Houzz Tour: A firm in California that combines modern and rustic - David Devan moved with her partner Brad Nichinson to St. Helena in Napa Valley, California, in semi-retirement in 2008, but he barely slowed to feel the grape leaves. Although he never formally trained as an architect or designer, Devan spent 32 years working for Ritz-Carlton development properties around the world, and during that time has gained a deep appreciation for the work. Since arriving at St. Helena, he renovated a house and recently built this modern take on a farm from the ground. His neighbors and friends are now asking him design consultations that his passion evolves into a new career.
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Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here David Devan and Brad Nichinson
Location Napa Valley, California
Size main house: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Guesthouse: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Designer David Devan adding the concept design
The exterior of the house is made of concrete and formed full-length board boards (floor to roof line) clear vertical cedar. Devan used Eco Wood Processing, a preservative that protects wood against aging, but it gives an aged appearance. He then applied a mixture of two transparent spots (brown and black), which allow the grain cedar shine through.
Before this latest project, Devan renovated Victorian farmhouse 1880 he and his partner lived just a few blocks from their current home. "My neighbors know me as the guy who turned an old white house and a new black house, said Devan. "I'll have to find a new color for my next project."
The exterior lights, Hinkley.
Who lives here David Devan and Brad Nichinson
Location Napa Valley, California
Size main house: 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Guesthouse: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Designer David Devan adding the concept design
The exterior of the house is made of concrete and formed full-length board boards (floor to roof line) clear vertical cedar. Devan used Eco Wood Processing, a preservative that protects wood against aging, but it gives an aged appearance. He then applied a mixture of two transparent spots (brown and black), which allow the grain cedar shine through.
Before this latest project, Devan renovated Victorian farmhouse 1880 he and his partner lived just a few blocks from their current home. "My neighbors know me as the guy who turned an old white house and a new black house, said Devan. "I'll have to find a new color for my next project."
The exterior lights, Hinkley.
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general contractor of the project, Tom Trainor Trainor Builders, suggested that Devan use wire wine cave for mesh fence. "The mesh functions as a type of rebar inside wine cellars; they are sprayed with gunite to form inside the cave, said Devan. "I love how the metal oxide, and thought its copper color would look great in between the poles of black-stained cedar.
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the kitchen and family room open space has been designed in a way that would allow a future owner to easily turn the family room into a dining room. The top entertainment center was made in the same walnut stained used for kitchen cabinets, and the island and could easily be converted into storage for dishes.
The polished concrete floors that run throughout the house have not been paid and marked; they were created in the individual sections. "When, not if, a crack appears, it can only go so far, said Devan. "This process minimizes repairs.
Sofa, Living Nido. Eames lounge chair; pouf, Design Within Reach. Stock Bret Lopez.
The polished concrete floors that run throughout the house have not been paid and marked; they were created in the individual sections. "When, not if, a crack appears, it can only go so far, said Devan. "This process minimizes repairs.
Sofa, Living Nido. Eames lounge chair; pouf, Design Within Reach. Stock Bret Lopez.
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Devan said he fell in love with the kitchen models Henrybuilt when he first saw it, and was tempted to use the company during the renovation of its highest 1880 Victorian farmhouse. Ultimately, he decided it would look too modern for space.
For this project, however, the design of the entire house began with his Henrybuilt kitchen. "In a house with so much glass, I think it is important for interior and exterior to connect to each other because they are connected visually, said Devan. It was not until stains and surface materials for the kitchen were completed he has chosen exterior materials to complete.
Vintage bar stool, Past Perfect.
Check out these great glass extensions box
For this project, however, the design of the entire house began with his Henrybuilt kitchen. "In a house with so much glass, I think it is important for interior and exterior to connect to each other because they are connected visually, said Devan. It was not until stains and surface materials for the kitchen were completed he has chosen exterior materials to complete.
Vintage bar stool, Past Perfect.
Check out these great glass extensions box
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a freestanding shelves from floor to ceiling defines the kitchen without inhibiting its opening and flow. Two floating shelves Henrybuilt of steel were added to board consisting of kitchen wall concrete and Devan had the hood wrapped in the same material to match.
Tableware, Heath Ceramics.
Tableware, Heath Ceramics.
