This Bay Area renovation tells a heartfelt story of making a childhood home new again. Ling Interiors transformed the house where her client grew up, updating it for a new generation while preserving its original charm. With a careful balance of natural materials, custom details, and thoughtful design, Ling created a modern organic sanctuary that blends contemporary ranch style with organic elements. Amy Bartlam captured the result, a home that feels calming, elegant, and timeless—a space where the family can create new memories while honoring the past.
From Ling Interiors… This Bay Area renovation was a special project for me—one that came with a unique twist. My client grew up in this house, and they wanted to remodel it into a home that suited their family of four today. Nestled in a lush neighborhood on the lower slopes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the property is surrounded by tall trees and vibrant landscapes, with the occasional wild peacock wandering through the yard. The homes here were built by different builders over time, each with its own personality and character. This one, in particular, has a contemporary ranch-style feel—you might even mistake it for a Napa retreat when walking up.
The goal was to make the house feel fresh and updated while maintaining a warm, comfortable atmosphere. The first floor is largely open concept, blending the living, dining, kitchen, and wet bar into one cohesive space. With that in mind, I focused on designing these areas as a whole, incorporating vertical shiplap elements to create a sense of flow. One of my favorite details is the cedar wood ceiling, which brings warmth and depth to the space.
In the kitchen, I used Zellige tiles to add an organic, lived-in feel. Carrying the tile onto the hood created a seamless, textural look, while a darker stained wood island provided contrast against the lighter cabinetry. That same rich wood tone makes an appearance in the wet bar, serving as a bold focal point between the living and dining areas.
The laundry room, powder room, and mudroom all share similar design elements, creating a cohesive feel throughout the home. Since the powder room doesn’t have any natural light, I leaned into a moodier design, pairing wallpaper with dark wainscoting and handmade floor tile. This space still feels connected to the rest of the house through its use of organic materials. For the guest bathroom, I went with a lighter approach, featuring a custom checkerboard floor, while the mudroom was designed with ample storage to keep everything organized and functional.
The en suite primary bathroom was in need of a major update and had some awkward design flaws. Originally, it faced the backyard, where the primary bedroom now sits, but with the privacy a bathroom requires, the blinds were always drawn, preventing any real enjoyment of the view. There was also carpet throughout, and the oversized, elevated tub required stepping up two steps to get in!
With a fresh plan in mind, I focused on one key element the clients were passionate about—the reeded details on the bathroom vanity. We designed the entire space around this feature, aiming to create a warm, lived-in feel using mostly natural materials. Our team created a spacious shower stall with two high-level windows that let light pour over the Zellige wall tiles and marble mosaic floor tiles. And of course, the reeded vanity was a standout, offering floor-to-ceiling storage and elegant brass details in both the hardware and plumbing fixtures.
Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Ling Interiors · Photography: Amy Bartlam · Builder: Mehus Construction
