Houzz Tour: Music, Crafts and Americana Inspire a Cozy Nest
A California bayside home is designed around a couple’s love of the arts and entertaining and the home’s natural setting
Becky Harris
February 1, 2021
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
This special property on Northern California’s San Rafael Bay inspires its owners, musicians and composers Hilary Perkins and Jim Nunally. It was love at first sight for the couple as they wended their way through the wild and woolly gardens to reach expansive views of San Rafael Bay. The property had a cozy little fishing shack built in 1945. And though they felt embraced by the small house, its flow and size weren’t functional. “As it was originally configured, the bedroom opened into the living room almost like a one-room studio,” Perkins says. “We found that any time we wanted to cross the room, we were moving guitars, music stands and whatnot out of the way.”
The couple lead the Nell and Jim Band, a bluegrass-Americana roots band. They wanted to keep their house cozy and humble and have it reflect their passions for art, music, storytelling and history. And they wanted a bit more space so they could welcome friends and family and have jam sessions here. Interior designer Lauren Brandwein helped them design and outfit a modest-size new house in a way that kept the shack’s down-home spirit alive and preserved the gardens.
The couple lead the Nell and Jim Band, a bluegrass-Americana roots band. They wanted to keep their house cozy and humble and have it reflect their passions for art, music, storytelling and history. And they wanted a bit more space so they could welcome friends and family and have jam sessions here. Interior designer Lauren Brandwein helped them design and outfit a modest-size new house in a way that kept the shack’s down-home spirit alive and preserved the gardens.
Photos by Bart Edson
House at a Glance
Who lives here: Musicians and composers Hilary Perkins and Jim Nunally
Location: San Rafael, California
Size: 1,560 square feet (145 square meters); one bedroom, two bathrooms
Designer: Lauren Brandwein of Rock House Design
Architect: Jeff Kroot
Contractor: Ro Garcia
When they aren’t on the road with the band, this is the couple’s nest. “It is a dream home for them, and they wanted to keep it humble, intimate and cozy. They also wanted it to be a reflection of them,” Brandwein says. After getting to know the couple well, she realized they were very down to earth. She created a vintage look, bringing in Americana decor that honored them and the original fishing shack. “This meant mixing and matching, using lots of texture and natural materials and making sure nothing was too pristine,” Brandwein says.
The gardens and views around the house were what originally drew the couple to the property, and they didn’t want the new design to affect any of the beloved trees, plants or old rock walls that surrounded the house. This meant working within the original footprint with smart space planning and going vertical to provide space for a second-floor bedroom suite. The suite includes a small office, a porch on the garden side and a balcony on the bay-facing side. The house has large windows, glass doors and Dutch doors that connect the house to its beautiful surroundings.
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House at a Glance
Who lives here: Musicians and composers Hilary Perkins and Jim Nunally
Location: San Rafael, California
Size: 1,560 square feet (145 square meters); one bedroom, two bathrooms
Designer: Lauren Brandwein of Rock House Design
Architect: Jeff Kroot
Contractor: Ro Garcia
When they aren’t on the road with the band, this is the couple’s nest. “It is a dream home for them, and they wanted to keep it humble, intimate and cozy. They also wanted it to be a reflection of them,” Brandwein says. After getting to know the couple well, she realized they were very down to earth. She created a vintage look, bringing in Americana decor that honored them and the original fishing shack. “This meant mixing and matching, using lots of texture and natural materials and making sure nothing was too pristine,” Brandwein says.
The gardens and views around the house were what originally drew the couple to the property, and they didn’t want the new design to affect any of the beloved trees, plants or old rock walls that surrounded the house. This meant working within the original footprint with smart space planning and going vertical to provide space for a second-floor bedroom suite. The suite includes a small office, a porch on the garden side and a balcony on the bay-facing side. The house has large windows, glass doors and Dutch doors that connect the house to its beautiful surroundings.
Find a designer near you
Descending these stairs bordered by old rock walls and lush plantings for the first time, Perkins felt the property was “a dream come true.” She describes the gardens as having “a magical, almost spooky feel of the tropics and a long history.” She and Nunally planned their life together here as they worked on the design with Brandwein.
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
Check out our beginner’s guide to get started on your home project
French doors on the side of the house open to this inviting area. Someone entering the home immediately gets a sense of the couple’s passions through books, artwork, metalwork, quilts and other objects. A cozy bench provides a spot for putting on shoes, playing music and crafting. The indigo textiles on the bench were made using a Japanese dyeing technique called shibori. The denim-like look contributes to the Americana vibe.
Drawers, cabinets and shelves surround the bench. “Hilary is a major crafter — she is an amazing quilter and she can knit like nobody’s business,” Brandwein says. “So in the space planning, we wanted to support her hobbies. We have all sorts of places like this where she can keep her tools and supplies — she can just pull up a table and get to work.”
