Houzz Tour: 'New Traditional' Tailored for a California Family

This Palo Alto, California, house was redesigned to feel gracious and still work well for an active family with two kids, a chocolate Lab and a curious cat. Interior designer Melanie Coddington describes the new look as "sophisticated but not precious, and stylish but functional and practical." The extensive remodel included renovating the bathrooms and kitchen, mixing family heirlooms with new acquisitions, seeking out the right artwork and incorporating the latest home tech.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A family of 4
Location: Palo Alto, California
Size: About 5,000 square feet; 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms

The Mediterranean-style home had not been touched since the 1980s, and elements like a green marble sunken tub and glass block galore showed it was past its design expiration date.

Coddington says it is now the definition of "new traditionalism," with "classic silhouettes paired with vintage and custom pieces, and is impeccably tailored to the lifestyle of the client," she says. "We also made sure it had just the right amount of glamour."


The designer used a quiet color scheme in the living room, making art the focal point. "I love how this John DiPaolo painting adds dynamic energy to the space; it also juxtaposes beautifully with the traditional sofa," Coddington says.

At the other end of the room, antique silver finishes add brushes of glamour to the coffee table and fire screen.

Paint: Monroe Bisque, Benjamin Moore; wing chair: Troscan Hyde; coffee table: Matthews and Parker





Coddington had the dining room ceiling faux finished in a custom bronze hue. "It really shimmers at night and adds just the touch of glam we love in interiors," she says. The custom area rug picks up on the bronze, connecting the floor and ceiling. The plaid silk drapes add a subtle graphic element.



The casual kitchen is the family hub; it required the most extensive architectural changes, including structural work and a raised ceiling.


The kitchen desk is the family's command center, Coddington says. Drawers hide outlets and a printer.

The pendant lights by artist Alison Berger feature hand-etched poems that cast dramatic patterns on the ceiling and walls at night.


The backsplash is silver travertine in a herringbone pattern over a custom stripe of marble. The counters are jade-green quartz, and the island is end-grain butcher block. The cabinet hardware is hand cast.


While an antique brass chandelier and a custom table give the breakfast area a sophisticated look, the chairs are upholstered in kid-friendly vinyl for easy cleaning.

Painting: Robert Kingston


A big part of the renovation was removing a very high, space-hogging hearth and replacing it with a sleek new stone surround.

Knowing the family wanted to enjoy this room together for movie nights and playing games, Coddington focused on kid friendliness, using a soft area rug, lots of comfortable seating, a big coffee table for board games and soft chenille upholstery on the sofa. Throw pillows and hand-painted Roman shades add splashes of pattern.

Area rug: custom, Stark; coffee table: custom designed by Coddington Designs


In the master bedroom, sumptuous fabrics (like silk bedding) and rich colors create a warm retreat. "I generally like light, relaxing color schemes in the bedroom," Coddington says. She plucked the coppery terra-cotta hues from the clients' existing rug. Custom built-ins corral books.

Painting: Betsy Eby


The clients did not want to see their bathroom counters from their bedroom. A T-shaped floating wall conceals the vanities but also serves as display space for a large work by Sherie Frannsen.


Every full bathroom in the house has a hidden hamper to help everyone keep things tidy.

The custom floor tiles are laser cut, and the backsplash is a stunning honey onyx that wraps around to the other side of this wall to serve as a dramatic backdrop for the freestanding bathtub.

Paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore





The daughter chose purple and pink for her bathroom colors. "She already has a passion for shoes," Coddington says, "so we indulged it by designing the shower curtain with a fun fabric by Zoffany/Harlequin and a tassel trim."

To ensure that the room will grow with her, Coddington used Carrara marble on the counter and marble tile on the floor and in the shower, which will work with all sorts of color schemes down the road.

More: Tradition with a twist: guides to transitional design

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