Mill Valley Home Gets Modern Makeover

Mill Valley, California, is a highly sought-after place to live, located just north of San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge, at the base of Mount Tamalpais. The town is known for its outdoor culture, including hiking and biking, as well as its love of rock and psychedelic music, and for being home to the Sweetwater Music Hall, where members of the original Grateful Dead once performed.

According to Jennifer Tidwell, interior designer and co-founder of The Workroom Interiors, a Bay Area design firm, the town has a culture that advocates for the arts, music, and food, but the vibe is very rustic and down to earth.

A Home Renovation Project

Jennifer Tidwell and her team were hired to update a 1965 home in Mill Valley. The client, a single mother of two boys, wanted to embark on upgrades to build a foundation for her family for years to come.

The client, who is British, had impeccable taste and was excited about bringing in some British textiles and prints, but she was also adamant about reducing her carbon footprint, insisting on all-electric appliances and being off the grid.

The project was a full-home renovation from the inside out, with the client’s main goal being to create space by adding dormers for a new ensuite primary bath, laundry room, and ensuite baths for her two boys.

Design and Style

The client wanted to push the boundaries with color and patterned wallpaper, with a nod to her British roots. The home is filled with meaningful details that reflect her background, from richly patterned wallpapers by British designers to an art collection curated in collaboration with British art consultant Lucie Charkin.

The client is a collector of memories, and the designer highlighted many special heirlooms throughout the home, including a yard of fabric she found with her late mother that was used to cover the mudroom cushion in a patchwork design.

The exterior of the home lacked interest, so they collaborated with architect Kelly Haegglund on the vision and style of the home and to bring the client’s ideas to life.

The Final Result

The end result is a unique blend of California Classic and British Colonial styles, with a decidedly modern twist. The project took about three years to complete, from the moment the designers were hired to the final install of furniture, art, accessories, and window treatments.

The client was thrilled with the final result, and Jennifer Tidwell notes that one of her favorite things is finding homes for clients’ special treasures and mixing them with items they brought in to complete the various spaces.

For the people living in the home, this renovation means a more comfortable and sustainable living space that reflects their personal style and values. The use of all-electric appliances and the focus on reducing the carbon footprint will have a positive impact on the environment, and the thoughtful design will provide a sense of warmth and belonging.

The client’s new home showcases the power of good design, and it will undoubtedly provide a happy and healthy living space for her and her family for years to come. The designer’s attention to detail and commitment to sustainability have resulted in a truly special home that feels like a reflection of the client’s personality and style, much like a successful home renovation project.

They achieved this by incorporating the client’s favorite elements, such as dark colors and patterned wallpaper, to create a unique and inviting atmosphere.