Accordingly, built-ins played a big role throughout the remodel and addition. Carpenter Stefan Steinbach completed the built-ins, millwork and cabinetry throughout the house. Floors of wide-plank reclaimed barn wood add a warm touch.
Picture light: House of Troy; flooring: Black’s Farmwood
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Drawers, cabinets and shelves surround the bench. “Hilary is a major crafter — she is an amazing quilter and she can knit like nobody’s business,” Brandwein says. “So in the space planning, we wanted to support her hobbies. We have all sorts of places like this where she can keep her tools and supplies — she can just pull up a table and get to work.”
Accordingly, built-ins played a big role throughout the remodel and addition. Carpenter Stefan Steinbach completed the built-ins, millwork and cabinetry throughout the house. Floors of wide-plank reclaimed barn wood add a warm touch.
Picture light: House of Troy; flooring: Black’s Farmwood
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In the kitchen, Brandwein designed furniture-like cabinetry and designated a mix of finishes to lend a vintage feel. All of the cabinetry was built by Steinbach. “The American oak on the hutch and the vintage-looking details bring in the Americana feel,” Brandwein says. “So does the patterned backsplash — it’s very American country style.”
The hutch serves as a breakfast and coffee station. “Jim makes his own coffee and it’s like rocket fuel,” Brandwein says with a laugh. It also provides display space for Perkins’ colorful Fiestaware collection.
Panel fronts conceal the fridge. Brandwein topped a simple open island with an end-grain walnut countertop.
Cabinet color: Dove Wing, Benjamin Moore
The hutch serves as a breakfast and coffee station. “Jim makes his own coffee and it’s like rocket fuel,” Brandwein says with a laugh. It also provides display space for Perkins’ colorful Fiestaware collection.
Panel fronts conceal the fridge. Brandwein topped a simple open island with an end-grain walnut countertop.
Cabinet color: Dove Wing, Benjamin Moore
The interiors capture the vintage feel of the original rustic shack. In the kitchen, a vintage-style range and pendant light look right at home. The couple use the walnut on the island as one big chopping board. “They did not want anything to be too precious,” Brandwein says. Accordingly, she helped them find a durable quartz with a marble-like look for the other countertops.
Another signature element can be seen at the back of the room. “Hilary wanted Dutch doors wherever possible,” the designer says. “They add so much character.” This is one of three in the house.
Kitchen sink: Cerana, Blanco; counters: Dinergy, Aurea Stone; backsplash tile: Walker Zanger
Another signature element can be seen at the back of the room. “Hilary wanted Dutch doors wherever possible,” the designer says. “They add so much character.” This is one of three in the house.
Kitchen sink: Cerana, Blanco; counters: Dinergy, Aurea Stone; backsplash tile: Walker Zanger
The dining room feels like the prow of a ship. A vaulted ceiling and expansive windows make the modest-size space feel roomy and airy.
The ceiling has exposed rafters and V-groove paneling that add texture and a humble cottage vibe. So does the tall picture frame wainscoting that Brandwein specified. This photo also shows the wonderful knottiness of the reclaimed-wood floors. For the furnishings, Brandwein used a mix of wood species, and she layered in more texture with woven pieces.
The white chandelier has a lovely presence without blocking the view or dominating the room. Though it has a more contemporary look, its silhouette exemplifies the simplicity the designer and her clients embraced throughout the design process. “This light fixture is poetic,” Brandwein says. “It fits in so harmoniously and lifts the space up.”
Wall color: Mexican Sand Dollar, Kelly Moore; chandelier: Currey & Co.; table: Big Daddy Antiques
The ceiling has exposed rafters and V-groove paneling that add texture and a humble cottage vibe. So does the tall picture frame wainscoting that Brandwein specified. This photo also shows the wonderful knottiness of the reclaimed-wood floors. For the furnishings, Brandwein used a mix of wood species, and she layered in more texture with woven pieces.
The white chandelier has a lovely presence without blocking the view or dominating the room. Though it has a more contemporary look, its silhouette exemplifies the simplicity the designer and her clients embraced throughout the design process. “This light fixture is poetic,” Brandwein says. “It fits in so harmoniously and lifts the space up.”
Wall color: Mexican Sand Dollar, Kelly Moore; chandelier: Currey & Co.; table: Big Daddy Antiques
Working with Steinbach, the designer created a special window seat in this alcove at the end of the dining room. This is another favorite crafting spot for Perkins. In addition to drawers, she can stash supplies in a mix of baskets.
A large bay window in the living room also provides expansive views of San Rafael Bay, the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge and Point Richmond. Brandwein used a mix of woods and finishes in here. She added a custom stone top to a rustic coffee table from Big Daddy Antiques. An overdyed antique rug adds well-worn texture on the floor.
Rug: Four Hands; console with woven drawers: Uttermost
Rug: Four Hands; console with woven drawers: Uttermost
On the bay-facing side of the house, the large windows and doors of the living room, dining room and new second-floor suite make the most of the views. A path and staircase on the left allow direct access from the garden on the other side of the house to the dock. A balcony off the bedroom is another special spot to enjoy the surroundings.
