Modern Family Living in Ross, CA: Design That Inspires Connection

Located in the beautiful Marin County, Ross, California, is a place where the weekends seem to disappear under the canopy of redwoods, where people know their neighbors by name, and family life feels both grounded and aspirational. Ross provides tree-lined streets, architecturally rich homes, and a sense of laid-back elegance that is distinctly West Coast. Ross is scenic, but more importantly, it is soulful. 

And yet, for many families here, life is anything but settled. Kids are growing up, parents are working from home, grandparents might be living in the guest house, and the dog? He's living his best life on the couch (as it should be). In contrast, modern family life is layered, vibrant, and changing, and our homes must respond.

That’s where we come in. At L+P Interiors, we believe a thoughtfully designed home is not just beautiful; it should also work hard, feel personal, and reflect not only who you are today, but also assert who you are becoming. Based in nearby Sausalito, we work with families throughout Ross and the greater Bay Area to create interiors that combine elevated aesthetics and everyday function. The result is spaces that feel like you but better.

Thinking about reimagining your home in Ross? Start the process with L+P Interiors →

Form, Function + Family: Our Approach to Storytelling in Design

At L+P Interiors, every project begins with a story.

At times, it really is getting back to square one - like a couple designing their forever home after living in the city for decades. Sometimes, it's about reinterpreting the family center - to refocus a dreary, shabby living space to a family room of light for after-school hang zones, casual entertaining, or maybe a weekend nap with the dog (yes, on the couch).

Our philosophy is simple, and it is powerful: design should tell the story of the people who live there. We prefer to start every project, not with fabric swatches and tile samples, but with a conversation. We listen. We ask. We find out how you live and what is important to you.

From there, we build a design that is made for the home and contributes to livability, balancing form and function in ways that feel instinctual to us. For us, "elevated" does not equate to rigid or unreachable - it means layered, thoughtful, and with a purpose.

A good example of this is our St. Helena Residence. We collaborated with a family in really seeking peace and ease and brought to life tonal palettes, organic textures, and subtle points of joy. The final result was a home that looked good but felt like them.

Want to tell the story of your home? Let’s design it together →


Why Ross is the Perfect Canvas for Modern Family Living

Ross homes have a special kind of magic. Whether it's a mid-century ranch nestled into a hillside, a craftsman with original finishes, or a highly modern rebuild with big views and bigger ideas, there is definitely a quality of grace and authentic quality underlying the architecture here. 

Having families living in Ross is a natural reflection of that authentic feel. Multigenerational living situations, busy parents combining work/home balance, kids that go from piano practice to changing into their soccer cleats all in one heartbeat. That is a lifestyle that demands your living space be both beautiful and practical.

At L+P Interiors, we respect the existing architecture, but complement that with a sensible layout, the same materials that will stand up to real life, and design elements that add calm and joy to daily rituals. Natural wood, layered neutrals, artisan-made fixtures, and custom millwork. Those elements aren't just decor options. They are how we create a Ross home.

Whether we’re reworking a mudroom, refreshing a living room, or designing a home from the ground up, our goal is always the same: create a space that reflects the rhythms of your real life, with warmth, elegance, and heart.

Kids, Pets, Life: Designing Real Homes Without Sacrificing Style

We hear it all the time: “I’d love a beautifully designed home, but I have kids.” Or pets. Or teenagers. Or all of the above.

Here's the truth: family-friendly design doesn’t mean compromising on style—it means elevating function.

L+P Interiors is where we create functional luxury for families wanting their homes to function for their lives, not the other way around. We utilize performance fabrics that wipe clean and look authentically Parisian. We create multifunctional spaces: media rooms that convert to play rooms, dining rooms that convert to homework centers, and guest bedrooms that can also function as home offices. 

We use storage as a design feature—think custom-built-ins that hide toys and tech, not bulky bins in the corner. We lean into textural depth (wool rugs, hand-thrown ceramics, woven baskets) to create rooms that feel curated, not cluttered.

Family life is dynamic. Your space should be, too.

Let’s create a livable space that works beautifully for your family → Contact L+P Interiors


Not Just Big Builds—Creative Solutions for All Project Sizes

To work with L+P Interiors, you don't need to have an extravagant remodel or an HGTV reveal moment! Believe it or not, some of the most rewarding projects that we work on only involve a couple of spaces, because you have a vision and a plan.

  • We work with projects of all types, sizes, and budgets. Whether you are: 

  • Building new construction in Napa for the home of your dreams

  • Renovating your kitchen and family room in your long-time Ross home

  • Or you just want to freshen up a guest suite or nursery room, 

…we’re here for it.

We also provide design consultations (including planning over Zoom for long-distance or early-stage clients) and enjoy collaborating with clients who are curious, creative, and open to possibilities—even if we are still figuring out the particulars of the project! We meet you at your level, bringing thoughtful, joyful solutions no matter the size of the job.

