Things we are loving right now

A curated look at what's inspiring us this month — from design ideas to objects worth owning.

Last week, I became my own client…

Back in 2012, we installed engineered hardwood flooring throughout our home. After more than a decade of daily life, it was finally time to give them new life with a refinishing.

I was especially excited about this project because, for the first time in my career, I was refinishing an engineered hardwood floor. When we originally selected the flooring, we chose a high-quality product with a 4mm wear layer, knowing it would provide the opportunity to refinish it down the road. That decision has certainly paid off.

As with most home projects, the hardest part wasn't the construction—it was moving everything out and then moving it all back in. For the week the floors were being refinished, we joked that our entire house had become a studio apartment, with life condensed into our bedroom.

Once the floors were sanded, they were absolutely beautiful—revealing the natural character of the wood. It also presented us with an unexpected design decision: ***which finish would best honor that fresh, natural look?***

We began by sampling two Bona finishes: Mega One, which offers a relatively natural appearance with just a touch of warmth, and AmberSeal, which, as the name suggests, brings out a noticeably richer amber tone.

But after seeing the floors in their freshly sanded state, we found ourselves wanting to preserve as much of that light, raw beauty as possible. Our flooring contractor suggested Bona Traffic HD Raw, a finish specifically designed to maintain the appearance of unfinished wood while providing exceptional durability.

It was exactly the look we were hoping for—soft, understated, and wonderfully natural.

I couldn't be happier with the result. The new finish feels lighter, quieter, and more authentic to the wood itself, giving our home a fresh perspective without changing its character.

One of the unexpected joys of this project was the education that came with it. Experiencing the refinishing process firsthand—and learning what's possible with a quality engineered hardwood floor—has given me valuable insight that I'll undoubtedly share with future clients.

Sometimes, becoming your own client is the best kind of continuing education.

Behind the Scenes: Design in Progress

***We're deep into Phase II of one of our Sebastopol projects…***

And it's been such a rewarding exploration of a more contemporary design vision.
While our work often leans toward homes with a timeless, "new-old" sensibility, this project has given us the opportunity to embrace cleaner lines, bolder forms, and a fresh perspective.
One of the highlights so far is the stairwell mural, recently completed by our decorative artist. To say it exceeded our expectations would be an understatement—it completely stopped us in our tracks. It's a true focal point, adding movement, artistry, and an unmistakable sense of personality to the home.

Design News

A little late—but better late than never.

At the end of June, Lauren got married, and our family grew in the very best way. It was a beautiful weekend filled with the people we love most, an incredible setting on Tomales Bay (which is home to me) and so many memories we'll treasure for years to come.

As much as we love creating meaningful homes for our clients, it was especially wonderful to step away for a few days and celebrate this milestone with family and friends. It was a weekend we'll never forget.