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The butler pantry is the room that said Devan probably gets the most compliments customers. Located in the northeast corner of the house, it receives less light. Large windows draw solarium in sunlight whenever possible.
worktops compounds of black paper and without recycled resin oil correspond to those in the kitchen. "They could be made of paper but they are incredibly hard, said Devan. "These work plans are often used in hospitals, laboratories and schools, because they are so durable.
worktops, Henrybuilt.
worktops compounds of black paper and without recycled resin oil correspond to those in the kitchen. "They could be made of paper but they are incredibly hard, said Devan. "These work plans are often used in hospitals, laboratories and schools, because they are so durable.
worktops, Henrybuilt.
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The open dining and living room has two LED lamps in form of massive cross made by the New Zealand company resident. Devan said he first wanted the lights with a white base so that they blend into the ceiling. But lighting designers are not white in stock and waiting for news to be already meant missing the deadline for kitchens in the Vineyards tour that included home and Devan Nichinson. Instead, the company offered to ship chandeliers with black back and then exchange them later if Devan was not satisfied. The offer was not required. "I can not imagine replacing them now, said Devan. "They are so sculptural, black and matches perfectly with the doors and windows casings.
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before dying this past March, St Helena artist Sherman Nobleman chose most of the art for the house of Devan's own collection. One of the favorite pieces of Devan is the large abstract painting on the wall of the room in the area. Sherman was a wonderful artist and a good friend, said Devan. "We opened our home to a celebration of life for 160 friends and family members.
Table, Saporiti Italia. Chairs, Series 7
Table, Saporiti Italia. Chairs, Series 7
a.d.d. concept design
Over the years, Devan and Nichinson have collected almost all the furniture of the house, including black leather Le Corbusier seats in the room stay.
leather seats, Le Corbusier.
leather seats, Le Corbusier.
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The master bedroom opens directly onto the pool, which is perfect for laps early morning or late night dips.
black belt cowhide Hide House. Art, Sherman Nobleman.
black belt cowhide Hide House. Art, Sherman Nobleman.
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The beautiful master bath opens to a Zen garden. The bedroom includes a double sink, a free-standing bath and a rain shower with a shower curtain of chain link.
'I love the shower curtain-link chain. The water flows like rain chain; it creates a wonderful water feature, "said Devan.
Bath, Victoria Albert. Cabinets, Henrybuilt. Tiles, Daltile.
Learn how to create a style spa and serenity in your home
'I love the shower curtain-link chain. The water flows like rain chain; it creates a wonderful water feature, "said Devan.
Bath, Victoria Albert. Cabinets, Henrybuilt. Tiles, Daltile.
Learn how to create a style spa and serenity in your home
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This is a closeup of the chain-link curtain and side garden. After the shower, you can opt to open the sliding door and dry in the sun.
Tiles, Daltile.
Tiles, Daltile.
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Nichinson, which serves many non-profit boards, had converted one of the rooms in his office. Furniture for the office that belonged to his father and used his office to Pan Am Building in New York (now the MetLife Building).
office furniture Vintage, Gunlocke.
office furniture Vintage, Gunlocke.
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loft features French oak engineering room hardwood floors of the guest house. Soundproofing mat under the floor allows space to be easily converted into music or yoga studio.
Art on a bed, Mimi LaPlant. Eames lounge chair; pouf, Design Within Reach. Dresser, Ikea.
Art on a bed, Mimi LaPlant. Eames lounge chair; pouf, Design Within Reach. Dresser, Ikea.
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The rear garden consists of six separate outdoor spaces, including the living room with a fireplace Malm iconic.
Garden furniture, Living Nido.
Garden furniture, Living Nido.
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Another private area of the garden with an outdoor shower and an elegant metal chair.
freestanding shower, Cavendish.
freestanding shower, Cavendish.
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Planters, furniture and sculptures dot the rest of the back garden. St Helena sculptor Adam Wiedmann created this piece.
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Devan says he always tries to consult Nichinson on design decisions, but added that his partner likes to joke that he only has a hundred power of veto over the design.
Nichinson fact suggest this alcove storage wood. "We lined with steel and lifted the bottom slightly off the ground so that water does not rot the wood, said Devan.
Nichinson fact suggest this alcove storage wood. "We lined with steel and lifted the bottom slightly off the ground so that water does not rot the wood, said Devan.
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The shell of the pool was one of the few remaining remnants of the original design of the property. Devan had topped the pool with the same tiles used in the main bathroom and was the base of the pool resurfaced. "We added some oyster shells crushed into the plaster that add a wonderful sparkle, said Devan.
yellow stools, West Elm.
TELL US ...
What do you think of the modern take on a farm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
yellow stools, West Elm.
TELL US ...
What do you think of the modern take on a farm? Share your thoughts in the comments below.