This lemon raspberry almond cake has a secret ingredient: whole milk ricotta makes it light, fluffy, and (Iâm just gonna say it) extremely moist. Many of you know that Iâve been on a gut-healing, grain-free journey thatâs led me down a new path of discovering all the delicious baked goods that use almond flour, coconut flour, and cassava flour. Yes, swapping in these alt-flours requires some know-how (and Iâve had a few fails along the way), but this cake proves Iâm not sacrificing a single ounce of deliciousness. Because even if youâre eating grain or gluten-free, I believe that everyone should be able to fully indulge.
This delicious cake checks all the boxes, and that whole milk ricotta is what makes it feel especially decadentâthe consistency is fluffy and bordering on custardy. Itâs the perfect cake to serve on Motherâs Day or a special birthday dinner, but itâs light and simple enough to make for any weeknight evening al fresco.
Read on to see how this grain-free lemon raspberry cake comes togetherâI have a feeling it might become a springtime favorite. (And while weâre on the topic, donât miss my salted chocolate gluten-free cake recipe, too!)
Why Grain-Free?
A Healthier Choice
Going grain-free might seem like a fad, but for many (self included), itâs a decision driven by gut health issues. Whether it’s due to gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or a desire to reduce inflammation, many people find a grain-free way of life to be supportive to their health and energy levels. The good news is that by opting for almond, coconut, or another gluten-free flour, youâre making a recipe more nutrient-denseâwhich means this is a plus for anyone regardless of diet.
The Almond Flour Advantage
The almond flour used here, for instance, is high in protein, vitamin E, and healthy fats, contributing not only to the nutritional value of this cake but also giving it a rich, nutty taste that infuses it with so much flavor.
Star Ingredient: Whole Milk Ricotta
Why this cake is so fluffy and moist
The secret to this cakeâs incredible texture is whole milk ricotta. It gives a level of moisture and richness that is hard to achieve with other ingredients. And itâs what gives our lemon raspberry almond cake its distinctive, pudding-like consistency that you wonât find in traditional cakes.
What Youâll Need to Make This Recipe
Eggs
Sugar
Vanilla
Lemon
Whole Milk Ricotta
Almond Flour
Baking Powder
Kosher Salt
Frozen Raspberries
Sliced Almonds
Serving and Storage Tips
Perfect Pairings
Serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream and a few fresh raspberries. For a more decadent treat, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze.
Keep It Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This cake tastes every bit as good the next day, as the flavors really meld together.
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This grain-free lemon raspberry almond cake is a testament to how delicious gluten-free baking cake can be. Whether youâre serving it for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, everyone at the table can take pleasure in such a gorgeous, seasonal treat. Scroll on for the recipe, and if you make it, be sure to rate and review. Enjoy!
This grain-free lemon raspberry almond cake is a true celebration of spring. Whole milk ricotta makes it super moist and fluffy.
4 large eggs, separated, at room temperature
1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla
Zest of 1 lemon
3/4 cup whole milk ricotta
1 1/2 cups almond flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup + 1/4 cup frozen raspberries (divided)
1/3 cup sliced almonds
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of an 8â or 9â round springform pan with oil or butter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar into the bottom of the pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the egg yolks, remaining ½ cup sugar, vanilla, lemon zest, and ricotta until smooth. Add the almond flour, baking powder, and salt, and stir together.
In the bowl of a stand mixer, whip the egg whites until they form soft peaks.Â
With a spatula, fold the egg whites into the other ingredients, until incorporated. Fold in 1 cup of the frozen berries.
Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan. Scatter remaining berries over top, followed by almonds. Bake on the center rack of the oven for about 45 minutes, until it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of the pan to loosen the sides, then turn the cake out onto a serving plate.
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I don’t believe in gatekeeping. As a beauty editor, I make my living by sharing what I love with literally anyone who will listen. So, it makes sense that I’ve become the defacto recommendation-giver in my friend group. On more than one occasion, I’ve had friends call me from the aisles of Trader Joe’s or Target to ask for my beauty hot takes and essentials. And my most recent deep-dive of late? French pharmacy skincare, of course. Seriously—the products may change, but the hype never gets old.
