We’re kicking off a new California project this week, set in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in the little town of Three Rivers. For this vacation retreat that doubles as a rental, our clients wanted cozy, relaxed spaces that stay connected to the surrounding landscape. Today, we’re sharing the first two schemes from the project: the foyer and the family room.

Historically the spot where travelers shook off dust before entering the home, the foyer still sets the tone. Here, it’s wrapped in a soft neutral wall paint with a quiet pink undertone that keeps the light warm without drifting into sweetness. Pops of blue and green show up in the lighting and rug, echoing California’s breezy cool tones, while layered woods bring in a subtle nod to the surrounding forest. The overall effect is calm, welcoming, and intentionally simple; just enough to ease you into vacation mode without trying too hard.

Clockwise from Top Left: Benjamin Moore Sonnet, Montclair Light Works Zing 24″ Flush Mount with Glass Globe in Light Blue, Etsy Ceramic Wall Hooks in Butternut, Ruggable Annika Rug in Green, Sarah Sherman Samuel Reika Plinth in Natural available from Lulu and Georgia, The Citizenry Kaia Wood Mirror

Just beyond the foyer, the family room goes all-in on an herbaceous green wall paint with gray undertones. It’s saturated but still grounded — perfect for a space meant to recharge between adventures. A rust-toned rug, inspired by the giant sequoias outside, provides the base of both schemes, and the fireplace gets a refresh with mustard-gold tile handled two different ways: each scheme uses its own distinct texture to nudge the mood in a slightly different direction.

Both family room schemes build on the same foundation: the herbaceous green walls, the rust-toned carpet inspired by the surrounding sequoias, and the updated fireplace clad in golden-brown tile. From there, the two directions diverge. One leans warm and relaxed, layering gold and tan accents over wood flooring for an easy, unfussy mix of textures. The other sharpens the contrast with black details and slightly moodier silhouettes, bringing a more graphic edge while still staying soft through curves, woven elements, and plush upholstery. Together, they offer two distinct ways to balance California ease with a modern mountain sensibility.

Clockwise from Top Left: Benjamin Moore High Park, West Elm Laughton Semi-Flush Mount, Fireclay Tile Columbia Plateau, Courbe Green Ceramic Table Lamp with Rattan Shade by Athena Calderone available from Crate & Barrel, West Elm Ericsson Media Console, CB2 Laszlo 80″ Dark Grey Velvet Apartment Sofa, Pendleton Turquoise Crosses Square Pillow, Zara Home Soft Check Blanket with Fringing, AllModern Mallory Area Rug in Light Beige/Rust, Thuma Pillar Coffee Table, CB2 Abruzzo Brown Leather Tufted Chair
Clockwise from Top Left: Benjamin Moore High Park, Rancourt 3-Light Black Finished Long Arms Dimmable Classic Semi-Flush Mount Light Fixture available from Wayfair, Cemento Bubble 4×4 Square Golden Yellow Ceramic Tile, Courbe Green Ceramic Table Lamp with Rattan Shade by Athena Calderone available from Crate & Barrel, Room & Board Slim Media Console in Natural Steel, CB2 Newt 97″ Ivory Boucle Curved Sofa, Pendleton Turquoise Crosses Square Pillow, Tasara Ochre Throw available from Perigold, AllModern Mallory Area Rug in Light Beige/Rust, Pottery Barn Huntington Wicker Round Outdoor Coffee Table with Storage in Natural, Joon Loloi Theodore Swivel Chair in Luster Olive Velvet Performance

These opening schemes sketch out a clear direction for the home: inviting, nature-forward spaces that balance California ease with a modern mountain feel. And, we’re just getting started! More sneak peeks from this project will be rolling out in the weeks ahead.