“This Northern California home is located in Sonoma, which means ‘Valley of the Moon’—a place known for its deep roots, quiet beauty, and connection to the land,” designer Mia Sandmark shares. “The property is surrounded by rolling hills and ancient oak trees, offering the perfect setting for a retreat designed to feel grounded, restorative, and deeply connected to its surroundings.”
The locale played perhaps the most important role, serving as the homeowners’ second home, separate from their primary residence in San Francisco. “The project is called Out of Fog Retreat, as it provides a place to step away from the fog of San Francisco and into a slower, more expansive way of living,” Mia reflects. “Sonoma has a warmth and softness that continually draws us in, and we wanted the home to reflect that sense of openness and ease while still feeling layered, personal, and lived-in.”
The clients envisioned the retreat as a place to gather with family and friends, where they could cook, entertain, and truly recharge. “Their primary goal was to create a home that could comfortably support large groups while still feeling intimate and relaxed when it was just the two of them,” the designer notes. “They wanted the kitchen and great room to function as the true heart of the home—visually open, filled with natural light, and oriented toward the landscape. At the same time, they sought spaces throughout the house that felt cozy and restorative, with a strong emphasis on materiality, comfort, and longevity.”
Mia’s eponymous design firm was tasked with the interior design of the complete remodel, including furnishings and styling throughout. “We led all finish selections, lighting design, custom millwork and cabinetry, as well as the design of the kitchen and bathrooms, taking a holistic approach to how each space would function and feel,” she says. “Alongside sourcing new furniture and lighting, we carefully incorporated a curated selection of the homeowners’ existing pieces, including vintage furnishings, a generational collection of art and ceramics, and collected accessories. This approach allowed the home to feel layered and personal rather than newly assembled, thoughtfully balancing old and new to create a relaxed, authentic interior that reflects how the homeowners live and gather.”
The two-year project came with budget constraints, but Mia was careful to ensure the design remained cost-effective without compromising its integrity. “The sunken family den was a key example, as lifting the floor was not feasible. Rather than seeing it as a limitation, we embraced it as an opportunity to create a more intimate, grounded space—one that ultimately became a favorite within the home,” she says. “Balancing openness with warmth was another challenge, particularly in the kitchen and great room, where high ceilings and expansive glazing could easily feel stark. Layering materials, texture, and lighting proved essential in keeping these spaces inviting and comfortable.”
Naturally, the clients were deeply engaged throughout the process, and Mia credits their openness and trust for the project’s success. “They were especially pleased with how cohesive and calm the home feels, and how effortlessly it supports both large gatherings and quieter, everyday moments,” she reflects. “The finished space feels personal, intentional, and deeply aligned with the way they live, which was always the goal.”
Take a tour in the slideshow to experience the home in full.
Sources include California Faucets plumbing fixtures, panel ready appliances by Fisher & Paykel, tile and stone from Ceramic Tile Center, lighting from In Common With, Accord Lighting, Blueprint Lighting, Allied Maker, Robert Gordon Interiors, and Pinch London, furniture by Muuto and Skovby sourced through DWR, accent chairs by Furniture Marolles, additional furniture from Four Hands, rugs from Loloi, accent pillows and bedding from Lulu & Georgia, and custom cabinetry throughout by Regan & Sons.
