Just as certain grape varietals, olive trees and other plants thrive in Sonoma as well as they do in their native European soil, so do the sun-drenched colors that make the Mediterranean one of the most-photographed regions in the world. So when Matthew and Kristina Heim began remodeling their home, they knew vibrant shades of ochre and russet would look as good here as they do in Italy and France, where they spend part of every year.

The Heims were inspired not only by the terrain, the climate and the palette of Italy and France but by the entire lifestyle enjoyed in that part of the world.

The couple, who met in Europe and have sailed extensively in the Mediterranean, wanted to infuse their environment with the spirit of that region, from the open floor plan to the extensive landscaping in the back of the house. There, interspersed with well-established oak trees, formal beds have been planted with 250 roses and the coral-pink-orange color scheme continues in the wildflower meadow at the rear of the property.

“We love living outside,” says Kristina, “so we wanted every room in the house to have direct access to one of the courtyard areas.” Near the front door, for instance, is a low-walled terrace that is ideal for both breakfast, when it catches the first morning light, and cocktail hour, when it is shaded from the heat of the setting sun.

The Heims started with a modest house built in 1949, gutted it and increased the footprint to 2800 square feet, ample room for them and their two teen-agers.

“We wanted to create a luxurious home where you can be very comfortable and prove you don’t have to have 10,000 square feet to do it,” says Kristina.

The Heims entertain frequently, sometimes with large parties that may start in the outdoor dining area and continue in the more formal dining room before winding up with dessert and coffee out by the pool. On chilly evenings, everyone appreciates the warmth provided by a freestanding Rumsford-style fireplace on the patio (and by radiant-heat flooring indoors).

Matthew and Kristina, an interior designer, christened their home Casa del Sole (the Italian word for sun, pronounced “so-LAY”). They handpicked the interior details, a blend of European antiques, custom furniture and special features such as a boldly patterned black-and-white kitchen floor made of marble that was tumbled to make it look old.

Not surprisingly, they both favor local artisans, including Sonoma’s own Lost Arts, creators of the stained glass doors on the kitchen cabinets, and Raul Sanchez of Napa, who crafted a series of wrought-iron pergolas that run along one side of the property.

Matthew, who is on the board of both La Luz and the Sonoma Valley Art Museum, says he and Kristina are grateful to be “plugged into a community after being so transient for so long.” As a bonus, the town’s many bakeries, restaurants and outdoor cafes evoke the ambience they enjoyed for so many years in Europe.