Now that it’s pre-summer, everyone is asking for travel reccos. While I relish giving restaurant and shopping recs in my favorite cities, my friends are often surprised when I tell them to beeline to the local pharmacies. I got my tretinoin in Mexico City (do as I say, not as I do), and I buy a specific CeraVe oil cleanser every time I’m in London. But nothing can beat French pharmacy skincare. Whenever I’m in Paris, I spend more time in French pharmacies than in French bistros. Thanks to endless perusing and tips from my Parisian friends, I’ve come to know French pharmacy skincare like the back of my hand.
Featured image from our interview with Sanne Vloet.
Why are we so obsessed with French beauty?
There’s something so seductive about the idea of French girl beauty. From the minimal skincare routines to the daring red lips and sophisticated coiffs, I’m always on a mission to replicate the effortlessness of the quintessential French girl. My Parisian friends tell me that the key of French girl style is curation. They find what they love, and they stick to it rather than endlessly chasing trends. But it takes a while to cultivate those holy grails. And with so many options to choose from, how do you know what’s right for you?
Everyone is always waxing poetic about the best face mists, serums, ointments, and oils they found in Paris. More than the fancy counters at giant boutiques like Le Bon Marché or Galeries Lafayette, French girls flock to their local pharmacies to buy their favorite beauty products.
The Best French Pharmacy Skincare Products to Stock up On
Stepping into a French pharmacy is like Disneyland for the beauty-obsessed. While some of the most ubiquitous brands have made it stateside, it’s rare to see all their offerings at once. From the popular holy grails to the more obscure picks, I’ve tried more French pharmacy skincare products than I can count.
If you’re planning a trip to France or standing in the aisle of a French pharmacy as you read this, I recommend going into multiple pharmacies and walking the aisles to discover new brands and products. To help you navigate it all, I’m breaking down the best French pharmacy skincare essentials to stock up on.
Our Top Picks
Best OverallProduct: Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil – $26 at Anthropologie
Best Micellar Water: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water – $12.99 at Target
Best Over-the-Counter Retinol: A313 Retinol Pommade Vitamin A Night Moisturizer – $29.99 at Eisler’s Chemist
Why I Love It: If I could use one product for the rest of my life, it would be this. The end-all, be-all of French pharmacy skincare, this Nuxe body oil has earned its mainstream success. This dry oil absorbs fast on the body, seeps deep into the skin—and when applied to the hair—delivers both a shine and a sweet smell.
Insider Tip: In Paris, different sizes, scents, and variations of this Nuxe oil all line the pharmacy walls. I can’t pick a favorite so I get the original formula, plus the Shimmer and the Riche oils.
Why I Love It: Everybody everywhere is always talking about the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré. But don’t sleep on this multi-purpose paste. It’s described as an anti pimples, anti-shine mask, and purifying cleanser. With a kaolin clay base, it’s a detoxifying holy grail that I like to slather on my face when I feel a breakout coming and use it as both a mask and a cleanser.
Insider Tip: The paste is formulated for combination, oily skin, or acne-prone. Proceed with caution if you have highly sensitive skin.
Why I Love It: Embryolisse is the gift that keeps giving when it comes to imaginative products for any skin concern. Think of this gently purifying powder as their answer to Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. Its base of rice, coconut, and milk powder turns into a foamy skin milk to gently exfoliate and deliver baby-soft skin.
Insider Tip: Think of this as the French girl’s version of a skin milk. Because of its silky, milky texture, it’s a great option to layer beneath other products. Yes, even if you have oily skin.
Why I Love It: When my skin is dry, I stock up on every cica-based product I can find. From K-Beauty cica balms to the La Roche Posay Cicaplast Balm (another French beauty must-have), it’s one of my favorite ingredients for irritation and dryness. This daily cream restores and protects. Plus, it leverages a unique postbiotic to boost your microbiome.
Insider Tip: This cream also comes in a spray for you to take on the go.
