By Ali Ikhwan 
For designer Rachel Vineberg Jones and her husband, Eric Jones, the purchase of their 3,000-square-foot home in Napa, California, was an unforeseen pivot in their life’s narrative. This significant real estate acquisition followed a period of intense personal challenge, including a prolonged hospital stay for their newborn son. It was during this emotionally charged time that Vineberg Jones, founder of the San Francisco-based design studio Vine Projects, experienced a profound connection to the property. "I remember looking around and saying to Eric, ‘There’s something about this place—I think it’s going to become important to us,’" she recalls.
At the time of their purchase, the property presented more potential than polish. It was largely a bare site, bordered by agricultural land and a sprawling 158-acre public park. The landscape itself was sparsely populated with non-native grasses and plants, offering a stark canvas rather than a curated garden. However, this very rawness appealed to the couple. "We’re both builders by nature, and we found a vision that fit the moment," Vineberg Jones reflects. Their decision to invest in the Napa property was a deliberate one, made during what she describes as a "very tender but deliberate moment."
A Home with a Story: Embracing Stewardship and Restoration
The Joneses’ arrival at the Napa home occurred after months dedicated to navigating their son’s complex medical care. This experience had instilled in them a deep yearning for a stronger sense of community and a rooted place to call home. Having previously lived in both the urban environment of San Francisco and the more rural setting of West Sonoma, they were not actively seeking a new residence when they impulsively decided to visit the Napa property. What they discovered was a house with "good bones" and ample space for future growth, but crucially, one that did not necessitate a complete overhaul.
The house had been originally designed by the San Francisco firm Nick Noyes Architecture for a young family. However, the original owners had returned to Europe during the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the residence only partially occupied for a few years. Instead of embarking on a complete renovation, Vineberg Jones and Jones approached the property as an evolving project. Their philosophy was centered on adding layers to both the house and the landscape, while meticulously preserving the inherent character that had initially drawn them to the location. This approach underscored a commitment to stewardship and the art of building upon existing foundations.
Transforming the Entrance: A Corridor of Art and Design
The entrance corridor, initially a simple, single-loaded passage, underwent a significant transformation under the couple’s direction. In collaboration with artist Claudia Wieser, a custom wallpaper mural was adapted and reconfigured to span the entire length of the space. This artistic intervention created a continuous visual field, offering an engaging aesthetic experience visible even from the exterior of the home.
To further animate this passageway, vibrant stools by James Shaw were strategically placed, adding pops of color and modern flair. Overhead, Ravenhill Studio’s "Float" pendants and flush mounts from ENTLER Studio provided both illumination and sculptural elements. Along one wall, a sequence of paintings by Dashiell Manley and Celeste Rapone unfolded, creating a dynamic gallery effect. A bag crafted from recycled juice boxes, acquired from Craft Contemporary, introduced an unexpected and playful element, demonstrating the couple’s eclectic taste and commitment to sustainable design choices.
Cultivating a Landscape of Purpose and Native Beauty
The couple’s vision extended beyond the interior, reaching out to the adjacent nature preserve. They partnered with the landscape design studio Terremoto Landscape to conceptualize and implement a series of outdoor spaces designed for a variety of activities, including fruit cultivation, outdoor cooking, swimming, social gatherings, and children’s play. A winding pathway was integrated to connect these distinct areas, drawing inspiration from the nearby hiking trails of the public park.
A significant aspect of their landscaping strategy involved ecological restoration and the integration of native flora. With the assistance of West Coast Wild, an ecological restoration and native plant nursery based in Sonoma County, the family systematically replaced non-native species with indigenous grasses, trees, and plantings that are better suited to the Napa ecosystem. This initiative not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the property but also contributed to the local biodiversity and ecological health.
A poignant example of their approach to resourcefulness came with the necessary removal of a mature redwood tree for safety reasons. Rather than discard the tree entirely, the Joneses found a way to honor its presence by repurposing it into various elements across the property. The redwood was transformed into functional benches, artistic sculptures, water features, and even playful structures for children, ensuring its legacy continued to enrich the landscape.
