Summer 2025

addition. The interior provided no clues to the building’s original glory, which gave Amy free range to create. She chose a color palette—for both the interior and exterior—drawn from the ocean, specifically inspired by the deep blues and rich grays of a marine painting she chose for the parlor. Every surface and every detail was painstakingly designed or sourced by Amy. From the intricate ceilings—including an embossed tin ceiling in the dining room—to the small hand-carved wooden details, every element was thoughtfully considered in an attempt to blend historic charm with modern refinement. The home does not feel like a museum despite the incredible amount of his- torically inspired detail and the many authentic antique furnishings. Rather, the blend of ele- ments creates a contemporary living space just right for the 21st century. Upon entry, the striking new staircase cre- ates a sense of grandeur and gracefully unites the main living space with the 1940 addition and the second floor. Amy created a custom balustrade for the complex staircase utilizing details of the original woodwork. In the parlor, the Victorian fireplace mantel and surround of quarter-sawn oak (an antique brought from a home that had been demolished in Petaluma) is the focal point of the room and a perfect example of the incredibly skilled and thoughtful work of Victorian tradesmen. The home has a total of three chimneys, but all the original fire- places had been removed.Through an exhaus- tive search, Amy was able to find and source appropriate antique mantels for each of the three fireplaces. The ground floor also features a graciously sized dining room and ample kitchen designed with every modern amenity, but with Victorian flare detailed in. Amy sourced a Bertazzoni range to keep with the look and feel of a Victorian kitchen, and the kitchen and all of (Above) Prior to the renovation, the dining room was a bedroom with a drop ceiling. (Below) The master bedroom features an ornate coffered ceiling. 160 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 5 Photos: Dreamside Design