With sweeping views of the Orinda hills as its backdrop, this 1980s home was thoughtfully reimagined by Marianne Jones to reflect its owners’ love of nature, travel, and laid-back California living. Captured by photographer  Paul Dyer, the renovation blends rustic modern details with a soft, organic palette, transforming the once dated structure into a serene indoor-outdoor retreat. The result is a home that feels equal parts grounded and refined, with an easy connection to the outdoors.

From Marianne Jones… After relocating their primary residence to Montana, our clients purchased a 2,000-square-foot home in California to keep a foothold in the Bay Area and stay connected to their roots in the region. Nestled in the hills of Orinda, we took advantage of the stunning views, and a desire for an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, by reworking the ‘80s architecture and reorienting the home toward the views of the mountains. We opened the kitchen to the dining room and outdoor spaces, adding white-oak vaulted ceilings and large windows, creating a nature-inspired feel throughout the home.

In the kitchen, we designed a narrow nine-foot furniture piece to provide a landing space – for food prep or a buffet for entertaining – to create texture and allow for crowds to flow through the space. We followed a simple, clean palette, with lightly pigmented cream cabinets, natural stone, and white-pearl quartzite countertops to complement the organic details throughout the home.

Inspired by the family’s passion for fly-fishing, hunting, and travel, we layered in natural wood finishes and collected items to bring the outdoors in. In the great room, we doubled the window size to bring in more light and views of the outdoor spaces. We removed existing, angled built-ins, and reimagined the space with custom white oak millwork, and a new fireplace surround of black Taj Mahal quartzite, making the wall a stunning focal point.

Discover the talent behind the story… Interior Design: Marianne Jones · Photography: Paul Dyer · Styling: Rachel Forslund · Builder: Plath & Co.