Key Ingredients: Avène Thermal Spring Water, Copper Sulfate and Zinc Sulfate
Why I Love It: The springs of the French town La Roche-Posay are famous for their healing powers. The water is full of natural minerals—like the powerful antioxidant selenium—that make thousands flock to the healing springs every year for transformative results. While some facial sprays are just scented water, this mist is literally bottled up from the fountain of youth.
Key Ingredients: Antioxidant-Rich Spring Water (Selenium, Copper)
Why I Love It: The cornerstone of a French beauty routine is micellar water. What can’t it do? It’s a cleanser, a makeup remover, and a hydrating toner. This pH-balancing micellar water is a classic for a reason.
Insider Tip: Use it as the first step in a double cleanse for deeply-cleaned skin.
Key Ingredients: Propylene Glycol, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract
Why I Love It: The hype is real: retinol will change your life. Particularly this retinyl palmitate ointment, with a formula that rivals most over-the-counter retinoids. If protecting and producing collagen as you age is your goal, this Vitamin A pomade delivers.
Insider Tip: Because retinol speeds up cell turnover, you’re effectively unclogging your pores with every application—great if reducing acne is your goal. And as always, apply SPF after your retinol!
More French Pharmacy Skincare Products to Consider
While I consider the French pharmacy skincare products above the best of the best, if you’re in the mood for a shopping spree, these are more heavy-hitting favorites I love to recommend.
Of course the French can make ointment sexy. The hottest summer skincare trend is building back your skin barrier. While barrier products abound, everyone talks about Biafine’s magic-like results. Usually only available with a prescription in the U.S., it’s a thick ointment that dermatologists often prescribe their patients for post-procedure healing. Use it on particularly dry skin or any scars for faster wound healing.
Slugging is all the rage for a reason. It’s flooding your skin with hydrating and moisturizing ingredients to get that coveted glass skin. I slug with this French answer to Vaseline. It’s a thick occlusive that also contains healing ingredients such as calendula to soothe any irritations and wounds. Apply it to your lips before lipstick for the perfect, French girl red pout.
From French pharmacies to TikTok, this sunscreen is everyone’s favorite. The serum-like texture sinks into the skin without leaving a white cast or pilling under makeup. SPF 60 never looked so good.
To no surprise, this is a multi-purpose sunscreen that works for your face and body. I like it best as a body sunscreen thanks to its moisturizing grapeseed oil base. Since it’s a spray, it’s convenient to apply and reapply.
Standing at the counter of a French pharmacy as we speak? Grab a few tubes of these mini mints. They pop in your mouth and release a minty burst of liquid for instant freshness. Think of them as a chicer version of a Listerine strip.
As a mom and Nutrition Consultant, I’m often in search of that sweet spot: the one where speedy meets satiating. Some days I nail it. Other days I don’t. Some evenings, we’re having a peaceful, sit-down family meal. Others, the house is in disarray, our toddler is having a meltdown, and I’m nursing our infant—all between bites of a haphazard #GirlDinner. It’s a dynamic season, ya’ll. If you’re in the same boat (or simply need efficient meal ideas), I come bearing inspo. With convenience in mind, I’m sharing what I eat in a busy day. Consider this a guide to integrating practical nourishment during a time-sensitive era.
Plus, get a pulse on my fridge, freezer, and pantry staples—ingredients that bring together a nutritious mealin minutes.
Edie Horstman
Edie is the founder of nutrition coaching business, Wellness with Edie. With her background and expertise, she specializes in women’s health, including fertility, hormone balance, and postpartum wellness.
Is What I Eat in a Day Content helpful or harmful?
Love watching What I Eat in a Day videos? Join the club. Across social media, this topic rakes in views. But without proper context, WIEIAD content can be a slippery slope. What is her activity level like? Is she in a season of weight gain, loss, or maintenance? Does she count macros or have food intolerances? You get the gist. When in doubt, take WIEIAD content with a grain of salt (and keep in mind your own relationship with food). After all, not every influencer is a credential health expert. Nor is that particular day reflective of their overall diet.
This Isn’t a Template for Your Own Diet
We each have a unique genetic blueprint. When combined with individual health needs, hunger levels, and circumstances, our bodies respond differently to various foods. Hello, bio-individuality! As such, there’s no one-size-fits-all perfect diet. Rather, it’s your job to discover what makes you tick. And spoiler alert: this will ebb and flow throughout your entire life. Therefore, lean into WIEIAD content as inspiration—not a strict template for your own eats.
