Today is just the second of my new series about how Californians live at home. Cindy Hattersley, a dear friend and super successful designer and blogger, has been at the top of my list to get for this series. She’s had a lot going on lately, but she kindly took the time to share some of her style secrets.
Not long ago I attended a lunch for our friend Elizabeth at her home and while there I asked Cindy if I could snap some photos. Cindy lives in a very special spot of California, Chualar in the Salinas Valley, ten miles south of the town of Salinas. Chualar was part of an old Mexican Land Grant and her stunning home is nestled in the hills in a private neighborhood. Cindy and her husband bought the property, along with the 10 acres of adjoining open space 30 years ago and did every bit including the amazing gardens while raising their two kids. They have created a sort of oasis out there in the Monterey Spanish Colonial style and have lovingly decorated it with their collections and beautiful antiques.
A little more about Cindy, a Midwestern gal who came to be a Californian. Let’s take a peek inside her California home shall we?
Cindy you grew up in Indiana, but have been in California a long time. How does California influence the way you live and decorate? Do you feel more like a Californian after all these years?
I am a hoosier at heart, but yes I do feel more like a Californian. The weather here allows us so much freedom with bringing the outdoors in. I love having my garden as an integral part of the overall design. Entertaining outside whenever possible, and incorporating natural elements in my interiors as well as when I entertain.
What do you think makes Californians different in the way they live and entertain?
Our ability to entertain outdoors most of the year. There is always something green and or flowering to bring inside our homes and our casual approach to both how we entertain and live. I think we Californians entertain in a style that is approachable and inviting.
SO agree! We are much more casual I think.
I love your home and the personal things along with antiques and beautiful objects make it so unlike any other home I’ve been in. Did you achieve this look organically over time or was it all planned?
Both actually. My husband and I started collecting antiques before we graduated from college. We created a couple of our corner cupboards when we built our home. We have continued to buy and sell pieces over time in order to add to our collection. As you know I am an avid believer in a collected look. I love combining the old and the new to create a harmonious mix. I don’t want my house to look like a museum with collections everywhere. My husband is more of a purist. He would prefer everything to be antique. I prefer more of a mix but always favor something old over something new.
You are a beautiful entertainer are there any tips you can share?
I try to keep the menu simple but tasty.
Is there a favorite dish that is your specialty or cookbook you return to again and again?
I don’t think I have a specialty. I love to cook but cannot and will not bake! I don’t usually prepare a lot of heavy food. I use a lot of fresh ingredients whenever I can. I prepare more Ina Garten recipes than any others. I know any recipe she puts in a cookbook has been well- researched. I am a big fan of hers.
I adore her too!
I know you and your husband are wine people. Tell me what California wine you are loving right now.
My husband loves Napa cabs and we both love the Rhone varietals from the Paso Robles area where we own another home. Personally I like wines that are more food friendly. Pinot Noir is my favorite hands down.
Is there a favorite fragrance or candle you use in your home?
Interesting that you should ask. I don’t care for anything that smells like something baking. I prefer a citrus, or earthy based candle.
Is there a great California shop you love for clothes or home goods or both?
Locally, for home goods I love Tancredi & Morgen, Wisteria, Patine, and Warmth Company. Both Warmth Company and Tancredi carry some interesting clothing items as well. In Paso , AnBe, the Shoe Tree and Bijou for clothing.
What’s the California town or spot you most love in our amazing state?
I love Paso Robles and we are fortunate to live close to the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur. I love Yosemite and all of the wine regions, Sonoma, Napa, Santa Ynez Etc.
Anyplace your still want to go to here, but it’s on your list?
We have been most places within the State, I guess I would just like to revisit many of them.
Thank you Cindy!
Below a few more photos of Cindy’s home. I think it’s the accessories, mix of color and all the cozy spots make it so special and inviting. Even this etagere in her powder room is just a stunning collection. The food she prepares is also gorgeous as you can see from the photos. Some more glimpses of her pretty spaces. A lot of photos, but I wanted to show you how lovely it is…
Her sweet pup Beau!
Cindy not only has decorating talent, but fantastic personal style too. Every time I see her I am mentally taking notes on what she put together, her cool jewelry, shoes and clothes. She just wrote this post about how she found her own style! I loved it.
If you follow her blog, Rough Luxe Lifestyle, you get a fun mix of design, style and entertaining. I have gotten so many great recipes from her too.
Cindy on Instagram here
Get the Cindy look..
Embroidered Dezi Pillow, Wooden Dough Bowl, Ridge Striped Pillow Cover , Black Wooden Bowl, African Mud Cloth pillow, Oyster Shell Orb, Water Hyacinth Placemats, Glenna White Dinner Plates.
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The next Californians at Home will be sooner and monthly.
Kim
P.S. Even Cindy’s barn is cute!
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THANK YOU for letting me re-live THAT BIRTHDAY!I ADORE CINDY’s HOUSE and all her STUFF…………
She has a way with DECOR and FOOD PREP!
There is nothing I would change.
Both MY MOTHER and CINDY are from INDIANA and that was an INSTANT BOND FOR ME!
Cindy has a SENSIBLE STYLE…………….she knows how to put an outfit together.NO OLD LADY IN HER LOOK!
Plus she has so much ENERGY!I wish I had half her ENERGY!
