Living The Dream: Calling This Ojai Hacienda A "Second Home"
A second home should be a carefree retreat where you focus on kicking back and living the good life — even if it's only for a weekend. For a California couple with two little girls, a Mediterranean-style home in Ojai would be a place to escape from their busy lives as TV and documentary producers. Designer Deborah Rhein, owner of the Los Angeles–based firm D.L. Rhein, came on board to help transform the property into a peaceful oasis and make the large house feel cozy and intimate. They began by repainting the yellow walls in a crisp white and revitalizing the concrete floors, which were perfect to handle the constant traffic in the home. The kitchen's upper cabinets were removed in favor of open shelving and Rhein added a handmade concrete tile backsplash behind the stove.
When it came to furnishings, the designer wanted to match Ojai's natural aesthetic by incorporating light wood pieces and a neutral palette. The couple's extensive travels also inspired many of the accent pieces, which bring in color and texture. The client had also recently purchased a new home in Pasadena, so Rhein utilized pieces from their old house that didn't quite work in the new residence for the Ojai space. The finished home looks as relaxing as it feels and the hardest part of visiting just might be having to leave to go back to the real world.
1. Entry
Lavender, which surrounds the property, dries on a vintage hat rack in the mudroom. Rhein topped a bench from Target with a cozy sheepskin from Auskin.
2. Living room
Amy Bartlam
Comfort was the main priority in the living room, so Rhein chose plush Cisco Brothers sofas and a Beni Ourain rug. A Moroccan tray was used to turn a vintage loomed wedding bench into a coffee table.
3. Dining area
Amy Bartlam
The dining room was designed to blend between the open kitchen and the living area. The custom table is surrounded by Palecek chairs topped with Ikea sheepskins and the vintage olive pots were inspired by the couple's European travels.
4. Kitchen
Amy Bartlam
Leather bar stools by CB2 are pulled up to the kitchen island which is illuminated by a bamboo and silk-cashmere pendant light from Couleur Locale. The backsplash's concrete tile is by Ann Sacks and the French serving boards hanging on the wall are vintage.
5. Bar
Amy Bartlam
Rich wood cabinets line the bar, which also features a backsplash of Ann Sacks concrete tile.
6. Den
Amy Bartlam
The den leads to the back patio and provides a hideaway for watching movies. The teak-and-leather chair and hemp rug are from D.L. Rhein and the sofa and chair are by Cisco Brothers.
7. Bedroom
Amy Bartlam
The vintage rug in the master bedroom is the first piece Rhein found for the house. "The soft pastel hues are the exact color of what locals call 'the pink moment,' a phrase known by locals to describe the awe-inspiring sunsets reflecting off the Ojai Mountains," she said. Clemente sconces by Aerin for Visual Comfort hang above the nightstands and hemp floor cushions by CB2 sit at the foot of the bed.
8. Bedroom
Amy Bartlam
This guest room was designed for visitors with children and allows the whole family to stay together. A dreamcatcher hangs between the beds, which are dressed in comfy cottons and linens.
9. Bedroom
Amy Bartlam
Rhein used pieces from around the world as art in another guest room. The Moroccan rug is from D.L. Rhein and the bedside lamp is from West Elm.
10. Patio
Amy Bartlam
Outdoor sofas from Restoration Hardware surround the fireplace on the patio, which is a perfect spot for cool summer evenings.