Explore a California ranch featuring a unique “Party Barn” designed by Adam Ben Wagner. This project, located on a 2,300-acre property in Monterey County, involved constructing a main residence, two guest cabins, and a two-story entertaining barn as a retreat for a family from Los Angeles. The clients desired a departure from their usual bright and airy aesthetic to better blend with the ranch setting.
Assisted by Amanda Plott, Wagner had to overhaul the initial floorplans to accommodate the family’s needs for a spacious and stylish venue that could comfortably host up to 300 guests. He focused on intricate details such as finishes and millwork to establish a refined yet laid-back atmosphere. By carefully selecting finishes like limestone floors and reclaimed oak paneling, Wagner crafted a ranch-inspired design that was sophisticated and distinct.
Drawing inspiration from 19th-century design elements, the interiors strike a balance between rustic tradition and modern minimalism. The overall result is a textured, layered, and refined space that harmonizes with the family’s lifestyle.
Key Details:
– Designer: Adam Wagner
– Location: Monterey County, California
– Features: Four residential buildings with 11 bedrooms, 2 bunkrooms, 15 bathrooms, and 2 kitchens
In the great room, custom wood staining was used to update the paneled ceilings, while carefully selected furnishings and artwork complement the space. Wagner transformed the living room into a grand yet inviting gathering area with views of the surrounding landscape. By custom staining the original woodwork to neutralize its appearance, he achieved a modern and elegant look that enhanced the room’s aesthetic.
The lounge area was designed for intimate gatherings, featuring cozy seating arrangements and stylish decor elements. In the expansive ground floor of the main house, multiple seating areas were strategically placed to create a welcoming environment for large groups of guests, showcasing Wagner’s attention to detail and commitment to blending traditional ranch elements with contemporary design.
The lounge features two seating sections with a fully functioning bar. The first group includes swivel chairs for optimal TV viewing from any angle. This project served as a valuable learning experience for Wagner. “Using reclaimed oak paneling for the first time taught us the importance of painting the drywall beneath it a dark brown or nearly black shade,” he explains. “This was necessary due to holes in many boards from knots and old nails, revealing the underlying substrate.” The back part of the lounge is designed for intimate conversations, featuring stationary chairs near a coffee table for puzzles and games. The family’s love for impromptu karaoke is evident with a nearby guitar.
The kitchen and dining nook underwent a transformation to create a more welcoming space. Initially, the kitchen layout was divided into two by the builder, disrupting the flow and making the pantry door placement inconvenient. Wagner closed off part of the wall to add storage and reduce visual clutter common in open floor plans. The design choices include plaster paint color, custom white oak cabinetry, Perla Venata quartzite countertops, De Le Cuona linen stool fabric, and various fixtures and hardware.
Each oak-leaf light fixture pays homage to the property’s oak trees. The dining room offers a cozy environment suitable for early mornings. The secondary kitchen features custom sandblasted white oak cabinetry, quartzite countertops, and high-quality appliances. The open-concept kitchen seamlessly connects to the bar, lounge, and dining room in the entertaining barn, with wood finishes for a cohesive look. The design concept for the kitchen was inspired by an intimate library space, with full-height cabinetry resembling bookshelves.
The dining area accommodates up to 18 guests with flexible table arrangements. The chair fabric, flooring, lighting fixtures, and outdoor pendant contribute to the overall elegant design. The seemingly standard long dining table is actually comprised of four separate pieces, providing flexibility for hosting gatherings of various sizes.
“I collaborated with DUSK to design a large 18-person dining table that can be split into four separate tables for smaller gatherings,” Wagner explains. “Typically, clients use them separately, creating a cozy saloon-like feel. French doors open to the ranch land and outdoor seating, allowing guests to move freely. In the laundry room, a closed space helps connect the hallway. Paint colors include French Grey (cabinets) and California Sand (walls and ceiling). Countertops feature Cardoso Light quartzite. The bedroom offers a serene escape, with an emphasis on the bed and oak leaf sconces. A buttery-yellow plaster brightens the light-filled bedroom. The primary bathroom combines sleek marble with wood paneling. Hand-painted tiles add character to the additional bathrooms. Wagner draws inspiration from the raw, textured materials commonly found in 18th and 19th-century ranch buildings. A sleek vanity provides a visual contrast in the space. Adam Wagner, a native of Los Angeles, draws influence from the city’s diverse architecture and landscape.”
After completing his architecture studies at the University of Michigan, he started his professional journey at a prominent corporate architecture firm in Seattle. However, he later decided to shift his focus to interior design upon his return to Los Angeles. With experience working alongside renowned designers, including his most recent role as a senior designer for Jake Arnold, Adam established his own design studio in 2021. His inaugural project was the design of a ranch, which marked the beginning of his independent venture. For this ambitious ranch project, Adam enlisted the expertise of Amanda Plott, an interior designer and florist based in California, to collaborate with him. Adam now specializes in overseeing large-scale renovations and new residential construction projects, infusing each endeavor with his architectural perspective. He emphasizes the importance of harmonizing a building’s context and structure to dictate the interior design approach.
For your shopping convenience:
– Linen Sheet Set available for $319.00 at parachutehome.com
– Small Oak Wall Light (Single – Bronzed Iron) from coxlondon.com
– Velvet Pillow in Chocolate priced at $450.00 from nickeykehoe.com
– deVOL Classic Handles for $86.00 at devolkitchens.com
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