How I Prioritize Nutrition on Busy Days
Ultimately, I aim for convenience that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. To keep my energy up, blood sugar stable, and cravings satisfied, I use the following guidelines for each meal:
Something “fun” to satisfy a texture or flavor craving
What this looks like in practice: a bowl of tender greens, a few slices of chopped deli turkey, chickpeas, leftover roasted potatoes, sliced cucumber, and crumbled goat cheese—all drizzled with a generous pour of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
As far as snacks are concerned, I focus on blood sugar balance, i.e. pairing carbs with fat and/or protein. A few favorites include:
dried apricots with walnuts
a rice cake with mashed avocado and hemp seeds
a cup of cottage cheese with grain-free tortilla chips
Healthy Eating Tips for Busy People
A little bit of meal prep goes a long way. After all, if you fail to plan, you plan to fail! Below are top tips for eating well when time is limited.
When your schedule allows, plan 1-2 meals and prep a few ingredients in advance. This could look like air frying chicken or tofu, boiling eggs, massaging kale, making a batch of chia pudding, and popping a few whole sweet potatoes in the oven.
Stock bags of frozen veggies or veggie burgers. They can be quickly thawed as a side or thrown into salads, stir-fries, or grain bowls.
Batch cook a soup or stew. Once or twice a month, make a hearty soup. Freeze portions for when you’re short on time.
Keep healthy snacks at the ready. Raw nuts or nut butter packets, pre-chopped veggies, turkey jerky, string cheese, protein bars, etc.
Make smart substitutions. Swap out less nutritious ingredients for healthier alternatives. For example, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Utilize your pantry space. From legume-based pasta to canned beans and tinned fish, there are plenty of protein options that are also shelf-stable.
Try not to rely on caffeine! You’ll end up on an adrenaline roller coaster. Instead, reach for a non-jittery boost and pair it with a low-sugar, high-protein snack.
10 Ingredients for 10 Nourishing Meals
Don’t underestimate the power of 10 versatile ingredients. With a few pantry staples—and a bit of creativity—you can hack your way to convenient nourishment. Below are ingredients you’ll almost always find in our fridge or freezer, along with household favorites like ghee and nut butter.
Chicken (or chicken sausages)
Cottage cheese
Greek yogurt
Eggs
Spinach
Frozen broccoli
Avocado
Bread
Berries (fresh and frozen)
Sweet potatoes
Easy Meals to Make
Breakfast
Berry Greek yogurt smoothie. This protein-rich smoothie is creamy and filled with antioxidants. Blend together frozen berries, frozen avocado, Greek yogurt, spinach, and non-dairy milk. Increase the sweetness with half a frozen bananaand make it a protein powerhouse with a scoop of vanilla protein powder.
Cottage cheese and fruit bowl. Cottage cheese topped with berries. Make this more filling withgranolaand hemp seeds.
Spinach and egg muffins. Whisk together eggs, spinach, thawed broccoli, and cottage cheese. Bake in muffin tins. Serve with avocado toast and berries. Have deli turkey or tomatoes? Toss these in too!
Breakfast hash. Scramble eggs with cubed sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and cottage cheese (this adds creaminess and protein!). Top with avocado.
Savory Greek yogurt bowl. Sauté a handful of spinach and steam a few broccoli florets. Set aside. Fry 1-2 eggs. Spread a thick dollop of Greek yogurt in a cereal bowl. Add spinach, broccoli, and eggs. Drizzle with olive oil. Make this more filling with a scoop of cooked oatmeal. For more probiotics, add a forkful of kimchi.
Lunch or Dinner
Grilled chicken salad. Toss together mixed greens, grilled chicken, avocado slices, and drizzle of olive oil and balsamic. Serve with toasted bread. Add any other canned veggies (like chickpeas or artichokes) if you have them!
Veggie stir-fry. Sauté broccoli, spinach, and thinly sliced sweet potato. Elevate this stir-fry with cooked quinoa, frozen edamame, and a splash of tamari and sesame oil.
