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My Houzz: Hillside Home in Northern California
A stylist capitalizes on a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and natural light in every room of her contemporary family home
Photography and photo editing for all occasions: live event, corporate, headshot, and of course interiors and architecture.
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Sarah Alba scours the country to find editorial-worthy interiors as a field editor and stylist for home design and lifestyle magazines. Five years ago Sarah and her husband, Matt, finally found a home of their own to start a family on a scenic hillside lot in San Rafael, California, just north of San Francisco. The couple opened up the house to the sun with an extensive deck addition to both levels, added glass doors and decorated every room with Alba's clean, transitional style.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sarah Alba, husband Matt, 2-year-old daughter Ashlyn and black Lab Jett
Location: San Rafael, California
Size: 1,800 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
That's interesting: The kitchen features an asymmetrical walnut slab countertop found at a lumberyard.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Sarah Alba, husband Matt, 2-year-old daughter Ashlyn and black Lab Jett
Location: San Rafael, California
Size: 1,800 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
That's interesting: The kitchen features an asymmetrical walnut slab countertop found at a lumberyard.
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| Alex Amend: Do you have a favorite designer? Sarah Alba: I work with so many designers who are incredibly talented, it wouldn't be fair to pick just one. However, I am always drawn to Serena and Lily products as inspiration because of their love of color and pattern and their unique, eclectic items that seem to bring any room together. Couch: Furniture Envy; vase: Leftovers; bamboo bowl: West Elm; tray, pillows: Target; table lamp: HD Buttercup; artwork: Etsy; vintage bar tray/stand: Alameda Flea Market |
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| Alba likes to mix old with new, and loves shopping at flea markets. Her favorite is the Alameda Point Antiques Faire. "I like the thrill of finding something and transforming it into a more practical piece. When I have time, I test my DIY skills," she says. AA: What is your best bargain find of late? SA: A 100-year-old tray and stand from the Alameda Faire for only $15. Bookshelf: West Elm; Brazilian cherry wood floors: Home Depot |
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AA: How does having a young child influence purchases for your home?
SA: It probably hasn't much. If you didn't know us, you wouldn't know we have a toddler. I have decorative storage hiding toys and shoes, and an extra row of cabinets in the dining room to hide arts and crafts galore. I actually think too many people give up their homes to their children, with toys everywhere. I don't think having children equates to giving up on nice decor and design.
Mirror: West Elm; lamps: Maison Reve; vase: Rolling Greens Nursery
SA: It probably hasn't much. If you didn't know us, you wouldn't know we have a toddler. I have decorative storage hiding toys and shoes, and an extra row of cabinets in the dining room to hide arts and crafts galore. I actually think too many people give up their homes to their children, with toys everywhere. I don't think having children equates to giving up on nice decor and design.
Mirror: West Elm; lamps: Maison Reve; vase: Rolling Greens Nursery
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Alba created this original art piece titled "Paint Palette" to decorate the well-lit stairwell next to the entry. Since she didn't have the budget to purchase a large art piece, she created this one from paint swatches. The piece provides visitors a hint at Alba's profession.
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AA: Did the outdoor additions change your lifestyle?
SA: There was a deck that ran the length of the living room, but it was too narrow to enjoy the space outside. We created the deck off of the dining room with sliding window doors to make the space feel larger and create an indoor-outdoor feel. It dramatically expanded the use of our home once we had our daughter. We spend our summer nights entertaining outside.
Window curtains, hardware, mirror: West Elm; candleholder: Tyler Florence; bowl: Bloomingdale's
SA: There was a deck that ran the length of the living room, but it was too narrow to enjoy the space outside. We created the deck off of the dining room with sliding window doors to make the space feel larger and create an indoor-outdoor feel. It dramatically expanded the use of our home once we had our daughter. We spend our summer nights entertaining outside.
Window curtains, hardware, mirror: West Elm; candleholder: Tyler Florence; bowl: Bloomingdale's
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Alba added this "mommy desk" and small window to the built-in cabinetry in the dining room. She wanted to give herself an area to work in while being near her daughter while she plays in the adjoining living room. The mirrored backsplash reflects light and the panoramic view from the other side of the house, expanding the feel of the space.
