Riviera View

Photo credit - Suzanne Pavitt Part One of this post discussed Shane Pavitt and Suzanne Phifer Pavitt's home in Calistoga, California, and was basically design-eye-candy with floor to ceiling photos taken at the time of the project's completion. Part Two is a conversation focusing on ideas that influenced Suzanne Phifer Pavitt during the conceptual and building phases of the home. RV: In Napa Valley, the casual sophistication of many different architectural styles grace the countryside. How did you two decide on a concept for your new house? Suzanne Phifer Pavitt: We based the overall feeling of the home from a trip we took to Italy. We loved the towns of Montalchino, Montalpulchiano and San Gimignano. These towns gave me inspiration. Even the floor color came from our visit to the home of the model who posed for Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Her name was Lisa Gheradini and her home in Tuscany had the most amazing 100 year old concrete floors. I feel in love w...

My cousin Shane Pavitt and his wife Suzanne Phifer must have a little bit of Green Acres in the their blood. Seven years ago, they left the city life of San Francisco to raise a family in Napa Valley. It took a few years and lots of blood, sweat and tears but they finally created a breathtaking home, not to mention a yummy Cabernet currently in its second release, called Date Night (not to be confused with this spring's blockbuster film). You can learn more about their wine by clicking here but since this is a design blog what you really want to see is the amazing home they've created. The house is nestled on a hillside overlooking beautiful the Calistoga Valley. Entrance Living room Kitchen ...and yes, even though my cousins love to cook it really looks this pristine most of the time. The great room Master Master bath Second bathroom View of the guest house Loggia ...the section of grass serves as a mini football field for sons, Rhett and Jackson. Meditation fountain Bocce ba...

Michael Wollaeger, second from the right, at a 2009, Almont Yard event. Also shown, Photographer Tim Street-Porter, Margot Wollaeger, Designer and Author Annie Kelly Photo - Alixe Morehouse Y ou've pulled together impeccable paint, furnishings and accessories, creating a pitch-perfect space. You think your project is ready to be seen by all but don't know how to get your work published or even considered by a interior design magazine? On a recent afternoon at the Pacific Design Center, Michael Wollaeger, Editor-at-Large of Luxe Magazine shared insight on how designers can do just that. Los Angeles, Giati Showroom, WESTWEEK 2010 14 tips to getting published: A discussion with Michael Wollaeger This past year has been rough for shelter publications. Forced by dwindling advertising pages many have closed down. Southern Accents, House and Garden, Cottage Living, Domino, Blueprint, Metropolitan Home and O Home were all hit by the advertising recess...

If you happen to be driving up the 101, through Northern California, and are in dire need of a killer facial, head east on the 29 and stop in to see Tomoko Simons at Spa Solage . It will be well worth the detour. I promise. While you're at it, soak in the resort's glorious ambiance designed by Napa Valley's most well known, living architect, Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam and Kroeger. And if spa treatments make you hungry, Solage is enjoying its first Michelin Star so bring your appetite along.