I LIKE THESE INTERVIEWS!
XX
Elizabeth, Weren’t we lucky to have such a beautiful day there? Loved it and hated to leave! Cindy has all the ingredients doesn’t she? She doesn’t fuss and I guess that is Mid-Western practicality combined with style! I know she is always coming up with cool blog posts and great ideas! I don’t know how she has the time and being with her granddaughter too.. Adore her!
When I grow up I want to be Cindy 🙂 I love her stlye and her home. And her garden is magical, like our Contessa’s. It’s nice to see how Californians live. These interviews are great.
omg i commented earlier and our favorite contessa advised that it did not show up. Kim thank you so much for the feature I Am beyond honored. that you featured me. I feel so fortunate that we met through blogging. I am just so honored that a youngster like yourself will hang out and honor me!!! you are the best!
Cindy please no worries about commenting! I was the one who is honored! Cindy you are too funny. I think you seem younger than me. Thank you again so much for doing this. I feel lucky tp be part of your circle. xoxo
What a lovely little interview Kim 😊 I do enjoy knowing a little bit more about her loves in life. Thank you!
Hi Sarah! I am glad you enjoyed it! xx
I love Cindy”s style and the pictures are all amazing. Love how you showed us her home thru your eyes. Great post!
Hi Vivian! Thank you I really saw a lot I don’t think she often posts.. Her house has so many lovely rooms! xo
Oh, what a great idea. I adore Cindy and all of her creative permutations. Love her house, cooking, garden, and personal style. Plus she’s a great pal. So I adore her. I’m lucky to call her a friend. Keep this series up Kim. Love it.
Sandra that is a great way to say it- creative permutations! She has a lot of style in many areas and such a kind and humble person too!! Thank you xoxo
Hi Kim,
I was beyond thrilled to have finally met all of you in person at Elizabeth’s birthday luncheon! Cindy was so gracious, and seeing her home was an added bonus! Pictures don’t really do it justice, the atmosphere created by all her lovely choices is just so calming and soothing. I love Cindy’s personal style, too! Like you I take notes for when I’m shopping for an outfit either in a shop or in my closet! I’m on the hunt for one of those fabulous long skirts!
I always am happy to see a post from you waiting for me in the in-box! Keep up these fun peeks into stylish women’s homes, it’s so much fun!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, That sure was a fun day and running into you as we got lost too! I agree my pictures don’t even do it justice, such a super cool home! She’s an amazing lady.. You all are such a talented group. I feel lucky to be friends. Aren’t those skirts cute? I love them too. Considering purchasing one. Hopefully something to wear over the years. Thank you Heidi. I’m glad you liked the post. xoxo
Cindy is so effortlessly chic … I’m a huge admirer of her style. I really love her long skirts and flare with accessorizing. Thank you for the glimpse into her home which is every bit as fabulous as I’d imagined. I love her way with the collected look. The bread board on her coffee table really caught my eye. As well as the many wooden bowls she has throughout the house. Beau in the pool is my favorite photo though! I love this series, Kim. Looking forward to many more Californians at Home. xo
Great interview and seeing more of Cindy’s beautiful California home. Love her outdoor space. You have such interesting and stylish friends. Thanks.
Hi Sheila- isn’t it special? Thanks I am very fortunate they are so kind. Cindy is one of a kind. Super generous- humble and kind!
Kim, this is such a great post!!! You know I love Cindy and her amazing style. Its so fun to see her home through your perspective. Feels like we all have had a nice visit!
Thanks Mary Ann. It was great to have that day with you all there! Cindy was so gracious having us all and I was so looking forward to being out with friends after all the quarantine. I will never forget it. Very special. xx
Kim – I swear I left a comment on this post … maybe I was mid comment and got distracted. It happens. Anyhoo … I just adore Cindy’s style. Especially her long skirts. So effortlessly elegant and tres chic. I love getting a glimpse inside her home. The bread board on her coffee table caught my eye … as well as several wooden bowls she has placed throughout her house. She sure does exemplify the collected look. Of course, her outdoor spaces, which I’m more familiar with from her Instagram, are amazing … what a gorgeous property. I love this series and look forward to many more Californians at Home! xo
Hi Juliet! You may have – I had a computer issue this week. Hoping nothing was lost. I was so glad to have Cindy on here. Aren’t her skirts the coolest? She def has her own look.I know if you look at the photos you can see she has all these small details that make her home so unique and lovely. It takes a few passes not to miss thing. I’m glad you like it.. More coming soon. xx
I’m a little late here ( again! 😂 ) but I’ve enjoyed this post so much … it’s one I’ll re read and take tips from again and again. I “met” Cindy through you and love her style. It’s been great to read a little more about her and see your pictures. She makes things appear so stylish yet effortless and always with a smile! Her home and especially her outdoor space seems just perfect to me … I love how she mixes old and new in a way that is both appealing and welcoming and I’d love to be able to wear a long skirt and a shirt like she does … 💕 and the fireplace by her pool! 👌
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary, No worries!! So nice of you to pop by and read. Cindy is the coolest lady and so nice. She always acts like she isn’t anything special, but she really is. I also wish I could wear a long skirt like her. I think I am too short. She makes it look so chic.I know love fireplace too. xo