Stool: Wisteria; lamp: Target; upper-cabinet hardware: Anthropologie; lower-cabinet hardware: Bauer Design
Stool: Wisteria; lamp: Target; upper-cabinet hardware: Anthropologie; lower-cabinet hardware: Bauer Design
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Alba installed this walnut slab countertop to create more dining space and encourage interaction between the kitchen and living space.
AA: Why did you choose to use a raw wood slab instead of a more conventional bar?
SA: I've got a funny fixation with driftwood and raw wood. You'll notice it everywhere around the house. I love the idea of mixing contemporary and traditional with completely organic. I suppose I like the element of surprise.
Bowls: Anthropologie; napkins: Cost Plus World Market
AA: Why did you choose to use a raw wood slab instead of a more conventional bar?
SA: I've got a funny fixation with driftwood and raw wood. You'll notice it everywhere around the house. I love the idea of mixing contemporary and traditional with completely organic. I suppose I like the element of surprise.
Bowls: Anthropologie; napkins: Cost Plus World Market
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Alba made it a point to not make her daughter Ashlyn's room overly feminine. She paired gray walls with silver and black patterned wallpaper from Zoffany to dampen the pink items in the room. Framed artwork found at flea markets adds a playful visual touch.
Bedding, mobile: Pottery Barn; stuffed animal: Kohl's; stacked side tables: Serena & Lily; rug: Target
Bedding, mobile: Pottery Barn; stuffed animal: Kohl's; stacked side tables: Serena & Lily; rug: Target
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AA: Do you have any design tips for parents of young children?
SA: Buy items and fabrics that are washable and durable — indoor-outdoor rugs and microfiber upholstery for furniture — and use creative and attractive storage bins and baskets where you can. Keep your favorite decorative items out of reach.
Window hardware: West Elm; curtains: Pottery Barn; art print: Etsy
SA: Buy items and fabrics that are washable and durable — indoor-outdoor rugs and microfiber upholstery for furniture — and use creative and attractive storage bins and baskets where you can. Keep your favorite decorative items out of reach.
Window hardware: West Elm; curtains: Pottery Barn; art print: Etsy
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Alba spray painted this bamboo ladder peacock blue to add color and fun in her daughter's bathroom.
Step stool: Giggle; ladder: Z Gallerie
Step stool: Giggle; ladder: Z Gallerie
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AA: What would be your ultimate dream home purchase if money were no object?
SA: Herringbone wood flooring throughout the house.
Stool: Serena & Lily; curtains, art: West Elm
SA: Herringbone wood flooring throughout the house.
Stool: Serena & Lily; curtains, art: West Elm
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| AA: Tell me about your design dilemmas. SA: I dislike the lack of storage. I added open-shelving bookshelves into several rooms in order to create extra storage and room for displays. There is also a lack of overhead lighting, but by installing windows and glass doors, we now get plenty of natural light. Curtains: West Elm; stool: Serena & Lily |
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| In this third bedroom a cozy West Elm loveseat and cushioned ottoman create an inviting sitting area. A shelf with matching bins from Serena & Lily provides storage. Side table: Z Gallerie; table lamp: Target; curtains, mirror: West Elm |
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| AA: What will be your next home project? SA: I'm working on enjoying the home as is, but hopefully another baby room. Headboard: Haiku (now closed); art: MD Canvas; window hardware and treatments: West Elm; navy coverlet and shams: Calvin Klein; sheets and pillowcases: Target; vase: flea market |
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| Almost every room in the house has a view of beautifully lush hills. On either of the decks, on both floors of the house, it's easy to feel like you're up in the trees. Decks: built by Walter Cox, Master Builders of Marin |
Ideabook updated on April 26, 2012.
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jfpowers4@yahoo.com Frani 916
Here are a few answers.
The living room paint color is Benjamin Moore's Yorkshire Tan.
The Giggle step stool is a few years old. Try giving them a call and asking the manufacturer, I can't seem to find it.
The mirrors in the living room are from Crate and Barrel...again, several years old.
The peacock blue paint was a spray paint I found at a local source. I don't recall the exact color, but I believe it had "Peacock" in the name.
At CB2 there is the Peekaboo Coffee Table that is Acrylic.
Good luck to everyone and thanks for the feedback!
Thank you!