Case Study:
Casa Cielo
When our clients purchased Casa Cielo as their second home in Rancho Santa Fe, they envisioned more than a weekend getaway. They wanted a warm, inviting family retreat where children, grandchildren, and guests could gather comfortably throughout the year.
Savvy Interiors was hired to provide comprehensive interior design, construction management, procurement, and remodeling services to transform the dated residence into a luxury second home that balanced timeless design with everyday functionality.
A Family Retreat Designed for Gathering, Comfort, and Effortless Living
Project Overview
Location: Rancho Santa Fe, California
Project Type: Luxury Second Home Remodel
Services Provided: Luxury Interior Design, Whole Home Remodeling, Design-Build Services, Construction Management, Custom Cabinetry, Procurement, Furnishings, Vacation Home Design, Second Home Renovation
The Vision: A Second Home Designed to Be Shared
From the beginning, the goal was to create a home that could support the way this family truly wanted to live.
This was not intended to be a formal showpiece or an occasional-use property. It needed to feel welcoming, personal, and easy to enjoy — a place where multiple generations could gather, stay comfortably, celebrate holidays, host guests, and make memories together.
The design needed to feel elevated, but never overly precious. Sophisticated, but still relaxed. Beautiful, but deeply functional.
The Approach: Full-Service Design-Build for Out-of-Town Homeowners
Because our clients lived elsewhere for much of the year, they needed more than a design plan. They needed a trusted team capable of managing the many moving pieces required to bring the project to life.
Savvy Interiors provided a complete design-build experience, including architectural planning, interior design, finish selections, custom millwork, procurement, furnishings, project management, and construction oversight.
This turnkey approach allowed the homeowners to move through the remodel with confidence, without managing countless decisions, vendors, deliveries, and construction details themselves.
Every phase was handled with one clear vision: to create a second home that felt beautiful, functional, and ready for the way their family gathers.
The Design Direction: Warm, Collected, and Personal
Throughout Casa Cielo, we focused on creating interiors that felt layered and collected rather than overly formal.
Warm wood tones, natural stone, custom cabinetry, layered textiles, handcrafted details, and thoughtfully selected furnishings work together to create a home that feels welcoming from the moment guests arrive.
Botanical wallpapers, custom millwork, curated lighting, and natural textures create moments of surprise and charm throughout the residence. Each space has its own personality, while still feeling connected to the larger design story of the home.
Rather than chasing trends, we focused on timeless materials and thoughtful details that will continue to feel relevant for years to come.
Guest Spaces Designed for Multiple Generations
One of the homeowners’ highest priorities was creating a home that could comfortably support family visits, holiday gatherings, and everyday time together.
The kitchen was completely reimagined as the heart of the home, with an oversized island, generous seating, custom cabinetry, architectural details, and luxury finishes designed for both entertaining and daily use.
The result is a kitchen that feels polished and practical — a natural gathering place where family and guests can move easily between cooking, conversation, and connection.
The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home
One of the homeowners’ highest priorities was creating a home that could comfortably support family visits, holiday gatherings, and everyday time together.
The kitchen was completely reimagined as the heart of the home, with an oversized island, generous seating, custom cabinetry, architectural details, and luxury finishes designed for both entertaining and daily use.
The result is a kitchen that feels polished and practical — a natural gathering place where family and guests can move easily between cooking, conversation, and connection.
Intimate Gathering Spaces with Character
In addition to larger entertaining areas, Casa Cielo needed smaller spaces that invited conversation, games, and quiet connection.
A custom banquette lounge wrapped in rich green hues and walnut millwork creates one of those moments. It adds depth, warmth, and personality while reinforcing the relaxed luxury that defines the home.
These intimate spaces are what make the home feel personal. They create places to gather beyond the obvious rooms, giving the family more ways to enjoy the home together.
Intimate Gathering Spaces with Character
Several bathrooms underwent complete transformations.
Outdated tile, builder-grade cabinetry, and generic finishes were replaced with custom vanities, natural stone surfaces, elevated plumbing fixtures, and carefully selected wallcoverings that add warmth and personality.
Each bathroom was designed to feel unique while still remaining connected to the home’s overall aesthetic. The result is a collection of spaces that feel memorable, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed for family and guests alike.
The Result: A Luxury Second Home That Feels Like a Destination
Today, Casa Cielo serves exactly the purpose our clients envisioned: a beautifully designed second home where family naturally gathers.
The home feels timeless, welcoming, and deeply personal. Every room supports the way the family lives, entertains, hosts, and creates memories together.
For homeowners considering a luxury second home remodel, vacation property renovation, or full-service design-build project in Rancho Santa Fe or San Diego County, Casa Cielo demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a house into a destination for generations to come.
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Planning a Second Home Remodel?
Savvy Interiors provides full-service interior design, remodeling, construction management, procurement, and furnishings for homeowners who want a thoughtful, design-led process from concept through completion.
Learn more about our services or schedule a consultation to discuss your project.