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ranchandcoast.com 56 FEBRUARY 2025 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Sarkis also delighted in collaborating with local artisans. " e home truly reflects the incredible talent and craftsmanship of our local community," she emphasizes. For example, she worked with John and Brittany La Rue of Indigenous by La Rue to design four custom wood furniture pieces, including "a shark bite" dining table made of acacia wood from Java. Sarkis not only selected the piece of wood being held at a Vista lumberyard but helped design the table with see-through resin inserts on the corners to make it look as if, indeed, a shark had needed a snack. An artist with Lisa Desantis' firm Artofwalls Inc. faux-painted the walls surrounding the living room fireplace with a limestone wash to mimic the porcelain stone counters in the kitchen. Marie Cunning of Andrew Morgan Furniture provided custom furnishings. Entrance pots are from e Madd Potter in Encinitas. e list goes on. "I used the process to connect with the community," notes Sarkis. "In doing so, I found a sense of belonging and deeper roots in this amazing area. Homes can be more than just physical spaces — they can be bridges to new relationships and experiences that enrich our lives." e project, however, was not without its challenges, including last spring's abrupt closure of Pirch, the high-end kitchen, bath, and appliance chain which left customers and employees scrambling to find other options. Sarkis had spent a year working with a Pirch representative to select appliances, plumbing fixtures, and more. "It was heartbreaking for her not to receive credit for all her hard work, but we pivoted quickly and found alternatives," she notes. Working with the Rancho Santa Fe Art Jury was another challenge. "Not because they were difficult," she says, "but because their standards are understandably high to preserve the integrity of Rancho Santa Fe. I learned to respect the challenging process as it ultimately helped ensure the home honored its surroundings." "Building a home requires patience, decisiveness, and the ability to handle unexpected challenges," says Sarkis. "You need to know what you want — or better yet, hire someone who can guide you. Be prepared to pivot when things don't go as planned, but above all, stay focused and trust the process." In the end, she learned there was so much beyond her control. at's why she named the home Regalo de Dios, which means "Gift from God" in Spanish. " e greatest compliment I receive is when guests walk in and say that while the home is modern, it feels cozy and inviting," says Sarkis. "I feel beyond grateful for the opportunity to bring my dream to life in such a special place as Rancho Santa Fe, on a piece of land that feels truly magical. is home represents not only my style and vision but also the love and thought that went into every detail." Live home design << TOP The open floor plan offers an expansive space for living, dining, and entertaining. Sarkis collaborated with local artisans on furnishings, accented with accessories from her travels around the world ABOVE The comfortable lounge by the fireplace is a favorite spot to watch television, relax, and entertain. Fireplaces throughout the home are by Rick Castro of Westfire. Sarkis worked with Marie Cunning of Andrew Morgan Furniture on the custom sofas