wind down at night—perfect for hangouts or quiet moments of reflection.

Throughout the home, furnishings and details were chosen to feel elevated, but never precious. In the living room, wingback chairs help balance the volume and scale of the stone hearth and cathedral ceilings. A Regina Andrew chandelier in the enclave subtly spotlights the soaring ceiling while a large mirror reflects both light and artistry. The breakfast nook, designed with casual family moments in mind, is anchored by a Four Hands table and bench—ideal for lazy weekend mornings and gathering with grandkids.

Another standout moment? The Global Views chandelier in the dining room, a sculptural yet elegant piece that encapsulates the balance of old-world sophistication and contemporary edge. It felt like the perfect punctuation mark for a space that honors the past while leaning into the future.

Trust in the Process

As with any project of this scale, there were challenges. Furniture delays, still a reality in the post-pandemic landscape, required patience and planning. But more importantly, we worked closely with our clients to build trust in the process. For many homeowners, this level of investment is both exciting and daunting. Part of our role was demystifying the journey: guiding them toward choices that offered both beauty and long-term value, without overpromising.

Their trust paid off. While they had initially been excited about the idea of limewash walls, they were blown away by how transformative the finish turned out to be. It was the perfect way to refresh the space—giving it new life, while retaining the history and feeling they loved about the original space.

A Home Designed for the Next Chapter

In the end, this wasn’t just a renovation. It was a thoughtful evolution, a way to stay rooted in a home full of history while creating space for new memories, new traditions, and new generations. It was a joy to work with our clients who cared so deeply about their space and saw its potential beyond aesthetics.

And of course, we can’t forget Malibu, the family’s beloved golden retriever, who greeted us at the door with endless tail wags.

This home now feels as timeless as ever and is ready for the next chapter of life.