I love working on California Rancher homes. They’re flexible and can be pushed toward mid-century for clients who appreciate the era, or skew them back toward a more traditional vibe.

In this case our client, a Southern Belle with a love of France, wanted a classic home that felt warm, welcoming and timeless, to greet her and her husband when they return from their trips abroad.

Here are the After and Before:

Nestled on a quiet street in Lafayette, Calif., the property surrounding this home was formerly a pear orchard.

A few of the old trees remain. We asked Katherine Jacobus to paint the gorgeous panels below, taking inspiration from a triptych the client had seen while traveling in Europe, and incorporating the pears.

As an added bonus, if the client ever moves, she can take these memories with her.