High-protein toast. Layer avocado, cottage cheese, and grilled chicken on a slice of bread. Add flavor with a handful of chopped herbs and a drizzle of chili oil or spicy honey.
Sweet potato toast. Thinly slice sweet potatoes, toast them in a toaster oven, then top with mashed avocado and a poached egg.
Loaded baked sweet potato. Stuff a baked sweet potato with cottage cheese, shredded chicken, and top with avocado. For a dose of flavor, drizzle with your favorite buffalo or barbecue sauce.
What I Eat in a Busy Day
Without compromising on nutrition quality, here’s a day’s worth of streamlined eats. Keep in mind that I don’t adhere to any particular diet (no allergies or intolerances), but I am currently breastfeeding! Therefore, I’m mindful of particular nutrients that babies need and the fact that nursing requires extra fuel.
Ultimately, my approach isn’t prescriptive or restrictive, and I try to include as much variety of vitamins and minerals as possible. Of course, adhering to cravings bears importance as well.
Breakfast
I’m currently loving scrambled eggs. Eggs are a wonderful source of choline, which most of us don’t get enough of! For sake of efficiency, I prep the veggies in a bowl the night before—Swiss chard, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes. That way, it’s simply a matter of dumping them into a pan with ghee and cracking a couple of eggs. No chopping necessary! I had my eggs with sourdough topped with mashed avocado and cottage cheese (for healthy fats and more protein) alongside blueberries for antioxidants.
Thanks to meal prep, this lunch came together in less than five minutes. I threw pre-washed spinach into a bowl with leftover roasted purple sweet potato, sautéed summer squash, leeks, and Brussels sprouts, air fried chicken breasts (cooked the day before), and a handful of cherry tomatoes. I didn’t warm anything up—just enjoyed all the components cold. I topped this filling salad with grated parm and balsamic vinegar (for flavor), extra-virgin olive oil (for fat), Ithaca beet hummus (for fiber and fun), and local sauerkraut (for probiotics).
To help beat the afternoon slump, I noshed on a handful of apricots (quick carbs), chocolate covered almonds (was craving chocolate), and pistachios (healthy fats for blood sugar balance). My toddler had the same snack too! It was the perfect fuel to finish work and head out for a long walk.
After our evening walk, everyone was hangry. On these types of nights, I reach for ingredients we all love (and that cook quickly): chicken sausage, egg noodles, and frozen broccoli. I preheat our oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and spread the broccoli (frozen) on a sheet pan with sea salt and pepper. I stick that in the oven as it preheats. It thaws and crisps up in less than 15 minutes! Meanwhile, I boiled egg noodles and popped a few sausages in the air fryer. For added flavor and nutrition, I topped my bowl with grated parm, cottage cheese, cherry tomatoes, sauerkraut, and extra-virgin olive oil.
I tend to have a small dessert right after dinner—mainly to satisfy my sweet tooth—then a more substantial snack closer to bed. This cadence works well, knowing I’ll be up a couple of times in the middle of night to nurse our baby! I keep a stash of these almond flour chocolate chip and strawberry muffins in our freezer, and I had one while tidying the house. Shortly before bed, I had a simple green smoothie bowl with vanilla protein powder.
Having lived in our Mediterranean-style home in Austin for over a decade, I’ve shared much of our design process through the years. From simple updates to the kitchen, to plastering our walls, to completely overhauling the backyard—it’s been a journey and I’m grateful to all of you who have been along for the ride! It occurred to me recently that I’ve never shared a complete tour of the entire house, with the room-by-room details all in one place. So, along with the launch of my Sourcebook that includes links to everything in our house, I couldn’t be more excited to share the official Camille Styles Home Tour. Scroll on for everything you’ve ever wondered about my home in Austin, but first: watch the video below so I can show you around.
And now, the details on each space in our house…
The story of our house
My husband Adam discovered this property back when we were dating, 16 years ago! There was an old 1950s house on the lot that was in pretty bad shape, and the lot itself was so overgrown that you couldn’t see any of the views. The current backyard was completely nonexistent. But we knew that this property had tons of potential, and over a year after putting in the first offer on the property, we finally got it.
