By Moving the Front Door, Regan Baker Unlocked the Floor Plan of This Olympian's San Francisco Home

The article details the extensive renovation of Bridget Finn and Matt Maier's turn-of-the-century home in San Francisco's Sunnyside neighborhood. Faced with the common dilemma of needing more space as their children grew older, the couple, an Olympian and a tech CEO, opted to renovate rather than move, driven by their love for their community. They initially planned a kitchen update but decided on a full gut renovation after discussions with architect Tom McElroy, who helped them visualize the home's potential. The project expanded significantly, leading them to enlist interior designer Regan Baker. Regan Baker's expertise in space planning proved crucial. Her key recommendation was to relocate the front door, a change that fundamentally reshaped the home's layout. This alteration transformed two smaller living spaces into one large, cohesive area and allowed for the creation of a much-needed entryway, or "drop zone," to manage everyday clutter. Baker's design philosophy emphasized custom cabinetry as a solution to integrate extensive storage while maintaining an uncluttered aesthetic. This approach is evident throughout the house, including a strategically placed pantry in the kitchen for storing bulk items and mail, which also offered a more cost-effective alternative to additional custom cabinetry. Beyond functionality, Baker focused on making storage solutions beautiful and integrated seamlessly into the home's design. An example is the custom bench in the entryway, featuring a rounded edge that enhances safety and contributes to a clean, warm aesthetic. Upstairs, the renovation included an additional bedroom and bathroom, providing each child with their own room and the parents with a dedicated primary suite. Creative solutions, such as exposing the ceiling in one bedroom, were employed to make smaller spaces feel more expansive. Built-in features were extensively used to maximize space, particularly in areas with pitched roofs. The lower level, previously used primarily for storage, underwent a significant transformation, now accommodating a kids' hangout space, a guest room, and a home gym. The material palette features a blend of walnut and oak, introducing subtle textural variations, while handmade tiles add further texture and warmth. Bridget Finn expressed a desire for a home that felt comfortable and lived-in, yet maintained a clean, beautiful, mid-century modern aesthetic with ample wood and natural light. Baker drew color inspiration from Finn's past as a synchronized swimmer, incorporating indigo Heath Ceramics tiles for the kitchen backsplash, teal blue paint in the powder room, and watercolor blue accents throughout the house. Architect Tom McElroy reimagined the exterior facade, which had lost its original character, by reintroducing scalloped shingles, trim, and historically appropriate windows and doors, all finished with a fresh coat of white paint. Despite the extensive changes, Finn noted that the most significant daily impact was the increased natural light, facilitated by large glass doors and windows, which now offer views of the San Bruno mountains. This thoughtful renovation successfully transformed a cramped house into a spacious, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home that caters to the family's evolving needs while honoring its architectural heritage. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpacePlanning #SanFranciscoHomes #CustomCabinetry #MidCenturyModern #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalRenovation

Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has provided an update on the ongoing renovations of her Texas mansion, which she is building with her husband, Jonathan Owens. The couple began construction on their "forever home" in September 2023, shortly after their marriage in April of the same year. Despite her recent return from a successful Olympic run, Biles continues to oversee the development of her waterfront property. Biles took to her Instagram Stories to showcase the significant progress made on the interior of the house during her absence. The kitchen now features modern white cabinets and a prominent black and white marble island, creating a luxurious aesthetic. Another image revealed what appears to be the initial stages of a walk-in wet room, characterized by glimmering floor tiles, marble walls, and a floor drain positioned near a window. A mirror selfie captured during this update showed Biles amidst construction debris, indicating that the renovation work is still in progress. Further snapshots shared by Biles highlighted recently unveiled white cabinets and drawers. These new additions could potentially be used to display her extensive collection of medals and trophies, given her status as the most decorated gymnast of all time following her performance at the Paris Olympics, or to house her wardrobe. Biles has consistently kept her fans informed about the project, previously sharing a photo in November 2023 that displayed the home's impressive wooden beams and high ceilings, expressing her excitement with the caption "eeeeeeeppppp." The renovation process has not been without its challenges. In November 2023, Biles detailed a significant setback, recounting how she spent several hours addressing an issue at the construction site. She initially anticipated it to be a brief task, but it turned into a prolonged engagement. Despite the difficulties, Biles expressed her pride in the progress made, noting that she had called her father for assistance during a moment of panic. She also playfully remarked that her husband, Jonathan, would have to deal with the final outcome, expressing hope that she had managed the situation effectively and considered all necessary aspects. Biles’s husband, Jonathan Owens, a football star, was able to take time off his pre-season training to support her at the Olympics, where she secured three gold and one silver medal, increasing her total Olympic medal count to 11 and overall international medals to 43. #SimoneBiles #CelebrityHomes #HomeRenovation #TexasMansion #LuxuryDesign #InteriorDesign #OlympicGymnast #HouseConstruction