A blue-and-tan striped runner, vintage-looking lights and a traditional staircase design maintain the historic cottage feel.
Runner: Dash & Albert; sconces: Currey & Co.
Runner: Dash & Albert; sconces: Currey & Co.
More picture frame wainscoting and a colorful rug add a cozy feel to the upstairs hallway. The bedroom’s glass doors, visible in the background, lead to the small balcony.
“I designed this entire bedroom around the quilt that Hilary made,” Brandwein says. She let the colors and patterns in the quilt be the star, supported by a monochromatic color scheme full of textures. The bench is woven wicker and the nightstands are topped with marble. The vaulted ceilings have exposed rafters and V-groove boards, and the light fixture is mercury glass. “It emits such a warm ambiance at night,” Brandwein says.
Pendant: Circa Lighting
Pendant: Circa Lighting
Brandwein designed the metal bed and had it made by Sonoma County company Schnitzkräft Steel Artistry. “I love its simplicity. It has that vintage cottage feeling,” she says. Marble-topped chests serve as nightstands and provide extra storage. Brandwein purchased the chests and added the marble tops.
Nightstand: Brentford dresser, Noir
Nightstand: Brentford dresser, Noir
This hallway that leads to a small upstairs office is lined with the couple’s closets. “It was Hilary’s idea to use fabric instead of doors here. The textural element of the Belgian linen fabric maintains the informality of the house,” Brandwein says. The closets behind the curtains are just 25 inches deep and include more beautiful cabinetry crafted by Steinbach.
One room with a more elegant feel is the bathroom, but Brandwein kept the vintage spirit alive in here as well. The light fixtures, dresser-like vanity, faucets and hardware lend a sense of age. Brandwein designed the vanity and Steinbach crafted it. The top and backsplash are Calacatta marble.
Wall color: Carrington Beige, Benjamin Moore; sconces: Circa Lighting; floor tile: Artistic Tile
Wall color: Carrington Beige, Benjamin Moore; sconces: Circa Lighting; floor tile: Artistic Tile
The tile choices began with the floor, which is a beautiful geometric mosaic. Brandwein chose a 3-by-6-inch Calacatta marble tile for the wainscoting to complement it.
“The shower stall is a jewel box-like part of the bathroom,” Brandwein says. She played with rhythmic geometric patterns in here. The tile from the bathroom floor continues onto the shower floor, while a hand-painted, glazed terra-cotta tile with a smaller-scale pattern adorns the walls.
The gray in the wall tiles picks up on the gray in the floor tiles. “For the walls I found another geometric pattern with diamonds in it in a smaller scale,” Brandwein says. “The scales worked perfectly together.” An elegant Calacatta-marble-covered bench ties the shower stall to the marble wainscoting in the rest of the bathroom.
Shower wall tile: Tabarka Studio
The gray in the wall tiles picks up on the gray in the floor tiles. “For the walls I found another geometric pattern with diamonds in it in a smaller scale,” Brandwein says. “The scales worked perfectly together.” An elegant Calacatta-marble-covered bench ties the shower stall to the marble wainscoting in the rest of the bathroom.
Shower wall tile: Tabarka Studio
Though the couple have the wonderful dock and second-story balcony on the water-facing side of the house, the second-story porch facing the garden is an especially favorite spot. They love to hang out here and welcome friends and family as they make their way down through the gardens to the house. This photo also shows another of the Dutch doors.
Here’s the couple in their favorite spot. A new stainless steel railing crafted by Nunally, who has a background in welding, has deep meaning for them. “He calls the railing his wedding ring for Hilary,” Brandwein says. It’s composed of the music and lyrics of the first song he wrote for her, called “Life in the Garden.”
A friend, artist Suzanne Sarto, designed silhouettes of the plants and critters that surround the house, including bees, kingfishers, butterflies, forget-me-nots and roses. Nunally added these to his song in the laser-cut composition.
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A friend, artist Suzanne Sarto, designed silhouettes of the plants and critters that surround the house, including bees, kingfishers, butterflies, forget-me-nots and roses. Nunally added these to his song in the laser-cut composition.
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Wonderful vibe! And the views from the windows remind me Alex Colville's paintings. I'm wondering if that was intentional? :o)
This house would be easy to clean, keep clean, and less time to clean. There's not a lot of fuss. Except for the windows.
I'm partial to down-to-earth homes. Granted, they added some high end things, but it would still be wonderful, with substitutes or without it, too.
I appreciate, the examples, how a small space can feel large/open, by raising the ceiling.
The closet curtains just blew me away. It's logic, ease and natural beauty, was pleasing to my eyes.
Loved the personal touch, of the garden porch railing.
So many great ideas to imitate in my home, someday.
Thank you for sharing.
God bless.
Beautiful! Cozy, warm and approachable! Love it!