We spent the first year of our marriage working with our architect, Ryan Street, and then building a new house from the ground up. At the time, I’d never done a design project close to this scale before—and honestly, had no clue what I was doing. But thankfully, the experience sparked a passion for design and construction in both Adam and me. We learned so much through the process, and I feel lucky that we ended up with a final result that I still love, so many years later.
Now that we’ve been in the house for 13 years, there are definitely a few things that I’d love to update. We approach our home as an ongoing project—every year we tackle one or two thing and the house just keeps evolving right along with us.
The “style” of our home
I often get asked what “style” our house is, and truthfully, I can’t point to just one particular design style since we’ve been inspired by so many different sources. However, I often use the words “warm minimalism” to describe our home. I’m always looking for simplicity, but want every space to feel warm and comfortable.
There’s also an undeniable Mediterranean influence in our design. Adam and I went to Italy on our honeymoon, and we were so inspired by the architecture and the outdoor spaces where we spent time on the Amalfi coast. When we came home and began our design process, we wanted to incorporate materials like terra cotta and plaster, as well as so many of the plants we chose for our landscaping, like olive trees and jasmine.
The walls
One of the main questions I get asked about our home is—what color of paint is on the walls? Three years ago, we decided to plaster the walls of the entire house. I’ve long been obsessed with the old-world character that plaster gives a house, so I was really excited about this update—and I’ve loved it every bit as much as anticipated.
For our walls, we wanted a matte finish that’s little bit more earthy than a lot of the plaster on the market, and I found this product called American Clay that I fell in love with immediately. It’s a natural earth plaster made in New Mexico, and the finish has the soft, organic vibe I was envisioning for our house. It’s also nontoxic and eco-friendly. We plastered the entire downstairs of the house in American Clay’s shade called Forté White, and I love it so much that I actually keep some of the walls bare so that the plaster can have its own moment.
The Living Room
Our living room is all about the natural light and the indoor-outdoor flow. My favorite part of this room is the big steel doors that open up completely to the patio and create this beautiful connection to the backyard. We had them designed and built by Rehme Steel Windows & Doors here in Austin. My emotional state is so influenced by sunlight, so it’s an instant mood booster to spend time in here and let all that light in.
Shop my living room:
Read more about the living room, including the updates we made.
The Kitchen and Dining Room
Our kitchen is where the magic happens—all of my recipe development for the site, and all the meals we make together as a family. When we host parties, everyone congregates around the big central island, so I usually set out the drinks and snacks here for grazing.
This kitchen does have a few inherent design challenges—mainly the lack of natural light. I’ve explored every possibly way to add a skylight or window in here, but the way the house is configured makes it impossible. So, I’m strategic with colors and styling to lighten up this space as much as possible.
When we built the house, we added a stainless steel venthood that I really fell out of love with as my style evolved. A few years ago, we did a kitchen update and replaced it with a custom plaster hood surround that made the biggest difference. The hood has a hidden ventilation system that’s mounted to the inside of the surround which we then plastered over in American Clay.
We also replaced our old countertops with this bright white Caesaerstone in the Cloudburst Concrete finish. I love Caesarstone and have used it in multiple projects—it’s beautiful and incredibly durable. This time around, we added a waterfall edge to the countertop and made a continuous sink all out of the same Caesarstone to make it all really seamless.
Where do I begin with our backyard? This is my favorite space on our entire property. The fact that it’s taken us 12 years of work to get it to this point makes it even more special—it’s been an ever-evolving labor of love.
Up top, we’ve got our outdoor lounge area – this is where we hang out when we have friends over, and lots of times the four of us will actually eat dinner around this coffee table and just sit on cushions.
And then, we’ve got the infinity-edged pool. We designed it to maximize the feeling of being built into a cliff, and I love that when we’re in the pool, it feels like we’re almost suspended in the canopy of the trees. We swim all the time—starting in March all the way through November, we are in the pool constantly. My favorite thing about our pool is the color—the dark tile reminds me of the Mediterranean with its deep blue waters.
