#designersathome Archives - Northern California Style

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.