Enter a remarkable residence that illustrates how our environments can inspire, soothe, and foster deeper connections to what truly matters.
A Home Connected to Its Environment
Meeting Lily Riesenfeld, you quickly sense her deep connection to the earth.
As a proponent of sustainable living, Lily thrives in her surroundings. Her 1921 home, adorned with black shingles and mahogany accents, harmonizes with the towering redwoods nearby, with hiking trails leading right to her backyard. The family chose this location for its proximity to Mount Tamalpais trails, with San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west.
An Outdoor Childhood
Lily spent her early years in Berkeley, California. At age eight, her family acquired a ranch in Healdsburg, just a short drive away.
“Witnessing my parents' vision for the ranch was a cherished experience,” Lily recalls. Over the years, they cultivated hundreds of trees, constructed a ranch house, revitalized a historic redwood barn, and planted one hundred acres of French varietal grapes, all while fostering a balance of animals, vineyards, and natural habitats. Her favorite moments at the ranch involve sharing it with guests.
In addition to the ranch, the family spent summers visiting relatives in Maine. It was a place where Lily felt wild and free. The porch furniture, along with the porch itself, at her great-grandparents' home was painted a celadon green, affectionately named “Gamby green” after her great-grandmother. Gamby adored the shade so much that she commissioned Wedgwood china in that color. Many of Lily’s design choices echo inspirations from her grandmother’s Maine home, the family house in Berkeley, and the Healdsburg ranch.
Creating a Life Focused on Wellness and Purpose
In her early adulthood, Lily dedicated herself to personal wellness, launching her first business, The Lily Pad, in Malibu. After marrying and returning to the San Francisco Bay area, she co-founded The Pad Studios, a Pilates and yoga sanctuary. Over time, she initiated purpose-driven community events, leading to the creation of the Kinship Experience. As these events evolved, Lily shifted her focus to the intersection of individual health and global wellness, culminating in the launch of Futurewell.
Currently, Lily champions regenerative agriculture, working towards equitable food systems. She’s raising funds for a Center for Food and Agriculture, designed to house a permanent farmers’ market at the Marin Civic Center. “The envisioned structure will draw down more carbon and energy than it utilizes.”
A Harmoniously Designed Home
Lily crafted her home in Larkspur with insights from Caitlin Flemming. “Caitlin was instrumental in helping my home come together beautifully.”
The interior colors radiate serene harmony. Earthy hues of deep greens, wheat, and soft blues blend with a variety of patterns, mirroring the natural beauty surrounding her—the golden hills, redwoods, and the tranquil water tones.
Both the entry and the dining room walls feature a striking William Morris design. Curtains and cushions sport smaller prints, complemented by wood-toned plaid in various rooms. Two petite vintage French chairs showcase a hand-printed leaf design, continuing the outdoor theme. Even the dinnerware combines vintage transferware patterns in different shades of green, along with pieces from her great-grandmother’s collection.
If this home has a heart, it’s undoubtedly the kitchen, where freshly made tortillas rest in a linen towel beside the stove, and pinto beans simmer gently, ready for anyone hungry. It’s a nourishing space, and Lily is eager to share its restorative essence.
10 Insights on Home
1. What attracted you to your current location?
Mount Tamalpais and the local hiking trails were key factors. We didn’t even consider Berkeley, despite our families living there. We felt it was wise to be a bridge away from our parents.
2. How does your environment influence your home’s aesthetic?
The colors of the surrounding nature significantly shape my design choices.
3. What does home mean to you?
A gathering place where people feel welcomed and relaxed—a space where comfort is immediate.
4. What’s your favorite season here and why?
Late summer is my favorite. The light shifts, casting a golden hue over everything.
5. Do you collect anything?
I have a fondness for wicker baskets and hats, along with unique kitchen items, especially interesting pottery.
6. How do you enjoy your weekends?
Our weekends revolve around hiking, cooking, and attending our children’s sports events. When we can escape in winter, I love visiting our rustic cabin in Sugar Bowl, near Tahoe, built in the 1930s to resemble a Swiss village.
7. What can you not live without?
A morning latte is a must for me. Of course, my family is essential, too! My daily morning hike keeps me grounded.
8. What makes your house feel like home?
The strong sense of nostalgia makes it feel like home. I enjoy layering textures and textiles, creating a warm ambiance that contrasts with stark minimalism.
9. How does your home inspire your creativity?
I relish styling meals and bringing people together around the table. Every Sunday, my mother-in-law joins us for dinner, and I always strive to present a lovely meal.
10. Are there local individuals or businesses that inspire your creativity?
I’ve gained invaluable insights from Alice Waters through collaborative events. Alice’s guidance has taught me how to create memorable culinary experiences. For the purposeful aspect of my work, I’m inspired by local visionaries like Paul Hawken, Jack Kornfield, Dr. Daniel Siegel, and my dear friend, Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Caitlin Flemming and Julie Goebel
Sense of Place: Design Inspired by Where We Live
$29 at Amazon30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
