Recent Press: MILIEU
We are thrilled to share our Wine Country Villa remodel is featured in MILIEU magazine Fall 2024 issue, on newsstands now!
As interior designers, our passion is bringing our clients’ visions to life in ways that exceed their expectations. This project was a particularly special journey, transforming a dated Mediterranean-inspired property into a sanctuary that embodies the essence of Sonoma living.
The Vision: Blending Old and New
From the outset, our goal with Wine Country Villa was clear: to honor the home’s original Mediterranean charm while infusing it with modern elegance. The homeowners had a love for their property and a clear vision of what they wanted—a sophisticated yet welcoming retreat that felt connected to the surrounding landscape. As the homeowner shared with MILIEU, they were looking for a home that "celebrated the essence of Wine Country" and reflected "who we are."
Before: Living Room
After: Living Room
Our Approach: Timeless Design, Thoughtful Layers
At Fletcher Rhodes, we believe that the most successful designs are the ones that feel effortless. With Wine Country Villa, we took a layered approach to create a sense of depth and richness in every room. The home needed to feel like a reflection of the homeowners’ personalities and lifestyle while also standing the test of time.
Throughout the process, we focused on blending timeless elements with modern touches. As Emily Mughannam, our founder, explained to MILIEU, “It was important that we stayed true to the bones of the home but also introduced contemporary touches that would make it feel current and livable for many years to come.”
Before: Dining Room
After: Dining Room
“Many of the spaces that Emily created for us inside and outside, accommodate and respond to wine-country living. Whether you’re sipping wine or not, there are just so many beautiful views from this house, with gorgeous sunsets. Emily has helped make the dynamic if indoor-outdoor living seamless.”
Before: Breakfast Nook
After: Breakfast Nook
After: Breakfast Nook
The Heart of the Home
A standout feature of the home is the kitchen, which was designed with both beauty and functionality in mind. As MILIEU highlights, the kitchen has become the heart of the home, where the homeowners cook, gather with friends, and enjoy casual meals together. The marble countertops and handcrafted tile backsplash add a touch of luxury, while the open-plan layout fosters connection and conversation.
Before: Kitchen
After: Kitchen
Bringing the Outdoors In
Wine Country Villa is set against the stunning backdrop of Sonoma's rolling hills, and it was essential that the design connected the interior of the home with the natural beauty outside. We incorporated expansive windows, sliding doors, and outdoor spaces to make the most of the views and the California sunshine. The homeowners noted how this seamless indoor-outdoor flow has transformed the way they live, spending endless summer evenings in their gardens or hosting friends for wine tastings.
The gardens, filled with native plants and lavender, were designed to complement the home’s aesthetic, creating a sanctuary that feels like an extension of the surrounding landscape.
Before: Entry
After: Entry
A Home That Tells a Story
One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was the opportunity to collaborate so closely with the homeowners, who were deeply involved in shaping the design narrative. The Wine Country Villa is more than just a remodel—it’s a home filled with personal stories and design elements that reflect the owners' travels, love for art, and passion for entertaining.
Emily worked closely with the homeowners to ensure that every room felt meaningful. As the homeowners mentioned in the feature, “Each piece has a history, a connection to our travels, or a special meaning to our family.” This is something we aim to achieve in all our projects—spaces that feel authentic and personal, not just beautifully designed.
Before: Guest Bathroom
Before: Powder Room
After: Guest Bathroom
After: Powder Room
A Reflection of Wine Country
The Wine Country Villa now stands as a perfect reflection of the homeowners’ dream. It’s a space that feels both timeless and modern, luxurious yet warm, where every detail has been thoughtfully considered. We are incredibly proud of the transformation and grateful to have worked with such wonderful clients who shared our vision for the home.
As Emily put it so beautifully in the feature, “This project was about creating a space that resonates with the soul of Wine Country. We wanted every room to feel like it belonged to the landscape, to the history, and most importantly, to the people who live here.”
The Wine Country Villa is more than just a home—it’s a celebration of design, collaboration, and the beauty of living in Sonoma. We hope the story of this transformation inspires others to explore the possibilities of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but deeply personal.
“It’s a luxurious and cozy room, yet inviting ... though this could be describing all of the rooms Emily created.”
Before: Primary Bedroom
After: Primary Bedroom
Looking Ahead
Each project we undertake teaches us something new, and Wine Country Villa has reaffirmed our belief in the power of thoughtful, collaborative design. We can’t wait to see where our next design journey takes us!
We are deeply grateful to MILIEU magazine for featuring Wine Country Villa and showcasing our work! It’s a reminder of why we do what we do—creating homes that not only look beautiful but feel like home.
MILIEU Magazine
Fall 2024 Issue
"Let There Be Light" p. 176
Article by David Masello
Interior Design: Emily Mughannam
Builder: R.A. Wilson Construction
Photography: Stephanie Russo
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