PROJECT OF THE MONTH
The Mission style house, inspired by Spanish church architecture of the 18th century, evokes a unique sense of place and time. It is decidedly regional. The original Mission style homes were built in California. Popularized during the turn of the century, these homes were grand estates that represented a distinct lifestyle.
Mission style is a curious juxtaposition of refinement, nature, and practicality. Stucco faηade, red-tile roof, distinguishing arches and twisted columns characterize the elegant architecture. Stone floors, big wooden beams, and plaster walls cover the interiors. Stroll outside, you'll find sumptuous gardens and cloistered patios. Meanwhile, the deeply shaded porches and dark interiors make these homes particularly suited for warmer climates.
Place a home like this in Sammamish and you have Casa Montecito. Part of the 2006 Street of Dreams home, Casa Montecito was built ground up. Its intended homeowner was described as a couple with three children who have lived abroad. This educated, well-travelled family also likes to entertain.
The goal was to design the interior that not only compliments the architecture of the home, but also is inspired by the lifestyle a place where children can run around and friends and family come regularly for casual and formal entertaining. The imposing 7000 SF space needed to feel warm, intimate, and comfortable. Lastly, the kitchen had to mesh together today's modern appliances with the house's rustic, romantic characteristics.
Casa Montecito comes to life.
While focusing on the family's lifestyle and the "collected" look as the guiding principle, interior designer Faith Sheridan set out to design the interiors of the house. No details were overlooked. History, travel and family were captured in the finishes, art, furniture, colors, and objects. The collective effect was a home full of personal memories and stories both old and new. When possible, Faith hired local artisans and craftsman. The first level communal rooms represented the heart and soul of the house.
The formal living room paid homage to the traditional salon, a place to have conversations and entertain. Two classic bergere chairs with worn finishes anchored the room. The designer matched these Old World chairs with something from the New World a reproduction of a chest on display at the Museum of International Folk Art, Museum of New Mexico. The repeated element in every room was the classic mission wrought iron chandelier and sconces. Lastly, the plaster wall was hand troweled with no VOC American clay.
Interpreting the kitchen with today's very large appliances proved the biggest challenge. The kitchen came with two refrigerators a 48 inch Sub Zero and a 24 inch unit with drawers in the island not to mention a six burner stove, double ovens, espresso maker, and dishwasher. Faith chose a combination of rustic alder wood and distressed paint as finishes for the cabinets . For the counter top, marble from South America was honed to be flat and matte to give a more natural look. The focal point of the kitchen was custom designed Kibak tile with a Spanish motif from Ann Sacks on the backsplash.
Lastly, incorporating green materials was priority.
Special green building materials included:
South American Pear Wood flooring, a sustainable wood source
Vida plank cork flooring
Squak mountain countertops, a composite counter top made from recycled waste paper and flyash
Paperstone countertops made with 50% to 100% post consumer recycled paper content
American clay earth plaster was treated to the entire house. This mold resistant, hypo-allergenic, low toxic, easy to clean and repair material was the 2004 winner of outstanding green product award from National Association of Homebuilders.
History, nature, old, new, green all came together at Casa Montecito.
This story was written by the team at HomeSavvi. To find local resources, ideas & tips and expert advice about home remodeling visit
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