BIG SUR RETREAT

This one-of-a-kind Big Sur home, originally built by jazz legend Charles Lloyd, now serves as a shared retreat for a close group of friends. As the designer, I sought to honor the home's Japanese architectural roots while reflecting the eclectic spirit of its new owners. Inspired by wabi-sabi and the surrounding landscape, the design celebrates the beauty of imperfection and natural materials. Nearly all furnishings are vintage or locally sourced, blending sustainability with character. The result is a soulful, serene space for gathering, reflection, and creative escape.

Photos by Ellie Arciaga Lillstrom; styling by Hayley Francis.

Warm wood kitchen with open shelving, vintage accessories, and natural light in a Japanese-inspired Big Sur retreat.
Open wood kitchen shelves styled with vintage ceramics and plants, above a terracotta tile backsplash and double sink in a Big Sur retreat.
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Close-up of vintage-style brass faucet, terracotta tile backsplash, and styled windowsill with fresh fruit and ceramics in a Big Sur retreat kitchen.
Japandi-inspired dining room with live-edge table, vintage Danish chairs, and a wood-burning stove in a Big Sur retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Close-up of vibrant pink floral arrangement with deep burgundy foliage in a ceramic vase beside a black sculptural bowl, styled in a Japanese-inspired home by CCG Designs.
Close-up of walnut dining table styled with sculptural wood candlesticks, artichokes in ceramic bowl, and shoji screens in a California retreat by CCG Designs.
Open-plan dining and living room with live-edge table, shoji screens, paper lanterns, and velvet seating in a Japandi-style Big Sur retreat.
Open-concept living and dining space with velvet sofa, vintage rug, shoji screens, wood stove, and live-edge table in a California retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Eclectic living room with vintage seating, patterned pillows, low wood coffee table, and Persian rug in a Japanese-inspired Big Sur retreat.
Colorful living room with velvet sofas, vintage textiles, shoji screen, and styled coffee table in a Japanese-inspired Big Sur retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Japanese-inspired loft bedroom with dark wood paneling, platform bed, and shoji screen doors in a Big Sur retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Peaceful Big Sur bedroom with indigo bedding, vintage architectural drawing, and shoji screen doors in a Japanese-inspired retreat designed by CCG Designs.
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Japanese-inspired outdoor shower in Big Sur, California with a wood deck, privacy screen, bamboo bench, and potted greenery, designed by CCG Designs
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Midcentury-style bar with DJ equipment in a Big Sur, California, retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Midcentury wood-paneled DJ booth with vibrant floral arrangement, Charles Lloyd vinyl records, and Pioneer equipment in a Big Sur retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Midcentury-style bar with DJ equipment, vintage vinyl records, and playful touches like a giraffe figurine in a Big Sur retreat designed by CCG Designs.
Interior design game room and bar shelves in Big Sur, California.
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