We first made our way up to our clients’ project in the hills of Julian, California, in 2024 to evaluate the main home on the property. We often get questions like, “Is my house too far for you to take on?” or “Would you consider a project this far away?” The short answer is yes, and the long answer is absolutely yes. We love taking on meaningful projects wherever they may be.

So when our clients asked if we’d be interested in working on their home in Julian, about an hour and forty-five minutes outside of San Diego, we didn’t hesitate. We jumped at the opportunity.

They purchased the land as a retreat—a place where family and friends could gather and unwind away from the city. With wide-open air, beautiful natural surroundings, and plenty of room to breathe, we jumped right into creating a vision for the main house.

It’s not often that we get to work on a project with a truly rustic, cabin-esque aesthetic here in San Diego, so this home opened up an entirely new world of design possibilities, materials, and specifications. The unique character of the property immediately set the tone for an inspiring transformation.

After wrapping up the main house—and exceeding even our own expectations with the final result—we were thrilled to learn that our clients wanted to bring us on for their 4-bed, 2-bath ADU just steps away from the primary home. We were over the moon to dive back into the design process and begin the full gut renovation of the space.

Because the clients loved the design direction of the main house, they entrusted us with complete creative freedom for the ADU. With their busy lives raising a family and working back in Encinitas, they gave us the rare but incredibly exciting green light to lead the design independently. While we still checked in with them periodically, we were able to move full steam ahead, crafting a space that seamlessly complements the property while standing confidently on its own.

We began with concept development, refining the layout and jumping into renderings, where the design really started to take shape. We explored a few cabinetry color options, ranging from deep green to rich burgundy, before landing on a creamy mustard yellow.

Who knew choosing a yellow could be so polarizing? Everyone in the studio had an opinion, but Pale Moss by Sherwin Williams ultimately took the crown, and we couldn’t be happier with how beautifully it turned out.

As the rooms evolved, they each developed unique personalities—far too distinct to be called “Bedroom 1” or “Guest Room 2.” Instead, we found ourselves referring to them as “Plaid Room,” “Twin Room,” and “Terracotta.” Each had its own vibe, charm, and moment to shine. That individuality became the heartbeat of the project. Every team member had a favorite space and fell in love with different details, creating a sense of authentic pride and connection throughout the process.

During one sourcing trip, we discovered a set of uplifting manifestation cards, and they found their way into the design in the most intentional way. We placed a card in each room, choosing messages that echoed the feeling and energy of the space—small but meaningful touches that made the design feel personal and complete.

The Yellow Bathroom with Manifestation Card

The remote location added its own set of challenges. Deliveries, site visits, and installation days required extra planning and coordination since it wasn't a quick 15-minute drive. Install week, in particular, demanded everything from us. It was truly all hands on deck: hanging artwork, troubleshooting last-minute wallpaper, configuring furniture layouts, and rolling (and re-rolling) rugs at least five times. Every detail took time, intention, and teamwork. But when we stepped back and took in the fully finished space, it was all worth it. The final result was beyond beautiful.

This project stands as a testament to creativity, collaboration, and what can happen when a team unites behind a shared vision. It became more than a renovation—it became a space filled with heart, purpose, and the simple joy of gathering.

When our client saw the completed space in person for the first time, she sent us the kindest, most moving message, one that stopped us in our tracks. She described the home as “a big hug,” a sentiment that touched every single one of us. She noticed and appreciated every detail, every thoughtful moment, every intentional decision woven into the design. Hearing her reaction was profoundly rewarding and served as a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. Creating spaces that hold emotion, connection, and comfort is at the heart of our work, and this project exemplified that in the most meaningful way.

A Place to Gather