From reimagining living rooms to full-home transformations, LP Interiors tailors the process to you.

From Vision Board to Real Life: What It’s Like to Work with L+P Interiors

So, what does working with us actually look like?

Here’s how we guide clients through our full-service design process:

  1. Discovery Session: We start with a deep dive—your goals, your lifestyle, your wishlist.

  2. Vision + Story Mapping: We craft a mood board and conceptual direction rooted in your story.

  3. Floor Plans + Palette: We dial in your home’s layout and materiality, from paint to pillows.

  4. Sourcing + Custom Selections: From vintage pieces to artisan-made lighting—we curate it all.

  5. Installation + Final Reveal: Our team handles the details so you don’t have to. Then comes the fun part.

Throughout it all, we serve as your creative partner, advocating for your vision, communicating clearly, and making sure every piece feels like you.

Book a Discovery Session today → Let’s get started

A Ross Remodel: Modern, Functional, Family-First (Client Spotlight)

One of our most enjoyable projects was recently for a young family with two kids under ten and one very exuberant dog, who had just purchased a mid-century Ross home with excellent bones but limited functionality.

While they needed to work and live in this space, our challenge was to create zones for the entire family while preserving flow, coherence, and panache.

The main living space got a complete overhaul that created a custom banquette for family dinners, a reading nook that morphed into Mom's morning ritual space, and built-in shelving with recessed lighting that allowed art, books, and school projects to coexist side by side.

The color palette was focused on earthy and soothing tones: warm beiges, soft olives, brushed golds. We used performance velvet for the living room sofa, layered textures with a jute rug, and hand-glazed tile in the kitchen. 

And the best part? “It feels like us,” the client said. And really, that's the whole point.

Let us make your home a reflection of the life you love → Contact L+P Interiors

"Modern" That Grows With You: Design Trends We Love (and Leave)

Trends come and go. Your home shouldn’t feel outdated in two years.

At L+P Interiors, we embrace modern elements that offer timelessness and adaptability

Here’s what we’re currently loving:

Brushed organic woods

Tonal neutrals

Layered lighting (not just can lights!)

Handmade ceramics + artisan textiles

Integrated open shelving with a purpose

What do we steer away from?

✘ Overly thematic decor (no more “farmhouse industrial coastal chic”)

✘ Excessive minimalism that sacrifices soul

✘ Mass-produced, cookie-cutter furniture

Great design grows with you. We help make sure it does.

Ready to Make a House Your Family’s Favorite Place?

Modern families are multidimensional. Your home should be a reflection of that: compelling, significant, and designed with your current and future uses in mind.

Here at L+P Interiors, we are excited to help families in Ross design homes that are easy and inspiring, comfortable and curated.

Whether you're just starting out or halfway through a project, we would love to be a part of the journey.

Start with a conversation → Get in touch with us

FAQs

1. What is the design style of modern homes in Ross, CA?
Modern homes in Ross often blend contemporary functionality with natural surroundings. Inspired by styles like Sea Ranch architecture, these designs use wood, glass, and open floor plans to create harmony between indoor and outdoor spaces.

2. How is Sea Ranch architecture influencing modern family homes?
Sea Ranch architecture, known for its integration with the landscape and use of natural materials, inspires modern Ross homes to prioritize sustainability, open layouts, and panoramic views that connect families to nature.

3. What is the Sea Ranch architecture style?
The Sea Ranch style is a mid-century modern design approach developed in the 1960s in California. It emphasizes simple forms, wood exteriors, and seamless blending with the environment. This philosophy is often adapted for modern family living in places like Ross.

4. Who designed The Sea Ranch and its signature style?
The Sea Ranch community was designed by a team led by architect Charles Moore, along with William Turnbull, Joseph Esherick, and landscape architect Lawrence Halprin, blending architecture and nature into one cohesive vision.

5. When was Sea Ranch built, and why is it significant?
The Sea Ranch community began construction in the mid-1960s. Its significance lies in pioneering environmentally sensitive architecture that continues to influence sustainable home design today.

6. What is included in a Sea Ranch design brochure?
A Sea Ranch design brochure typically showcases architectural principles, floor plan ideas, materials, and landscaping approaches that honor the region’s natural beauty and environmental harmony.

7. How does landscape architecture shape modern Ross family homes?
Landscape architecture in Ross often mirrors Sea Ranch’s philosophy, using native plants, low-impact design, and outdoor living spaces that encourage family connection and appreciation for nature.

8. Who designed the Amsterdam Municipal Orphanage, and why is it relevant?
The Amsterdam Municipal Orphanage was designed by Aldo van Eyck, known for human-centered architecture. While not directly linked to Sea Ranch, both design approaches share a focus on community, openness, and functional spaces for daily life.

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