When Kate and Leo began thinking about updating their El Dorado Hills home, they started small: remove a support wall and redecorate. “We obviously ended up doing a lot more. Our downstairs really flows from space to space, so it was hard to stop on one room,” explains Kate. 

With the help of Lindsay Tate Designs (lindsaytatedesigns.com), they were shown what a full downstairs transformation could look like and how it could create a functional and beautiful home. “From the moment we met Kate and Leo, we knew they wanted an open floor plan. [Their home] was also lacking warmth and quality, as it was constructed using builder-grade finishes. We wanted to add function, style, and create a cohesive look,” shares Tate.

The project—which included changes to the powder room, family room, butler’s pantry, and kitchen—was planned in phases. Construction for the final and biggest phase took around six weeks, thanks in part to the expertise of Mohr Construction (mohrconstruction.org). 

The kitchen and butler’s pantry kept the same layout but were updated with extraordinary finishes. Showcasing the plaster range hood is a wall with Eldorado rough cut stone and a limestone wash. This feature brings a warm, rustic touch to the kitchen, the heart of the home, especially for Kate, who is an expert baker and cook. Complementing the rock wall are reeded white oak cabinets that run from floor to ceiling, replacing the dated soffits that previously made the kitchen feel much smaller. The island features a waterfall edge countertop that flows directly into the white oak cabinetry and is completed with brass pendant lights, which bring together the brass in the cabinet pulls and faucets and the black in the seating at the island and around the dining table.

Moving into the family room, a wall was removed to create a more free-flowing space. “The wall was faced with stone and had a bulky hearth with a fireplace and TV niche that left the room with an awkward furniture layout,” explains Tate. With the TV and a new gas fireplace moved to an adjacent wall, more space opened and furniture that fit the space was introduced. “This created symmetry and a better flow,” shares Tate. The same Eldorado rough cut stone wall featured in the kitchen now flanks the TV and fireplace and adds space for décor with white oak shelving. 

The powder room was functional but lacked inspiration, so Tate and her team continued their nature-inspired and grand design. “Kate and Leo were willing to have fun with wallpaper and were open to trying something a little funky in their powder room. We wanted to give them a taste of luxury [while keeping it] comfortable for their family,” says Tate. The couple fell in love with a beautiful and unique stone that pairs perfectly with the large asymmetrical mirror. Brass plumbing furthers the cohesive look of the entire first-floor redesign.

Other changes included new flooring and carpet throughout; a staircase update; dining, living, and entryway refurnishing; a linen closet refresh; and a custom white oak barn door to close off the laundry room and garage entry. In the dining room, the oversized chairs properly fill up the space as well as the three large pendants hanging above. Fresh white paint and uncomplicated décor continues into the living room, creating a welcoming space perfect for gathering with friends and family. The staircase went from a harsh mixture of a dark brown banister with white, bulky spindles to white oak and wrought iron with a sleek, simple design.

No project is without challenges, but this remodel proved to be relatively painless. A few electrical and gas lines were moved, but the primary focus was working through the design with the homeowners. “We worked closely with Kate and Leo to give them the home of their dreams. We honored their busy lifestyle while giving them the aesthetic of an easy, breezy California lifestyle. Our team [focused on the use of] warm woods, black, textured rock, and brass, and the rest came together easily. Our clients trusted our process and respected us for what we do best…design,” shares Tate.

Kate and Leo are more than pleased with their remodel, sharing: “The end result of this project is that home is our absolute favorite place to be. It’s peaceful, flows beautifully, and is perfect for our family. We couldn’t be happier.” 

by Emily Peter-Corey
Photos by Andrew LaFrance Photography