Tour a Modern Farmhouse in the Heart of Silicon Valley

Home to a busy Silicon Valley family, this modern farmhouse embraces the quintessential laid-back California lifestyle of indoor/outdoor living. To create a serene interior that parallels its picturesque surroundings, the team at Sullivan Design Studio uses a neutral color palette, organic materials, and a ton of natural light. “We really wanted to make the landscaping and exterior the focal point, and not distract from the view as much as possible,” says Linda Sullivan, founding principal and CEO of Sullivan Design Studio.

Surrounded by beautiful landscaping, this 6,000-square-foot home in Atherton, California was designed by SDG Architecture and built by Ernst Development. “The architecture was purposely designed to receive natural light and a view of the exterior from every room, a trademark of this architect,” says Sullivan. “Natural light can help define the essence of a home.” Once inside, dynamic chandeliers, geometric patterns, and pops of color create unexpected twists. From the lush backyard to the spacious living areas, tour the home here.

This Silicon Valley home has beautiful landscaping and various outdoor living areas ideal for the entire family. “The park-like setting feels like it could be one hundred miles from where computers were invented,” says Sullivan of the home’s backyard.

Photo by Bernard André
Overlooking the green backyard, the charming living space boasts a neutral color palette that blends seamlessly with nature — like the white wood paneling, light oak cabinetry, and limestone fireplace. The white coffee table is from Plantation Design and a gray sofa from Lee Industries is upholstered in Kravet fabric. Chairs from Hickory Chair are completed with Robert Allen fabric. Throw pillows from Osborne & Little, Kravet, and Larsen add extra texture and a touch of color to the inviting space.

Photo by Bernard André
From the white-paneled ceiling to the bright cabinetry, this modern kitchen is full of light tones. The gray and white patterned backsplash, from Walker Zanger, matches the room’s silver accents — from the hardware to the custom hood. The sleek countertop, made of Ann Sacks porcelain slabs, is accompanied with Lee Industries stools upholstered in Maharam fabric.

Photo by Bernard André
Across the kitchen is a beautiful, light-filled breakfast nook. The banquette is completed in Architex and Maharam fabrics, and the chairs from Lee industries are upholstered in Maharam fabric. To complete the space, there is a lantern-style chandelier and built-in shelving with personalized, decorative items.

Photo by Bernard André
Large glass doors allow a surge of natural light to enter this elegant dining room. A beautiful dining table from Plantation Design is the focal point of the room. Soothing patterns surround the space, from the Phillip Jeffries wallcovering to the Kravet dining chairs upholstered in Jane Churchill fabric. Resembling roots and branches, the white chandelier from Currey & Company serves as a striking accent.

Photo by Bernard André
Exit through the glass doors, where you will find a large outdoor dining area. Situated among plants and flowers, the dining table and chairs are made from raw wood.

Photo by Bernard André
While outside, you can lounge in one of many seating areas — whether you prefer the cream sofas, the lounge chairs, or the cozy daybed.

Photo by Bernard André
Enter this light-filled master bedroom from the patio. Crisp, white walls and a vaulted ceiling set the basis for this fresh, clean space. Completed with a gray, tufted headboard, the bed is from Hickory Chair. Nightstands from Oly Studio sit beside the bed, while swivel chairs from Room & Board sit at the foot of the bed. Across the room, Daltile porcelain tiles make up the fireplace mantel.

Photo by Bernard André
The master bath features Thassos wall tiles from New Ravenna and Siberian Sunset floor tiles from Walker Zanger. A slab of Carrara marble is used to create the modern countertops. Silver hardware, two glass pendants, and a large wall mirror complete the design of the space.

Photo by Bernard André
Sophisticated yet striking, this spacious living area features a vaulted ceiling with a caged chandelier. A set of teal armchairs are from Room & Board, the sofa is from Verellen with Kravet fabric, and the custom bench is from Osborn & Little. Pillows by Osborne & Little and Kravet decorate furnishings throughout the space.

Photo by Bernard André
Known as the project and study room, this unique space provides plenty of space for work and play. There is a 3Form glass top island and Caesarstone top desks, as well as pottery barn desk chairs with Osborn & Little fabric. "This family, creative and playful at heart, can work on projects or puzzles on the large indestructible glass laminated island that was designed with science projects in mind," Sullivan says. Built-in shelving, a wood vaulted ceiling, and cork flooring gives this space a creative touch.

Photo by Bernard André
Walk up a custom staircase to discover the rest of the home.

Photo by Bernard André
The boy's bedroom blends a youthful feel with sophisticated design. Serving as an accent wall, a chic mosaic is made up of pebbles from Island Stone. Tennis racks are used as decor above the bed, adding a playful touch to the space. Toys are displayed around the room, from the nightstand to the bookcase. To contrast the playful tones of blue and red, the team at Sullivan Design Studio uses wood-like tiles from Ann Sacks and two dark wood nightstands.

Photo by Bernard André
Enter the adjoining bathroom, which features stylish neutrals and an abundance of natural light. Atop the wood vanity is a slab from Benjamin Gray.

Photo by Bernard André
To create a space that is loved by both children and adults, the team pairs gray cabinetry and bright walls with light blue and purple accents. The bright Cowtan & Tout wallcovering adds subtle texture to the girl’s bedroom, while the crystal light fixtures add a touch of elegance. The bed is from Bernhardt Lindsey and is upholstered with Harris Fabric. The duvet, sheets, and shams are from Serena & Lily and the nightstands are from The Land of Nod.

Photo by Bernard André
Enter the girl's bathroom, where Artistic Tile is used on both the floor and the shower wall. The space reflects the decor of the adjoining bedroom — from the crystal pendant and knobs to the purple flowers and colorful painting.

Photo by Bernard André