Design house: A coastal home located on a historic lagoon, designed by Julie Rootes

Known for her determined attention to detail, Julie Rootes personalises interiors with memorable colours and textures, and this design project in California is no exception.

A breathe of fresh air, this project is located on the historic lagoon of Belvedere and boasts views of both Mt Tam and the lagoon, but it was no easy feat.Due to the new FEMA regulations and restrictions this home took several years to design.

THE PROPERTY

'The homeowners love pattern and colour and have a real appreciation for quality furnishings which made it a dream project to work on,' says Julie.

'The homeowners, empty nesters, who wanted to create a 'dream home', are long-term residents of the Tiburon area. They wanted the property to host family gatherings and sleepovers with grandchildren.'

We talk to Julie Rootes about the design project.

EXTERIOR

The exterior is comprised of board and batten, copper gutters and blue stone and the interior is furnished in a modern traditional style with a coastal feel.

LIVING ROOM

If you live close to the sea, it’s important to combine practicality with aesthetics. Opt for sturdy wooden or stone floors that will cope with sand, while exterior decking is a good option – teak wears well with age. Choose furniture upholstered in durable materials.

This living room was challenging because we wanted to capture the gorgeous view while also making it an inviting place to host guests, sit and read or watch a movie.

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DINING ROOM

This simple palette of blue, beige and white becomes an instant wow when teamed with global inspired prints and coastal influences.

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KITCHEN

Simple, classic yet with plenty of character, wooden kitchens never go out of style, making them a great investment for your home. While traditional designs might be just the ticket for a country kitchen, Shaker-style doors are the most versatile option and look good with the colourful, patterned fabric on the blinds and seat pads.

GUEST BEDROOM

The guest room boasts wonderful views of both the lagoon and Mount Tamalpais and has its own sitting deck. The room carries through threads of blues found throughout the home and also serves as a home office for the homeowner.

HOME OFFICE

The home office is a nod to the new traditional. We wanted to keep the walls neutral and only use colour and pattern on the fabric. Red as a wall colour can be difficult to get right, especially in small spaces, but bringing in accents of red couldn’t be simpler.

MASTER BEDROOM

The master bedroom is my favorite room in the home. The light takes your breath away and the water views are subtly accented by the soft colour palette.

The swivel armchairs are upholstered in mohair and were from the owner's previous home. It was one of the few pieces they wanted to repurpose.

MASTER BATHROOM

Large scale patterned wallpaper in a muted colour offers a great way to lend warm and interest to an otherwise calm scheme. Here the colour chosen works perfectly with muted, coastal scheme.

CHILDS' ROOM

Children's rooms are the perfect place to let your imagination go wild, especially when it comes to decoration. Bright colours, quirky furniture and playful accessories will create a personalised space for your little (or not so little) one.

Photography: Paul DyerArchitect: Hank Bruce ArchitectsInterior Architect: Rehm Design BuildInterior Designer: Julie Rootes Interiors