Tour a Warm, Minimalist Retreat in California's Wine Country

In Sonoma county, Dawn Carlson and Carol Perry of MAS Design styled a nature-inspired retreat for a pair of jet-setting clients. Highlighting the beauty of the setting, the designers selected organic furnishings that complement the surrounding environment, as well as man-made materials like lucite that create a careful contrast. As the clients live primarily in Japan, key concepts of Japanese minimalism, including wabi sabi, which means “perfection imperfection,” also influenced the sparse, warm aesthetic of the interiors.

Many furnishings in the home possess a unique history — for example, these one-of-a-kind pendant lights from Wildflower Organics were crafted from Tibetan carryalls originally used to transport water. Karma Dog Construction built both the cantilevered porcelain countertops and bookmatched black walnut cabinetry, while the chic stools set around the kitchen island are from Calligaris.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
In the dining area, leather chairs from Jayson Home are arranged around the clients' table underneath a row of suspension lights from Marset. Above the built-in black walnut shelving constructed by Karma Dog Construction, the designers hung various masks that the clients had collected on their travels. The floor tile is from Designtra.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
A long, cream-colored sectional from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and modernist Bernhardt armchairs provide ample seating in the living room. The taupe rug from Cabana Home adds another lay of texture to the space, as does a detailed tile layout from Ceramic Tile Design that surrounds the fireplace. Near the fireplace, the Mongolian wool stools are from Pfeifer Studio, and the stone coffee tables are from Phillips Collection. The white, contemporary floor lamp from Foscarini brings in an avant-garde note to the overall design.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
The curved leather chair is from Jayson Home.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
Framed against the landscape through the window behind it, this Mizu 15-light pendant from Terzani decorates the staircase.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
The pendant lighting here was crafted from fishing nets lined with paper, and sourced from Dering Hall. Hammers and Heels crafted the custom, Japananese-style platform bed, which also features a linen headboard, from sustainably harvested poplar wood. The bed is set on a Stark rug, and the cowhide and metal benches and stools are from Scenario Home, with a stool from Bellacor placed between them. The artwork in a lucite frame, called Biddew Noir, was designed by a Senegalese artist named Johanna Bramble and purchased from St. Frank.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
A tall window near the tub brings the outdoors into the bath. The faucets are from Kohler, and the candlesticks are from CB2.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
Kohler faucets and Wetstyle sinks serve as functional accents in the peaceful bathroom. Karma Dog Construction created the cabinetry and sourced the mirrors.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
To continue the nature-inspired ambience, Karma Dog Construction created custom beams throughout the house.

Photography by Helynn Ospina
The house features a stunning, contemporary exterior design.

Photography by Helynn Ospina