Spiegel Aihara Workshop (SAW), a San Francisco-based architecture studio, has successfully converted a century-old bungalow into a contemporary urban family residence named The Fourth Wall. The project aimed not only to expand the living space but also to create a more deliberate connection between the interior and the garden. This was achieved through the construction of a new rear extension and façade, which replaced an existing, smaller exterior building. The original 1907 home in Bernal Heights featured dark, cramped, and inward-looking rooms. SAW’s intervention has transformed these spaces into bright, open interiors that are oriented towards a newly designed green garden. The new extension spans all three levels of the house, introducing a structured, contemporary, and geometric aesthetic to the rear façade. This architectural change enhances both the visual appeal and the functionality of the home. The layout of The Fourth Wall is thoughtfully planned across its three levels. The two lower floors are primarily dedicated to communal living and entertaining areas, designed to accommodate both the family and their guests. The uppermost floor is reserved for private bedrooms, with the master suite offering views of the garden below. The rear façade, when viewed from the garden, presents as a series of stacked windows, terraces, and openings, emphasizing the abundant natural light and the strong visual links that now characterize the redesigned home. An internal staircase was also integrated to seamlessly connect all interior levels, improving circulation and spatial flow. SAW’s design philosophy extended to the outdoor spaces, particularly the backyard. The exterior cladding of the house appears to invert, with the same slatted pattern wrapping around the fences, effectively framing the backyard as an outdoor room. This fence also serves a unique function as a screen for scenic projections, adding an element of entertainment to the outdoor space. The architects also undertook regrading of the backyard to improve drainage and installed raised Corten perimeter planter beds, which provide both screening and an area for an edible garden. This comprehensive approach reorients the backyard, creating a secluded space from which residents can observe the activities within the home. The Fourth Wall project exemplifies SAW’s expertise in enhancing existing urban structures through intelligent design. Partners Dan Spiegel and Megumi Aihara have demonstrated their skill in adding significant design value to the urban fabric, a capability also evident in their previous works, such as the Wraparound House. The transformation of this tired San Francisco bungalow into a spacious and architecturally significant home showcases a clever blend of innovation and respect for the original structure, resulting in a residence that is both modern and deeply integrated with its surroundings. #Architecture #ResidentialDesign #HomeTransformation #SanFrancisco #SpiegelAiharaWorkshop #TheFourthWall #UrbanRenovation #InteriorDesign #GardenIntegration

