From Napa Valley to Carmel Valley, Julie Hawkins’ studio balances vintage charm with contemporary elegance.
For founder Julie Hawkins, Napa Valley and Northern California, along with her travels worldwide, continue to inspire her design process. Her work reflects an ongoing exploration of natural beauty and the ways spaces can foster deep human connection. This philosophy defines her signature palettes and materials. The firm’s inviting touch extends across its hospitality and residential portfolio, with projects spanning Northern California, Oregon, and the Midwest.
Here is a look at some of the studio’s latest winery tasting rooms:
Ehler’s Estate | Napa Valley, CA
Hawkins Interiors designed a tasting room that honors the European elegance of the Estate’s French heritage while embracing the rustic charm of St. Helena. The 2,000 sq ft tasting room and adjoining residence were reimagined within a historic mid-1800s stone building. The team restored original features, cleaning wooden beams to reveal their natural beauty and polishing the concrete slab floor for a striking base. The resulting design balances timeless sophistication with the relaxed spirit of Napa Valley, expressed through an eclectic mix of furnishings, materials, and European influences.
Team: Interior Design – Hawkins Interiors; Architecture – Backen & Backen; Landscape – Frederika Moller Landscape Architecture
Frank Family Vineyards “Miller House” | Calistoga, CA
This new addition to Frank Family Vineyards was designed by Hawkins Interiors and Backen & Backen. Named after Leslie Frank (née Miller), the house offers a serene environment that encourages guests to pause, slow down, and take in the surrounding mountain views. The site is personally significant for Leslie and Rich Frank, as it is where they were married.
Team: Interior Design – Hawkins Interiors; Architecture – Backen & Backen; Landscape Design – Claudia Schmidt Landscape Design
Pelio Estate | Carmel Valley, CA
For the 1,900 sq ft tasting room, Hawkins Interiors transformed an existing barn and gravel parking lot into an elegant boutique wine experience. The design opened the barn structure onto a new garden, creating an expanded guest area despite restrictions on increasing the building’s size. The result is a refined yet welcoming space rooted in its natural setting.
Team: Interior Design – Hawkins Interiors; Architecture – Backen & Backen; Landscape Design – Seven Springs Studio
Jasper House at Black Kite Cellars | Freestone, CA
Hawkins Interiors reimagined this 1,000 sq ft tasting room to maintain the warmth and character of the original space while introducing understated elegance. Inspired by the region’s coastal fog, the design uses organic materials, earthy tones, and rustic textures. The main room was conceived as a study, complete with bookcases showcasing collections from the owners’ travels. The result is a tasting room that feels like entering the home of a seasoned world traveler.
Team: Interior Design – Hawkins Interiors; Architecture – Backen & Backen
Photo Courtesy: Adam Potts | John Merkl | Ryan Rosene | Laura Resen
Connect Online@www.hawkinsinteriors.com
