Stripping back the ornate details of a Mediterranean Revival home is a challenge in its own right.

But add the many modern living requirements of three generations under one roof, and it’s time to call in the Experts. That’s how Brittany Zwickl and her Studio Life/Style co-founder, Shannon Wollack, were hired to gut-renovate a vacation house in the La Quinta desert. “The clients have multiple kids and one grandkid so far, but expecting more in the future, so they wanted this to be a big, fun family home,” Brittany explains. “We just wanted to make sure that it felt homey.”

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Despite the expansive volumes, the duo achieved that warmth with Atlas Beige limestone floors from Exquisite Surfaces. “It has a little bit of rusticity and it's not slippery, shiny, or harsh, which helps make it feel cozy,” says Brittany, who also brought in big area rugs wherever she could, all the while keeping in mind wet feet coming in from the pool. The natural stone fits right in with the earthy palette informed by the arid destination. “We really leaned into desert tones.”

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In many rooms, Brittany and Shannon ripped out the embellished details in favor of clean lines but honored the original architecture by incorporating traditional features. The kitchen, for example, juxtaposes of-the-moment zellige tile and a curved plaster vent hood with classic inset cabinets with recessed paneled doors. “We wanted to add modern elements, without it feeling cold or contemporary,” reasons Brittany.

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The cupboards are painted in Drop Cloth, a light greige with a hint of green, and a Studio Life/Style go-to hue. “Farrow & Ball creates the most beautiful, complex colors. And while it’s amazing to have a wider selection sometimes, it’s also really nice to have it narrowed down for you. It’s less overwhelming.”

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For the serene, spa-like powder room, the duo dreamed up a statement vanity using a reclaimed console and a large vessel sink made from Petit Granit. They set the brass plumbing fixtures directly in the ethereal Roman clay walls for easy handwashing—another nod to the Southern European influences. Meanwhile, the primary bathroom is curated with blue-and-white Spanish tile floors and dual vanities with reeded doors and arched feet for a textured, furniture-like feel.

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Brittany and Shannon replaced the formal dining room—which the clients didn’t need—with a relaxed family room that’s primed for game nights and movie screenings. They furnished it with a sink-right-in sectional and a leather-topped ottoman from Nickey Kehoe. “We often put a table behind a deep sofa to put drinks down,” says Brittany. “It’s more convenient than leaning all the way forward to the coffee table.”

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All of the bedrooms are inviting, but the kids’ room is especially compelling, with its built-in bunk beds with hidden trundles—a Studio Life/Style signature. “We're kind of known for them,” Brittany reveals. “Because the client is expecting to have big gatherings, we just wanted to maximize the space. In theory, six kids can sleep in this room.”

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Instead of nightstands, the sage green, wood-paneled bunks are cleverly equipped with niches for stowing a glass of water or a book, sconces with handy switches for reading in the dark, and outlets for charging. “As the kids get older, they can retreat and have their own space,” Brittany says. “The full wall in between adds a little bit more privacy when you're sharing a room.”

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When designing the outdoor areas, Brittany and Shannon fought against the monotony of typical patio furniture with a variety of materials. They paired a long wood table with powder-coated steel Hinterland Dining Chairs from Lawson-Fenning. “So much outdoor furniture is made from heavy teak, which gets redundant if that's the only thing you have around,” Brittany admits. “The metal frames give the dining area a softer, lighter feeling and play off the steel windows.”

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But one of the best seats in the house, according to Brittany, is the built-in, L-shaped bench that surrounds the firepit. It’s made of poured concrete, smoothed with stucco, and outfitted with custom cushions with a French mattress detail. Most importantly, it accommodates up to 20 people and offers stunning mountain views. It’s those cozy gathering spots that fuel family memories and, at the end of the day, isn’t this what great design is all about?

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