Embracing the Elements: Materials That Age Gracefully
Inside the home, Vineberg Jones’s design ethos continued to emphasize materials that develop character and beauty over time. She intentionally selected elements such as cedar that would gradually silver in the sun, zinc that would record the changing seasons, and concrete that would soften with age. "I’ve loved seeing how it’s changed over time," she says, reflecting on the subtle transformations. The house has embraced the patina of daily life, with sunshine, rain, muddy shoes, and even occasional spills all contributing to its evolving narrative. This approach aligns with principles of sustainability and a deep appreciation for the inherent qualities of natural materials.
An Outdoor Haven: The Heart of the Home
The outdoor spaces have become the true heart of the Joneses’ Napa residence, effectively doubling the home’s usable living area. This expansive garden enclosure serves as the backdrop for a multitude of family activities, from children’s play and intimate dinners with friends to larger community gatherings, quiet morning reflections with tea, and even outdoor work calls. The design of the garden is a testament to its multifaceted purpose.
The vision for the entire project, according to Vineberg Jones, was deeply rooted in "togetherness, land stewardship, and partnership." For two working parents raising young children, and with a perpetually present chocolate Labrador, the space fluidly adapts throughout the day. It seamlessly transitions from a vibrant playground to a dining room, an office, and a central gathering point, embodying the family’s dynamic lifestyle.
The deck area features comfortable Knoll chaises and side tables by Reinaldo Sanguino, creating an inviting space for relaxation. RBW’s "Print" sconces cast a warm glow as dusk settles, while concrete trestle blocks from the Concrete Collaborative frame the area and offer playful, kaleidoscopic views of the surrounding landscape. This outdoor area serves as a versatile hub, accommodating everything from community meetings and social events to casual family pizza nights.
The Pool: A Jewel in the Landscape
Arguably one of the most striking features of the property is its meticulously tiled pool. Vineberg Jones expresses her delight at the consistent admiration the pool and the concrete trestle blocks receive. "Delightfully, everyone who comes over seems to be as obsessed with the pool tile and the trestle blocks as I am," she shares, smiling at the positive reactions. The pool area is further enhanced by a scallop-edged sculpture by Nicole Wermers, adding an artistic flourish to this serene oasis.
The kitchen, designed as a communal space, is equally suited for everyday meals and leisurely shared moments. Chubby bar stools by Dirk Van Der Kooij surround the island, creating a casual gathering spot. A painting by Benoît Saito, a wedding gift from the artist, adds a deeply personal touch. Ceramics by Christiane Perrochon and Dirk Van Der Kooij contribute a grounded, handmade warmth to the heart of the home.
In the living room, a sculptural chair by Jonathan Muecke is paired with an "Ort" table by PINCH, reflecting Vine Projects’ emphasis on craftsmanship and thoughtful assembly. Throughout the house, original finishes have been preserved and subtly layered, a testament to both sustainability and respect for the existing architectural integrity. One corner of the living room has been transformed into a cozy library nook, complete with TEEbooks shelving and an Egg Collective console. A chair by Max Lamb sits beneath an Urban Electric sconce, while a piece by Masako Miki provides a quieter, more poetic counterpoint.
A Continuing Story of Evolution and Connection
The Joneses have maintained contact with the family who originally built the house, exchanging updates as the property continues to evolve. This ongoing dialogue underscores the sense of shared history and investment in the home’s future. For a residence shaped by the collaborative efforts of gardeners, designers, children, neighbors, and a very active Labrador, it appears this story is far from over. The home stands as a testament to embracing the unexpected, fostering stewardship, and creating a living space that is both beautiful and deeply connected to its environment and its inhabitants. The property’s journey, from a bare site to a vibrant Napa oasis, reflects a profound commitment to building a life that is rich in experience, community, and natural beauty.
