Returning to Sacramento a few years ago, Rich Bayquen needed a project. The creation of a new home was the answer.
Bayquen and his wife Kathy always loved sharing the design experience. But now Kathy was gone—she died after a brief illness in 2021. Suddenly alone, Bayquen decided to sell their home a few miles south of Reno.
“We had a wonderful experience building and furnishing our retirement home,” he says. “I had a fairly large home there and was very comfortable, but it was time to be close to family and friends in Northern California.”
The Nevada house was mountain modern. Bayquen sold all the furnishings. He found a smaller home in Sacramento and decided to take his time looking for the perfect place.
He found it in a new development of eight beautiful homes in Plaza de la Fuente on Estates Drive in Wilhaggin.
“This new home was beautifully constructed, similar to what was usually only available in El Dorado Hills or Loomis,” Bayquen says. “I love the uniqueness of the design with old world-style pavers, central fountain and lush landscaping.
“It also features a small backyard, and I like the security of a gated community that lends itself to lock and leave at a moment’s notice. This will be important once I start traveling.”
The 4,242-square-foot home has an open living area with kitchen and breakfast seating, a dining area, first-floor study, generous first-floor master suite, and two bedrooms with ensuites and walk-in closets upstairs. A three-car garage is outfitted with luxurious wooden doors.
While most of the interior finishes came as built, Rich turned to Melissa Webb working with McCreery’s Home Furnishings for interior designs.
“We met through a mutual acquaintance, and I interviewed a few designers. But Melissa proved the best option for me,” Bayquen says. “My design and furniture direction was best described as ‘adult suburban contemporary,’ which complements the modern design of the home’s interior.”
Bayquen told Webb he intended to avoid stereotypes of old-age mediocrity and stay active and engaged. “I wanted my home to reflect that desire,” he says.
His furniture selections are based on soft palettes of gray and cream, accented with dark wood and marble. Bayquen selected wide-plank white oak flooring.
The rugs are custom made of silk and wool. Carpeting upstairs is a lush cream texture. Whitewashed wood finishes tie together the upstairs bedroom designs.
One of his favorite pieces is a black and ivory lacquered bed in the master suite. “It was made in Asia and has both Asian and Art Deco lines,” Bayquen says.
Black trimmed windows and a metal and wood circular stairway integrate the bannisters and lighting.
Windows are large and extensive. “Window coverings were very important to Rich,” Webb says. “We chose Pirouette shades on an automated system. When not in use they almost completely disappear. In a number of rooms we also added floor-to-ceiling drapery to soften the rooms’ volume further.”
“I’m still in the process of selecting art for the home,” Bayquen says. “And I’m looking forward to it as a continuation of the design process.” He recently acquired a floral portrait by Aniko Kiezel for his bedroom. Another of his favorites is a colorful painting of two Adirondack chairs that he found in Napa. Art installer Dave Saalsaa helps with placement and installation.
The small backyard was ready to customize with landscaping. Bayquen hired Gary Kernick of Change of Seasons, and they created a low-maintenance space with lush plantings, including olive trees. There’s a putting green and fountain. The two-story courtyard features two gorgeous custom moss art panels with cherry blossoms designed by Kifumi Keppler of Exotic Plants.
“One might consider the size of my home to be somewhat over the top, but I’ve always loved extra living space. So why not?” Bayquen says. “The surprise of being suddenly widowed set me back. This project gave me purpose and a sense of rebuilding my own life, hopefully one I share with someone in the future.”
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