Since our home sits up on a high hillside, our foundation is built on a 30-foot retaining wall. The lower backyard on the other side of it has been our home’s biggest transformation over the last few years. It’s gone from being a dirt-covered hillside covered in brush and trees that we couldn’t even use, to a space that’s been featured all over the internet including in Architectural Digest. It’s taken us YEARS to bring our vision to life – we typically try to tackle one or two big projects a year back here and we’ll probably never be finished with this area.
Tour the full backyard here, including more about our backyard design, plants we’ve used, and all about that fire pit.
The Primary Bedroom
Our bedroom is my sanctuary – our days are so full, from work to family life, and this is where the hustle stops and we truly relax. I love my corner window spot for morning coffee, and I’ll often sit here in the evening and journal or read before bed.
I get a lot of questions about our custom-designed and built bed. It’s made from unstained white oak for a matte, neutral finish, and then had two sconces hard wired into each side of the bed—the switches are located into the side of the nightstand so they’re invisible.
Here’s a peek at the alcove office connected to the kitchen where I usually work. A couple years ago, I reconfigured the space to be more efficient. We demoed the existing desk and cabinetry, and replaced it with a clean “floating” slab of white oak to serve as a simple, streamlined desk setup. I love having this cozy space to hunker down and get stuff done, and it’s so convenient to pop in and out of here while I’m hanging with the kids or cooking dinner.
This room has been so many different things through the years—when we first moved in, it was our home gym… then it became my home office… and finally now that our kids are a little older, it’s our media room where our family watches movies or plays video games.
I kept the decor in this room really simple and affordable, from the Target rugs to the CB2 couch. When it comes to designing kids’ spaces, I usually stick with the same color palette and vibe of the rest of the house, but I don’t want anything precious or fragile. Let’s be honest—it’s probably going to get destroyed from the video game playing, sleepovers, and snacking that happens in this room!
Shop the media room:
The Studio
Welcome to my team’s studio! We shoot a lot of recipe content for the site at my house, and as mentioned above, our kitchen doesn’t get much natural light. So, we transformed this back room of the house from a guest bedroom into a light-filled studio where we shoot recipes, as well as products for Casa Zuma.
This is our “family office”, although usually Adam works in here and I work in my little alcove off the kitchen (see above.) This room tends to become the dumping ground for Casa Zuma prototypes and samples we need to go through, so our goal for this space is to keep it as minimalist and clean as possible. For me, a clear space equals a clear mind and when there’s too much clutter I cannot think straight.
This loft area has also been a playroom, a TV room, and now—it’s what I call my “meditation room.” I turned it into a cocoon for relaxing, doing yoga or pilates, or where anyone in the house can escape when they need to chill and experience a low-stimuli environment.
I haven’t shared photos of my kids’ rooms since they were baby nurseries! I’m a fan of letting kids express themselves with their bedrooms once they’re old enough to care, so I don’t get too involved with the design—I really want it to be a reflection of them.
Henry’s room is pretty simple—he naturally doesn’t like clutter and keeps his stuff weirdly organized. We recently upgraded his desk to a larger surface where he can spread out his legos and Star Wars paraphernalia. The cute poster above his bed has all the lyrics to Hotel California (his favorite song.) I ordered the digital version from Etsy, then sent it to Framebridge to have it printed and framed.
Shop Henry’s room:
Phoebe’s Room
Phoebe is not quite as minimalist as her brother (lol)—she’s a big beauty product girl, loves her stuffed animals, and has lots of little collections of all kinds of things. One thing I love about both kids’ rooms is that they have these huge windows with trees outside them, and it almost makes them feel like they’re nestled in a treehouse. And then, they both have these incredible views of downtown Austin. At bedtime, we love to look out at the glittering skyline views and it’s so magical when you can see the moon up above.
And, that’s the tour! This house has been such an incredible home for us—it’s evolved right along with us through the years and really has a piece of our hearts. It’s our ultimate canvas for creativity and inspiration, and every room tells a story. Thanks for coming by! Drop your questions in the comments of the video over on Youtube, and don’t forget to sign up for the Sourcebook below to get links to everything!