Fall - 2022

Vance’s parents at stunning retreats in Big Sur. Vance says the best interior design work she has ever done has been with Jay, who would bring houses down to the bones, moving foun- dations and getting everything structurally perfect, while Vance envisioned the interiors and Jay incorporated them into the entire design. “People say you can’t work with your husband,” Vance says. “There’s a lot of, ‘You can’t do this, you can’t do that,’ in life…” But the pair proved more than compatible in art and marriage, both shaped by the dramatic scenery around them. “For me, nature has always been my inspira- tion,”Vance says. “Growing up on this coast, the light changes, and we’ve been fortunate enough to live on the ocean here and in Hawaii. That horizon line is so calming. I use that in my design for a chaise, a long table, a built-in buffet…hori- zontal lines are much more relaxing than archi- tecture that is more rigid and vertical.” Vance says the first house that the couple designed and lived in was located in Big Sur and encapsulated the spectacular site that overlooked all of Rocky Point, with a focus on indoor/out- door living and a beautiful outdoor shower. “It was an expression of art without being gaudy or excessive,” Vance says. “The way it fit into the land was harmonious.” With preferences for natural materials, like stone and wood, the two carefully select aspects to highlight in their projects without overdoing the design. “I think a yard or something to look at is important,” Vance says. “Maybe it’s a fence with some bamboo…You can create your own wonder- land like you’re in Bali…It’s magnificent to have the freedom to design. And even editing is won- derful. We are working on a project right now with a lot of slabs…I cast a large net but now we are in the editing phase. Less is more.” C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 2 131 An edited, curated approach focused on authentic materials is at the basis of Vance’s designs. She encourages clients to choose several main themes for each project, saving the other ideas for their next build or remodel. With a background in home design and building, Jay teamed up professionally with Vance in the 1970s, when Vance was finishing art school. Photos: Rick Pharaoh