Meeting of the Minds

Author:

Shelley & Co delivers a flawless forever home for iconic Napa Valley winemakers

In the entry, a custom table hangs below an existing chandelier that sheds light on work by Myke Reilly-Puterra.
Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.

With over 25 years working as an interior designer, Shelley Cahan, founder and principal of Shelley & Co, still gets excited to translate her clients’ ideas into a dreamy reality. “I never apply a singular design vision to my projects,” she notes. “No two projects will ever be the same. That’s boring and expected! Each project’s interior should be an authentic reflection of the client’s highest and best self.”

When it came to designing a home in Napa for the globally-respected winemakers behind iconic labels including Jessup Cellars, Lloyd Cellars, Handwritten, Vineyard 511 and Prescription, she knew the vibe needed to feel creative, sophisticated and relaxed. “While their winemaking practice is rigorous, they maintain this beautiful, tight-knit family lifestyle that is idyllic,” she notes. “With two beautiful daughters, and an extended generational family, they remain one of my favorite clients of my career.”

In the living room, a vintage coffee table is flanked by sofas from Minotti. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.
In the dining room, the console table is by Mr. Brown, the chandelier is from Visual Comfort and the dining table is by Caste. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.

Built in 2015, the 4,000-square-foot home already had the transitional, modern farmhouse style in place but needed the final touches. “Our design scope was to come in and finish the house,” says Cahan. “We provided new furnishings throughout along with decorative lighting, fine rugs, fine art and sculpture.”

A pair of vintage Honey Calcite Slab lamps from Sloan Miyasato flank a custom bed designed by Cahan in the primary bedroom. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.
The Shine chaise by Sho face a rug by Aga John. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.

Starting from scratch, Cahan and her team curated a refreshing mix of modern and contemporary pieces from brands including Minotti, Holly Hunt, Kelly Wearstler, Gary Komarin, Kai-Samuels and Lou Ros, that echo the home’s architectural intention. “The flow of the house is beautiful,” says Cahan. “Each room is bright, fresh and the scale, on point. And while the palette is monochromatic, the vibe is warm and inviting.”

Outside, an expansive sectional by Sutherland covered in fabric from Perennials offers plenty of seating. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.
An outdoor dining area features tables and chairs from Restoration Hardware. Photos by Jonathan Mitchell.

Even though the clients were very involved with the overall process and Cahan and her team eliminated any elements of surprise, the family was over the moon with the final result. “Even still, move-in day took their breath away,” she notes. “The vibration was high and we both had an immense sense of gratitude for the relationship built.”