A Mendocino House Was a Local Landmark, But Its Interiors Were Lackluster—Here’s How It Was Restored
The home is located two doors down from the “Murder, She Wrote” house.
Salt Haus Photo
The Maxwell-Jarvis house was built in 1878 and is one of the historic Banker’s Row homes on Little Lake Street in Mendocino, California, (it’s also located two doors down from the home featured in Murder, She Wrote. But while it’s a piece of architectural history, it desperately needed to be restored.
Salt Haus Photo
“Originally, the Maxwell-Jarvis House was a marvel to behold—a true Italianate piece of architecture with its tall, symmetrical stature, ornamental cornices, and classic hip roof,” explains interior designer Julienne Barrett of Atelier Julienne. “Then in 1966, the house sustained heavy damage from a fire and had to be rehabilitated. Another interior remodel and subdivision of the first and second floor in the 1980s left the house in a state of lackluster design.”
Salt Haus Photo
Julienne’s client discovered the home in 2004 and purchased it, using the house as it had been used for 20 years—as four equally-sized apartments, with some units rented out.
“Knowing that she would make it her permanent home when retired, she decided to renovate the downstairs space into a two-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom single residence,” Julienne explains. “Her love of history, the coastal region, nature, and love of antiques (multigenerational antique dealers in the family), created the impetus to breathe life back into this beautiful, stately home.”
Salt Haus Photo
The remodels in the ‘60s and ‘80s had given the home a “hodgepodge of styles, materials, and tastes.” Its historical charm had been stripped.
“Once a grand beauty, she had lapsed into a state of obscurity and disrepair,” Julienne says. “The rooms were dark, dingy, and dull. But, possessing excellent ‘bones,’ and with a vision of beauty, one could only imagine breathing life back into such a wonderful building! The biggest problem areas were the dated and the grimy, unfinished laundry room. After over 40 years, the house was overdue for a clean out and remodel.”
Salt Haus Photo
The owner’s goals were to work within the footprint of the home and maximizing each space, all with an eye for functionality and historic-inspired design. And since she has four grandchildren, she wanted to make sure the materials would be durable. Julienne and team used traditional wood flooring, wainscoting, and accents to give the space gravity and warmth. They also added wallpaper which gave the space femininity and warmth, plus playfulness and a casual, non-fussy feeling.
Salt Haus Photo
“[My client] never chose pure function over beauty: every space was designed with the ultimate goal of fitting with the classic and coastal atmosphere of the home. Lots of seating for eating, art projects and visiting were key, and a flow that would feel cozy and natural,” Julienne says. “This design reflects the family’s personality and will be enjoyed for many years to come—a wonderful union of dreams and a real-life outcome.”
Salt Haus Photo
And to revitalize the home’s Italianate design, Julienne made a point to study the style so she could weave in historically accurate details like the new millwork.
Salt Haus Photo
“The main rooms all branch off of one oversized hallway that cuts the house in half: the living room, dining room, library, kitchen, and primary suite,” explains Julienne. “The bright, generous entryway welcomes guests with beautiful wainscoting and herringbone oak floors. Passing through the entryway, the home’s common spaces reflect the unique blend of Italianate style and coastal energy.”
Salt Haus Photo
The living room and dining room are bathed in a soft green hue and feature crown molding that accentuates the high ceilings.
Salt Haus Photo
The library’s walls, ceilings, and bookcases are covered in a green-gray paint color, which Julienne says contrasts beautifully with the library’s nature light during the day and creates an ultra-cozy feeling at night for leisurely reading.
Salt Haus Photo
The kitchen is inspired by the ocean waves outside—it features dusky, aqua blue cabinets and a deep blue gas range. The light plastered hood, countertops, tile, and wainscoting offset the ocean tones and brighten the room.
Salt Haus Photo
And in the primary bedroom, a white-on-white color scheme gives a sense of peace and quiet. The primary bathroom is a feminine space with soft pink walls paired with shiny nickel and classic tile details.
Salt Haus Photo
“This was by far, the most enjoyable, smooth, and creatively satisfying process ever,” the owner says. “Together, we restored the dignity of the home’s heritage and created a space for my family to enjoy for generations to come. Julienne mixed the ingredients, artfully combined beauty and practicality, and produced pure magic!”
Millwork: Brad Erickson, Revival Millworks
Styling: Melissa Barrett, Mood & Measure Styling
Florals: Kelsey Bowman, Wild Hare Floral Design
Builder: AUM Construction, Inc.
