In West Marin, homes are often defined by the people who build them as much as by the designers who envision them. Instead, they created a network of builders, craftsmen, artists, and builders whose work is deeply tied to the landscape. To renovate a 1959 farmhouse, Los Angeles-based Commune Design embraced that communal spirit, working closely with local craftsmen to transform the mid-century rambler into a warm and layered family space.
Originally built in 1959 and expanded in 1970, the 3,100-square-foot property features a large house, detached garage, art studio, and writer’s closet. While the house’s cedar-clad exterior and original footings were largely preserved, the interior was completely reimagined. Throughout the years, Commune has incorporated a palette that feels distinctly Northern Californian: Monterey heavy cypress from Arborica, cast resin, custom millwork, redwood furniture, layered architecture, and colorful fabrics.
The project is also a testament to the long-standing local tradition of handicrafts. Architect Louis Ptak oversaw construction with meticulous attention to detail. “All the board-and-batten and tongue-and-groove panels were carefully considered,” noted the designers. The result is a house that feels less designed than carefully maintained: a once-modest mid-century rambler that was brought back to life through thoughtful material selection, exceptional craftsmanship, and careful attention to placement as if it had stood this way for generations.
Photographs by Stephen Kent Johnson for Commune Design.
Above: With landscaping by Terremoto, the cedar exterior is complemented by outdoor louvered sconces in cedar and cast resin by Fernando Santangelo, and wood light fixtures by Max Frommeld.
Above: “Hiorshi” Door Bell in old growth, salvaged redwood and brass from Chris Kallmyer.
Above: The entry is defined by Commune’s Bean Rug by Christopher Farr, Windham Ladder Back Bench in walnut by Brian Persico, ceiling light from Lumfardo, and linen/cypress scones by Fernando Santangelo.
Above: A medium wood stove with terracotta tiles from Exquisite Surfaces. Vintage Hans Wegner Web Armchair, vintage Isamu Noguchi Akari Floor Lamp, and Adam Pogue Ottoman. Ceiling lights are Commune Mini Globe Flush Mount for Remains Lighting.
Above: Tripp Carpenter of Espenet Furniture designed the antique redwood “Plectrum” coffee table. The table lamp on the left is by Peter Speliopoulos for Commune Ceramic Lamp.
Above: Built-in chairs with cushions by Studio Ford for Commune and throws by Marina Contro for Commune Woven Blanket. The sconce is a vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson and the table lamp is another Peter Speliopoulos Ceramic Lamp. Wood storage bin Leather Basket by Andrew McAteer for Commune.
Above: Tripp Carpenter created the Claro Walnut Trestle Dining Table, and both the dining bench and the Wishbone chairs (two designs by Tripp’s father, Arthur “Art” Espenet Carpenter). The kitchen beyond is built with custom cabinetry, a Zellige tile backsplash, and a custom brass hood.
Above: The containers are by Zoe Dering and the tea towel is Citta Cabin Hand Towel in Spirulina Multi.
Above: Game table designed with Crane Jib Lamp by Jack Sasaki of Summer Studio, vintage Ercol chairs, Abstrakt 2 Rug by Commune by Christopher Farr.
Above: A daybed decorated with Gregory Parkinson Assamese Blanket Pillows and a Freecity for Commune Indigo Sherpa-Bear Throw. The Roman shades are from Rose Uniacke and the sconce is from Lumfardo.
Above: Children’s beds are upholstered in Cactus Flower Quilts by Studio Ford for Commune
Above: Lime green tiles in the tub with Barber Wilsons brass fixtures.
Above: The main piece, the Commune for George Smith Turkish Sofa, in the media room is designed with custom Roman shades and a vintage Louis Poulsen sconce. In the center of the room is a Kojima Shoten washi paper lamp.
Above: Noah Cohen built wooden boxes from old logs as part of a built-in shelf.
Above: Max Frommeld designed and built a modern bed and headboard from old-growth redwood and ebonized oak. The rocking chair is a Sam Maloof design and Dan John Anderson created the carved walnut table.
Above: Like many other accessories throughout the home, the brass towel bars and hooks are from Van Cronenburg. The lighting above the mirrors is a Commune for Remains Lighting Linear Sconce, the rug is the Commune for Christopher Farr Weed Spring Rug.
Above: A zellige-lined sauna designed with a white oak bench by Jack Sasaki of Summer Studio for Commune.
Above: In a home office space that doubles as an additional guest room with a custom Murphy bed, a vintage Peter Løvig Nielsen desk and a vintage Josef Frank desk chair.
Above: Vintage Bruno Mathsson Pernilla Lounge chair, vintage Hans Bergstrom floor lamp, footstool from George Nakashima Woodworkers, carpet from Amadi Carpets, and curtains in Josef Frank 1920s Mirakel fabric from Svensk 10.
Above: A vintage Hans-Agne Jakobsson sconce in another bathroom in the house.
Above: In the mudroom/laundry, terracotta floor tiles from Exquisite Surfaces.
Above: A custom Dutch door paired with another design from Chris Kallmyer.
Above: A redwood table and bench by Nobuto Suga with Ceramic Votives by Kevin Willis.
For more from Commune, check out our posts:
- Organic Architecture, Unveiled: A 1960s West Marin Retreat Redesigned by Commune
- A Refined Off-the-Grid Hollywood Director’s Closet by Commune Design
- Kitchen of the Week: French Mid-Century Style in Santa Monica
- Expert Advice: Breaking the Rules with Social Design
- 7 Industrial Steal Ideas in SF by Commune Design