Nicole Hollis designs a gem of a Napa Valley guest house
Interior design studio Nicole Hollis has crafted this elegantly balanced Napa Valley guest house, working alongside Arcanum Architecture
San Francisco-based interior design studio Nicole Hollis curates spaces with impact. Its balanced rooms centre around distinctive patterns, kaleidoscopic lighting or ornate artworks, and its recently completed Napa Valley guest house maintains an elegant and outlandish style, designed alongside San Francisco Bay Area-based studio Arcanum Architecture.
Napa Valley guest house with darkly chic interiors
The two studios collaborated in the design and selection of all materials, fixtures and finishes for the project. The structure’s two outside spaces comprise a small deck, extended beneath an awning from the main body of the house and continuing on from a bedroom at the building’s extremity, allowing the room to open up to the outdoors. Additionally, a central cavity blurs indoor and outdoor space, with a fire pit sitting on pale concrete flooring, framed in black and continuing from the living room, which can be fully exposed through pocket sliding doors.
The property is based in the heart of the Napa Valley wine region, and takes full advantage of its setting, with views onto a vineyard throughout. The decor for the living room-come-patio introduces soft tones in organic textures which, backed by the natural surroundings, encourage a sense of calm. Eponymous founder and creative director of Nicole Hollis studio comments on the dynamic nature of the build, 'in the summer the shade of the interior draws you in, and in the winter the space has a warmth that envelopes you'.
A custom pendant light in the living room is made from opaque grey and cotton cords, and designed by Doug Johnston. The consideration continues in the concrete planters from Mecox Gardens, which hold low-sitting greenery, while a monumental tree offers variations in height, along with a feeling of safety.
The project spans 1,000 sq ft and houses a fully integrated kitchenette, featuring black marble from Da Vinci Marble and concealable behind tri-fold doors. Vintage oak easy chairs, circa 1952 by Hans Wegner, bring a modernist touch, while an Arno Declercq coffee table, consisting of a charred oak base and a contrasting limestone slab top adds to the interiors’ dark allure.
Black and grey walls are made warm through the use of texture. Shou Sugi Ban (charred) wooden panelling in the living room creates a richly tactile finish, while dark plaster covers the walls in the bedrooms, sweeps of motion on the surface bringing depth. Meanwhile, natural light and broad exposures retain a sense of being within nature, 'the open air living area connects to the landscape and stunning views,' comments Hollis. The balance of inside and out at this Napa Valley guest house ensures a continuous feeling of calm throughout.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Martha Elliott is the Junior Digital News Editor at Wallpaper*. After graduating from university she worked in arts-based behavioural therapy, then embarked on a career in journalism, joining Wallpaper* at the start of 2022. She reports on art, design and architecture, as well as covering regular news stories across all channels.
-
Looking forward to Tate Modern’s 25th anniversary party
From 9-12 May 2025, Tate Modern, one of London’s most adored art museums, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a lively weekend of festivities
By Smilian Cibic Published
-
‘Music is in the DNA of the brand’: AV Vattev on creating this year’s loudest accessory
Rising London designer AV Vattev – who has recently outfitted Charli XCX and Troye Sivan for their viral ‘Sweat’ tour – talks about the influence of music on his ‘bold and unapologetic’ collections
By Jack Moss Published
-
The case of Casa Batlló: inside Antoni Gaudí’s ‘happiest’ work
Casa Batlló by Catalan master architect Antoni Gaudí has just got a refresh; we find out more
By Ellie Stathaki Published
-
Birch Selsdon is a new country escape on London’s doorstep
Birch Selsdon hotel and members’ club is set to open in spring 2023, offering relaxation and natural surroundings just a short skip from London’s bustle
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Interior renovation of Edinburgh support hub calls on local community
Ace Design Studio’s interior renovation breathes new life into the Edinburgh home of Multi-Cultural Family Base, whose community reach enabled the refurb
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Studio Ashby unveils tranquil interiors at One Crown Place
In muted punctuations of mossy green and vibrant timbers, Studio Ashby has filled the apartments at One Crown Place in London’s Shoreditch with the ‘Sophie Ashby Collection’, completing the introduction of the tower’s spaces
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Deirdre Dyson’s new geometric rugs cover all the angles
Deirdre Dyson offers a vivid geometry lesson with her ten-strong, made-to-measure ‘Angles’ rug collection
By Martha Elliott Last updated
-
Fun and sustainable 3D-printed desk accessories as Pearson Lloyd adds to ‘bFriends‘ series for Bene
From pen pots to stackable wildlife: new ‘bFriends’ bioplastic desk accessories from Pearson Lloyd for Bene
By Martha Elliott Published
-
Coedition lands its first colourful showroom in Paris
By Luke Halls Last updated