Always dreamed of having a beach house? The Peaceful Palisades Project offers some inspo
By Chere Di Boscio
Who doesn’t dream of a beautiful home outfitted with all natural materials, organic textiles, handmade and eco-friendly furnishings – on the coast, no less? Eco-friendly interior designer Sarah Barnard was asked to perform a design overhaul on a 3,600 sq. ft. family home in Santa Monica. The stipulation? The owners wanted sustainable interior design that reflects a seaside theme throughout the living spaces.
Called the Peaceful Palisades Project, the resulting house boasts materials such as ceramic, wood and wool, as well as outstanding customised features such as a concrete fireplace, designed by Sarah.
Sarah’s diverse body of work includes upscale private residences, chic restaurants, luxurious spas and impressive corporate headquarters, and her projects have been featured in local and national publications, and have placed prominently in several noted design competitions. Here, we asked her a little bit about what motivates her ecological interior designs, and what inspired the sustainable interiors ideas behind her Peaceful Palisades Project.
What are the biggest differences designing a family home and one for singletons or couples?
While all of our clients care about healthy living, parents with young children are especially concerned about the materials that make up their home environments. Natural, non-toxic materials are of the highest importance when creating spaces for growing children.
Where do you source your eco-friendly decor materials from, generally?
I buy locally whenever possible. Our firm has longstanding relationships with local artists and artisans who hand-make most of our goods, focusing on using natural, reclaimed, and honest materials. Aside from being beautiful and healthy, pieces made this way tend to be more treasured and are more likely to be kept by a family for longer.
What are some of your favourite features of the Peaceful Palisades Project?
The original bones of the house were excellent. The living room has a beautiful exposed beam ceiling and there is an exposed brick fireplace that remains a decorative element in the new kitchen. We wrestled with the idea of preserving or upgrading the original red brick. We collectively decided to keep it (in the kitchen only) as a homage to the architect’s original intent.
And what are some of your favourite sustainable design features?
Unique handmade objects bring authenticity and personalization to a home. The sculptural wall sconces in the living room and dining room are one-of-a-kind; I designed two different sets specifically for this home. The dining room pair were made of ceramic and were inspired by the property’s calming ocean view. The elegantly contoured living room sconce was carved by hand from American Walnut by a trusted woodworker based on sketches and hand-made miniatures. The organic forms and natural finishes match perfectly with the coastal ambiance of the space.
Both fireplaces needed to be completely redone. In the living room I designed a long horizontal concrete facade and hearth with gently waving etched lines to mimic the movement of the nearby sea. In the dining room, I chose a Ann Sacks tile glazed in brilliant blue to create an updated linear pattern neatly framed by a custom concrete mantle.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face when sourcing eco-friendly interiors items?
The wait times-miracles don’t happen overnight. We often work with small shops and individual artisans who handcraft our pieces to order. Patience truly is a virtue when building natural, custom homes.
What was the family’s reaction to your work?
The homeowner for this project was very happy with the final result and the new connection the space had with its surroundings. She was easy to work with, since she is highly intelligent and conscious about sustainability. Caring deeply about the environment and the health of her family, we didn’t have to pitch these concepts about health and wellness to her, she embraced them wholeheartedly.
What would be your ultimate dream house?
That would be to design would be a home that is harmonious with the nature around it. I love to work with nature and my ideal projects are ones where the environment–whether that’s the desert, ocean, prairie, jungle, or anything else–is physically and spiritual intertwined with the home. The house would have epically grand views and a unique personality. It would also have an owner who cares about sustainability and wellness.
Photos by Steven Dewall
Get The Look For Your Home
If you don’t have the budget to hire an interior decorator to add some sustainability to your home, no worries – you can still get the look by adding a few accessories like these, below.
Gold Leaf Mirror
Make a golden statement in any hallway or bathroom. £150 at John Lewis.
Decorative Healing Crystals
Recharge your home’s energy beautifully with the healing vibrations of crystals. From $10 on Amazon.
Customised Wood Vase
Get you and your honey’s initials custom-carved into this birch vase from Not on the High Street. Around $45.
Mini Bonsai Forest
Plants as decor is a huge design trend right now, and one that can help purify the air in your home, too. Mini Bonsai Forest: $55.
Seashell Picture Frame
Create a display of friends and family, surrounded by the beauty of natural seashells. From $24 on Amazon.
Coastal Lamp With Stones
Bring a bit of the outdoors in with this sweet little lamp made from stones. From $125 at Uncommon Goods.
Eco Mushroom Side Table
Believe it or not, the middle part of this table is created from natural mushroom fibre! From $110 at Uncommon Goods.
Handmade Pottery Vase
Brighten up your home with some gorgeous handmade pottery, perfect for adding a beautiful bouquet. $50 from Uncommon Goods. And if you’re wondering if pottery is eco-friendly, just click here to find out.
Recycled Denim Rug
Put old jeans to good use with this statement rug – no two are alike! From $79 on Amazon.
- Are Zoos Ethical? Here’s Why We’d Say NO - May 11, 2023
- Found! The BEST Organic Moisturizers For Dry Skin - May 9, 2023
- The Best Ayahuasca Retreats Around the World - May 6, 2023
To me this is paradise. I would love a home by the sea, and a sustainable one even more so
It really is a dream come true for many! I’d take a house by the sea any day – any sea will do! 🙂