My Houzz: Spanish Meets Tuscan in Southern California

Carl and Daphne Hester celebrated their retirement in 2006 by moving to a beautiful new home near Palm Springs, California. Before they moved in, Daphne, an interior design enthusiast, left no corner untouched, ensuring that their home would reflect both its Spanish-style architecture and her love of Tuscan design. Most of the furniture has been collected by the couple over the years, and there is no shortage of carved wood and detailed tile floors.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Carl and Daphne Hester
Location: Beaumont, California
Size: 2,037 square feet (189 square meters); 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

The front entry highlights the home’s Spanish-influenced architecture. Custom landscaping and a new front door were among the upgrades the Hesters did before moving in.


Daphne’s Tuscan style is present but not overdone in the relaxing living room. A distressed leather chair, a taupe chair and an ivory sofa provide ample seating for conversations around the corner fireplace. The fireplace, with its concrete surround and mantel, is especially welcome during the high desert’s cold and sometimes snowy winters.

Chairs, sofa, media center: Pacific Sales; area rug: Robinsons-May (now closed)


The oak media center houses family photos, highlighted by undercabinet puck lights. The center doors open to reveal a large-screen television, turning the living room into a convenient home theater.


Windows, mirrors and porcelain travertine tile floors line the bright entry. Centered in the floor just past the door is the first of a group of signature tile medallions, handpicked by Daphne, found throughout the home.


The Hesters found the vintage oak mirror and entry table years ago. They’re now prominently featured just inside the front door.


The iron chandelier in the dining room references the Spanish architectural style of the home. The vintage Barker Brothers dining table, shown here with two leaves in place, is paired with Tuscan-inspired chairs create an inviting space for entertaining or enjoying a quiet meal.

Dining table: vintage Barker Brothers; chairs: Levitz (no longer available); area rug: Robinsons-May (now closed)



A vintage china cabinet from the original Broadway department store in Los Angeles sits adjacent to the dining room. It’s filled with dishes the couple has collected over time. The homeowners enjoy bringing back treasured trinkets from their travel adventures around the country.


A large, open U-shaped kitchen contains oak cabinets, a marble-topped kitchen island and stainless steel appliances. The couple’s blue and white china collection has a place of honor in glass-fronted cabinets; built-in puck lighting illuminates the pieces.

Stainless steel appliances: KitchenAid; ceiling fan: Lowe’s; cabinet hardware: The Home Depot; kitchen countertops, backsplash: Corian


The master bedroom overlooks the backyard garden. The space is filled with lights, and the white walls are the perfect backdrop for the king-size bed with its intricate carved design.

Bed, nightstands, dresser: Ethan Allen (no longer available); ottoman: Humphrey Bogart collection, Pacific Sales


The dramatic turned posts and twig and leaf headboard design are eye-catching nods to the craftsmanship of ages past. Vintage crystal lamps sit on each of the matching nightstands, and the look is completed by a vintage-style phone. White fabrics against the white walls create a cool oasis in the desert heat of summer.

Bedding: Ralph Lauren; pillows: JCPenney; phone: Horchow


The luxurious master bath includes a spa tub, a separate shower and his-and-her closets. The travertine tiles found throughout the home continue in this room, and a travertine border surrounds the tub. The large shutters above the tub open to let in the light and create a perfect spot for relaxing and unwinding.


Another custom porcelain tile medallion is set into the floor at the foot of the tub. The dainty vintage footstool provides a hint of history and color while also serving a practical purpose as an aid for getting in and out of the deep spa tub.


One bedroom has been converted into a sitting room and an office. For the couple it’s an informal space in which to relax, read, watch TV and check email. The sofa bed is perfect for guests.

Sofa bed: Tempur-Pedic


The primary guest bedroom contains an iron daybed with dainty blue bedding, a vintage dresser and a small cabinet. There’s enough furniture to make guests comfortable without overwhelming the room.

Bedding: JCPenney; cabinet: Pier 1 Imports (no longer available)


The vintage dresser, paired with a mirror, is the focal point in the guest bedroom.


The guest bathroom’s custom oak cabinets provide plenty of storage.


The laundry room, with its custom oak cabinets and sink, is an organized and inviting space for an oft-dreaded task.





The backyard is filled with a mix of foliage, small statues of animals and equally small fountains. The weather-resistant pergola, made of Alumawood, never needs to be painted. The custom-designed landscape includes an irrigation system for all the plantings around the home.

A small étagère holds a mix of potted plants, gardening supplies and tools neatly on its shelves. The blue pots pop against the white exterior.


The Hesters’ home is the perfect escape from busy Los Angeles. Since the couple lived in the city for years, this home is an ideal spot for enjoying their retirement.

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