Casa Tierra: The Design Details Behind The Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen & Breakfast Room

The design brief for the living room? A welcoming interior full of texture, tranquility, and tons of character.

As the first space you enter at Casa Tierra, the living room would immediately set the tone for the interiors. And working with designer (and vacation rental specialist) Paula Oblen, we made sure this space was a dramatic welcome.    Entering through the rustic wood door (complete with a modern convenience meets Spanish style Baldwin Boulder Touchscreen Electronic Deadbolt in bronze), you’re immediately greeted by a bright and open space painted in Cool December from Dunn Edwards, and a soaring vaulted ceiling in graphic Black from Dunn Edwards. A collection of handwoven palm frond pendants from Tunisia that we custom made for the space from Lemdeena Home creates a dramatic light installation and introduces that earthy textural element you’ll be seeing a lot of throughout the home.

To create a chic and totally comfy seating area, we added a custom built-in sofa that spans the entire back wall, along with two sculptural lounge chairs and a pair of pretty poufs. (In case you were wondering, those cacti won’t be causing any pricks or pokes – they’re faux! and if you want to recreate the look you can snag the faux cacti here) A large ornamental black rug helps to ground the room and create some lovely contrast against the terracotta tile floor, while a number of rustic wood pieces (the coffee table, and media console) add another attractive texture. As the sun begins to beautifully dapple in the afternoon, a set of french doors with a new Baldwin Taper Privacy Leverset allows for the living room to fully open to the outdoors and dramatic desert views. And since no space is complete without clean air, we tucked in a Molekule Air Pro in the corner to keep things fresh for guests. Not only does it help to trap any dust and debris that the desert air brings into the home, but it also purifies and clears the air of any impurities.

Another must in the space was music. Every vacation needs the perfect playlist and we wanted guests to not only be able to put their own playlist on but to be able to do it in any space throughout the entire property right from their phone. So we added a full suite of Sonos speakers throughout Casa Tierra to let guests turn it on and off as they please.

*Note: Vintage pieces or products that are no longer available have been substituted with similar options 

Kitchens have become much more than just a place to prepare meals. And while this kitchen certainly is full of function, it’s also an appealing and attractive area that’s really the center of this home. 

Keeping many of the original Spanish-style details from this space (like that incredible tiled roof and stained glass window), we simply gave the kitchen modern appeal – and amenities to match. Starting with the black lower cabinets, we brought in dark tones to contrast with those classic elements. Corian^® Quartz Dove gray leathered counters from Willis also bring in a contemporary touch, along with the black goldstone quartz (which adds some sheen) on the island. For the sink area, a new Undermount Single Basin Fireclay Kitchen Sink and Brizo Odin Pull Down Kitchen Faucet feel sleek and simple. 

Since this kitchen needs to function for all sorts of guests and gatherings, we needed appliances that were full of smart features, worked hard, and of course, looked great. And the Jenn Air Rise collection from Build With Ferguson ticked all those boxes. Featuring a classic stainless steel finish, the Rise 24″ Trifecta Dishwasher can easily handle any and all dirty dishes, while the Rise 24 Inch Built-In Microwave, NOIR 30 Inch Wide Double Electric Oven, and 36 Inch Wide 6 Burner Induction Cooktop are smarter options to ensure everything is cooked perfectly. And as for the fridge, well this kitchen has you covered – twice. The Rise Counter-Depth Exterior Dispensing Refrigerator has it all – including an in-door water and ice dispenser, while the Rise Under Counter Beverage Center is the ideal way to keep any beverage just an arm’s length away (and perfectly chilled).

To finish off this space, and bring in those natural vibes, we outfitted shelves and counters with plenty of ceramic vases and bowls from The Nopo, along with rustic bowls, cutting boards, and a pair of rich, woven leather counter stools.

Since one place to dine is never enough, we simply had to add a casual yet chic spot for breakfast. 

We added another custom seating spot here with this L-shaped built-in banquette, providing plenty of stylish seating when matched with this minimal ebony-stained dining table. And the black mudcloth upholstered cushions aren’t just a plush spot to plop down – they also inject a bold pattern, along with the woven runner. Sculptural bronze sconces create a lovely glow once the sun sets, and some carved wooden accessories give that global touch.

We also created additional counter space – and seating – by continuing the dove gray leather quartz from Willis. Paired with a carbon black zellige tile backsplash from Zia which adds instant texture and a graphic moment on that wall, and a duo of rattan bar stools, it’s yet another stylish spot to pull up (and sip an ice-cold drink ideally) and turn on some tunes from the Sonos One speaker.