When it comes to design that seamlessly blends elegance with effortless California vibes, Amber Lewis is a name that stands out. The founder and principal designer of Amber Interior Design, founder of the retail brand Shoppe Amber Interiors, and author of best-selling books Made for Living and Call It Home, Amber Lewis is known for her ability to create timeless, livable spaces tailored to her clients’ personal stories. With over 12 years in the design business and a down-to-earth personality, Amber has become a trailblazer in the world of interior design.
One of her most remarkable projects to date? Transforming a generic new-construction home in Hidden Hills into the California Dream House for a family of six. This stunning remodel not only redefined the home but also enhanced the way the family lives.
We’ll take you on an in-depth tour of the California Dream House, exploring each room’s unique characteristics, the design elements that bring them to life, and tips for achieving a similar look in your own home.
The California Dream House Project
Why Amber Lewis? When Arvind and Swetha Movva relocated their family from Chicago to Southern California, they knew they needed a home that reflected their new lifestyle. Although the house they purchased had beautiful views and lush grounds, the interiors felt “generic and lifeless.”
Enter Amber Lewis, chosen for her signature style—grounded in California cool with touches of timeless warmth. Over three years, Amber infused the home with patinated finishes, vintage finds, and spaces tailored to the Movva family’s everyday needs.
The result? A home that’s a delightful blend of California’s laid-back vibe and classic elegance.
Entrance Hall
Upon entering the California Dream House, the tone is set for what’s to come. A once-stark space has been reimagined with plaster-finished walls, hand-hewn beams, and soaring 12-inch base moldings.
Amber introduced texture and warmth here by layering vintage rugs and adding a custom glass-and-brass-chain chandelier by Lindsey Adelman. “We wanted it to feel inviting, not overwhelming,” said Amber.
Arvind, the homeowner, agrees. “The entry is full of light but doesn’t feel dominating. It’s beautiful and inviting.”
Inspiration to Steal:
- Pair high ceilings with warm, textural elements like natural wood beams.
- Use vintage rugs to ground expansive spaces and create intimacy.
- A striking statement chandelier can redefine an otherwise simple space.
Living and Family Rooms
The living and family rooms now serve as cozy spaces for the Movva family to relax and entertain. Amber used a mixture of custom upholstery, antiques, and vintage furnishings to avoid a cookie-cutter look while maintaining cohesion.
The formal living room features standout pieces, like a breccia viola marble fireplace. Two mismatched but complementary sofas in the same fabric add interest while tying the color palette together. Custom wooden bookshelves around the fireplace.
The family room, on the other hand, is anchored by an oversized sectional in a kid-friendly fabric, ensuring it’s as functional as it is stylish.
Inspiration to Steal:
- Mix materials like vintage woods, soft upholstery, and natural stone for a layered effect.
- Don’t be afraid to combine coordinated but non-matching furniture—it adds dimension to your space.
Dining Room
The dining room encapsulates personalized elegance. Glass doors in Euroline steel replaced the originals, creating seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The centerpiece? A custom 14-seat dining table surrounded by Jamb London chairs and illuminated by a chandelier from Lucca Antiques.
But the focal point is a whimsical mural by James Mobley, featuring trees and birds chosen by the Movva children. “It’s such a personal touch that adds depth and love to the room,” said Swetha Movva.
Inspiration to Steal:
- Use art to add personality and storytelling to a space.
- Select furniture that’s functional for your needs—like a larger dining table for family gatherings.
Kitchen
Perhaps the most dramatic transformation, the kitchen is a masterpiece of old-world charm meeting modern functionality.
Amber replaced the two original islands with a single oversized one that combines marble and butcher block. Handmade Moroccan Zellige tiles cover the coved ceiling, while hand-scraped oak cabinetry and vintage bronze pendant lights sourced from France complete the look.
Inspiration to Steal:
- Mix textures like tile, metal, and natural wood for a dynamic, layered look.
- Invest in timeless vintage touches like chicken-wire glass or antique lighting.
The marble sink steals the show in the kitchen pantry.
Primary Suite
Amber describes the primary suite as her favorite part of the house. The bedroom is calming yet chic, swathed in neutral tones with burnt orange accents for warmth.
A tucked-away sitting area features wood-paneled walls that radiate understated luxury.
The primary bath stuns with double showers enclosed by custom brass doors, fluted glass accents, and marble-topped vanities outfitted with built-in storage.
“When I designed this space, I wanted it to feel tranquil without sacrificing personality,” Amber shared.
Inspiration to Steal:
- Use calming neutrals but incorporate rich accent tones to avoid sterility.
- Create intimate seating areas in larger bedrooms for added functionality.
A Home Remodel with Heart
The California Dream House is not just a beautiful project—it’s also a home designed for the family. With four children in the house, Amber prioritized spaces to encourage connection and activity while ensuring everyone had their own personal area.
A custom-built bunk room off the playroom boasts eight beds, creating a summer camp vibe perfect for sleepovers.
Practical Tips for a California-Inspired Home
Want to infuse some California Dream House magic into your own space? Here are a few of Amber Lewis’s key design principles to follow:
- Layer Textures – Combine natural woods, soft linens, and vintage-inspired accents to build warmth and depth.
- Curate Timeless Pieces – Seek out antiques or well-crafted items that will stand the test of time.
- Prioritize Functionality – Design spaces with purpose, ensuring each room meets your lifestyle needs.
- Personalize Your Space – Add meaningful touches, like custom art or mementos, that tell your story.
- Neutral with a Twist – Use a neutral foundation but don’t be afraid to add bold or rich accent hues for personality.
The Amber Lewis Touch
Throughout the California Dream House, Amber Lewis demonstrates her ability to create spaces that are warm, functional, and undeniably chic. By combining her signature relaxed California aesthetic with the Movva family’s personal taste, she reminded us all of the beauty of a well-designed home.
And who wouldn’t want to live in a dream house like this one?
Want the Look? Start Small.
You don’t need a complete remodel to bring a touch of California Dream House into your life. Begin with one room, invest in well-crafted furniture, or add vintage accessories for character.
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