Cover The living room of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
The living room of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
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Emphasising material honesty and structural elegance, Kimberly Oxford Interiors transformed this Santa Rosa, California home into a thriving family compound
In a world that prizes high visibility, this Santa Rosa, California home emphasises the luxury of privacy. With mountains on the horizon and the bustling town unfolding below, this family home began as a single property acquisition that eventually expanded into a sprawling compound. Ensuring that each family’s design philosophy was reflected in their home, this sense of continuity was maintained throughout each space.
The lot itself was serendipitous, becoming available only after the adjacent property had already been purchased. Such decisive timing transformed the project into a generational one, infusing each design decision with more weight. “I am not interested in designing for a moment,” mused Oxford. “I am interested in designing for how a home will be lived in over time: how spaces flow, how materials age, and how the home supports both the everyday and the evolving rhythm of a family's life.”
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Above The exterior of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
Above The entryway of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
The exterior of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
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The homeowner has always nursed a deep fascination for the Parisian lifestyle, pairing it seamlessly with the open ease of Southern California living. This distinctive blend of refinement and casual sophistication was a key consideration in Oxford’s design. Throughout the space, sustainability is manifested through material honesty and longevity rather than technological systems. Oxford prioritised natural materials like stone and handcrafted elements such as glazed and hand-printed terracotta. Altogether, the home emphasised materials that are fire-resistant, including stucco, brick, and concrete barrel tile roofing.
The living and dining rooms are anchored by large arched windows, which provide expansive views of the California mountains and the valleys nearby. Sentimental items are sprinkled throughout the home, such as a sterling silver bowl belonging to the homeowner’s father on the living room table. Oil paintings from the homeowner’s grandmother also add to the meditative atmosphere in various pockets in the home.
The open floor plan of a dining room, kitchen and living room of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
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In the nearby dining room, a Caralarga woven artwork was created specifically for the project using custom thread and horsehair. This level of craftsmanship and texture that quietly anchors the space. At the heart of the space is the kitchen, which features a bifold pass-through window that lets food and conversation flow into the covered terrace. Oxford approached the design with an emphasis on total functionality. “Nothing extraneous, no unnecessary visual noise,” she said. “Even the kitchen sink is dropped several inches so that everyday items such as brushes or soap remain out of sight upon entry.”
This emphasis on discretion is essential to her design philosophy, and it is a tip she shares with budding homeowners and designers. “The kitchen was designed by first understanding what needed to live within it, and then shaping the space around those needs,” Oxford explained.
Each appliance is tucked away, from paper towels to sheet pans. Meanwhile, pocket doors at the coffee station establish a peaceful morning routine that can be ensconced when out of use. The pendants in the kitchen were custom-designed with Articolo, their glass intentionally softened to diffuse light throughout the space and minimise the signs of everyday wear. Nearby is the wine room, which reflects the homeowner’s deep appreciation for collecting vintage bottles.
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Above The outdoor dining room of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
Above The outdoor expanse of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
The outdoor dining room of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
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Oxford was particularly fond of the outdoor environment, complete with a kitchen, dining area, and living room, all symmetrically arranged around the pool. Just beyond this cluster, a vintage fountain introduces the subtle sound of water, creating a quiet backdrop for evenings spent gathering before dinner.
This fountain carries particular significance for the homeowners, as it was salvaged from the family home after a fire. “These are the elements that give the house its emotional foundation,” Oxford reflects. “They are what allow the space to feel not only designed, but deeply personal.” Additionally, nearby greenery reflects an intuitive understanding of the California context, with plantings native to the region better suited to the climate and requiring less intervention over time.
The primary bedroom of a family home designed by Kimberly Oxford Interiors in Santa Rosa, California
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Moving into the more personal aspects of the home, the children’s space is designed to evolve with them over time. Their bedroom is a space for art and imaginative play to unfold, clad in deep charcoal with custom oak beams. Nighttime is a particularly fascinating time as the space retains its intimacy, becoming a movie theatre for the family after a long day.
For the homeowners, the primary bedroom and ensuite bathroom are clad in soothing, neutral hues. The primary bath was conceived as a true place of retreat, with a soaking tub capturing the vivid sunset hues for a grounded and restorative experience.
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Credits
Photography: Adam Potts
About
Celine first read Charlotte’s Web at the age of five–and she hasn’t stopped turning pages since. Her favourite authors are Mona Awad and Nat Cassidy. Besides writing for Tatler, she listens to BTS and spends time with her family.
Work
Celine took up secondary education with a major in English, graduating from De La Salle University in 2023. She advocates for female empowerment through creative expression by writing for Tatler Homes.
For story leads or inquiries, you may reach out to her via celine.dabao@tatlerasia.com.
