This North Lake Tahoe Guest House Finds the Drama in a Neutral Palette

Interior designer Krista Hoffman had worked with the homeowners of this Tahoe property before. “The homeowners moved to California about ten years ago and I helped them with their home in Menlo Park,” says Hoffman. “After a few years in the Bay Area, they decided to build a second family home near Lake Tahoe.”

They purchased a lot in the community of Martis Camp, both for ease and for family-friendly activities. The plan was for the property to feature two structures (a main house as well as a guest house); Hoffman was brought on quickly to help with the two-bedroom, two-bath guest house first, so that the family could start enjoying the mountains together sooner rather than later.

Drawing inspiration from warm tones and earthy textures, the new build was completed in under a year.

Brad Knipstein

The living room immediately makes a statement, thanks to its fireplace. “The center of the home features a 16’ stone fireplace that feels like it’s been there forever—and the rest of the house was built around it,” says Hoffman. “The same stone is used on the exterior of the house.”

Brad Knipstein

Custom-stained oak cabinets create the mood of the kitchen, balanced out with black soapstone countertops and other black elements that also tie into the rest of the guest house. “The blackened steel hood and the double pendant over the island grounds the space,” says Hoffman.

Brad Knipstein

The cozy kitchen nook packs plenty of seating for the whole family and guests, making for an economically designed dining space. “It can easily accommodate nine people,” says Hoffman.

Brad Knipstein

With only two guest rooms, one was designed as a primary and the other as a bunk room to maximize space in the guest house. Two full-over-twin bunks, plus an extra sleeping loft underneath the 16’ ceiling, make for plenty of beds.

Brad Knipstein

The bunk bathroom gets an extra layer of texture with the antique wood and metal box shelf, which Hoffman found at a local antiques market. “I’m a big fan of layering antiques and vintage pieces—including unexpected areas like bathrooms,” says Hoffman.

Brad Knipstein

“The [primary] bedroom is a great mix of custom, retail, and vintage pieces,” says Hoffman. The headboard was upholstered with Ralph Lauren herringbone wool through Etsy, and the desk chair is a vintage mid-century piece. Pendleton bedding finishes the feel of the room.

Brad Knipstein

The main bath has a beautiful color story, thanks to the Paozanno marble and oak cabinetry. Hoffman designed the room with a mix of metals to create a warm and organic bathroom.

Brad Knipstein

Basalt wall tiles and black marble floors finish off the main bath.

Brad Knipstein