Modern Sanctuary: September 2016

Written by Cynthia Baxter | Photography by David Duncan Livingston

Julie Rootes Creates a Sanctuary for a Former Navy Seal and His Family

Working with clients who have very different ideas about the perfect design can be a daunting task even for an experienced interior designer. The husband, a former Navy Seal, leans toward rustic details. The wife? She has a love of hides and fur. Throw in needed durability and comfort for this young family and you can see the potential challenges. Julie Rootes of Julie Rootes Interiors

seamlessly blended all of these sensibilities and was still able to honor the California craftsman aesthetics of this home.

Partnering with Rob Wilkinson of Wilkinson Architectural Group, the home was fully gutted, then completely reworked with an easily flowing floor plan, gorgeous lighting and a soothing palette of whites, grays and blues. Relaxed furnishings and small pops of color complete the laid-back yet chic interiors.

A big surprise in this kid-friendly house? The luxurious materials and custom furnishings. Julie didn’t spare the use of marble, metal and hides to create strong statements while maintaining an eye for warmth and livability.