Joseph Berkowitz of JAB Design Group was tasked with transforming a modern Rittenhouse Square residence for long-term clients, aiming for a California-casual aesthetic that combined neutral fabrics and soft touches without over-designing. The project allowed Berkowitz and his team significant creative freedom due to the strong client-designer relationship, enabling the implementation of new and inventive designs. The renovation, spanning approximately one and a half years, resulted in a contemporary 3,400-square-foot space featuring bespoke furnishings and striking design elements. Upon entering the residence, guests are greeted by a grand foyer that branches into three distinct wings. To the left, a gallery space is adorned with bronze, latticelike wallpaper and an ink-blotted ceiling by Porter Teleo. This leads to a spacious living and dining area, where light wood floors and geometric wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries provide a grounding backdrop. The room is further enhanced by statement pieces such as a sectional by Thayer Coggin and a white cocktail table from Christopher Guy. Adjacent to the dining area, the kitchen features white quartz countertops and custom built-ins. A notable design choice in the kitchen is an upholstered wall, intended to introduce warmth and an inviting feel, contrasting with the typical hard surfaces of kitchen spaces. This thoughtful detail aims to soften the overall aesthetic of the area. Continuing through the foyer, an office space offers a sophisticated ambiance with a large desk and custom built-ins finished in charcoal and cerused oak. The primary suite, located nearby, includes an en suite bathroom and two walk-in closets. A prominent feature in the primary suite is a three-dimensional walnut wall by Duchateau, which incorporates interlocking wood panels to add textural depth behind a custom, wall-to-wall upholstered headboard. This design choice contributes to a sense of luxury and unique detailing within the private space. The completion of the project was celebrated with the clients, who were guided through their newly transformed apartment by Berkowitz. This personal tour allowed them to appreciate the journey of the design process and the final outcome of their dream home. The design emphasizes a blend of casual elegance with bold, contemporary elements, creating a refreshed and inviting living environment in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. #RittenhouseSquare #InteriorDesign #JABDesignGroup #CaliforniaCasual #ModernHome #TexturalElements #CustomFurnishings #HomeRenovation

This article details a significant renovation project undertaken by Shakespeare, Gordon, Vlado: Architects (SGVA) on a late 19th-century, four-story townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn. The clients, a couple with two young children, sought to address the common challenge of disconnectivity across multiple floors in townhouse living, aiming for better spatial interaction between family members and access to the garden. Architect Amy Shakespeare's innovative solution involved a complete gut renovation and a re-imagining of the internal floor levels in the lower half of the building. The redesign involved lowering the floor plate at the back of the house to create a sunken living room directly accessible at garden level. The kitchen's floor was also lowered, reducing the number of steps from the entry level and improving connectivity to both the entrance and the garden. This extensive structural modification was feasible due to the building's prior state, which consisted of four rundown apartments with no original features deemed worth preserving. The upper floors, the third and fourth, maintain a more traditional layout, accommodating a master bedroom, children's rooms, and additional bedrooms for visiting family. These floors also feature dedicated spaces for entertainment, such as movie-watching and video gaming nooks. Throughout the home, the design incorporates a predominantly white color palette, punctuated by bold, jewel-toned wall colors and dynamic textile patterns, adding vibrancy to the interiors. Upon entering, a vestibule and mudroom are located at the front, leading to a double-height library situated centrally in the floor plan. This library is distinguished by a striking wall of teal-colored bookshelves. Sustainable materials were a key consideration in the project, with extensive use of 100 percent certified wood, including fumed oak for the flooring. The double-height central space is illuminated by a Triad 15 light fixture from Apparatus. The sunken living room, furnished with a sectional sofa from B&B Italia, offers direct access to the garden. Visual transparency between spaces is enhanced by a glass panel incorporated into the kitchen's wood railing. The kitchen features a blue Lacanche range with nickel trim, a high-priority item for the clients, along with appliances from Sub-Zero/Wolf. The painted wood cabinetry was custom-built by the general contractor, Fulton Contracting. Nancy Angel, a Brooklyn-based designer, was responsible for all custom upholstery, including the dining area banquette adjacent to the kitchen. From the kitchen, an unobstructed view extends towards the front of the house, across the top of the library. Tempered glass and steel were used for the new stair railings, contributing to the open and modern aesthetic. The top floor includes a black-painted TV room, which also accommodates a queen-size platform bed for guests. On the exterior, the architects created a geometric composition on the blown-out back wall using standard-sized Marvin windows. Despite the lot being fully built out, a balcony was added by indenting the back wall to form a small terrace. The backyard was designed by Joanna Pertz Landscape Architecture, featuring a play area with a sandbox and swings at its far end. The project successfully transformed a multi-level townhouse into a cohesive and family-friendly living space. #ParkSlope #TownhouseRenovation #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyLiving #SGVA #FloorLevelModification #SustainableMaterials #BrooklynRealEstate

Shanti Crawford of Indigo & Ochre Design transformed a 2,600-square-foot, four-bedroom penthouse in Brooklyn from a "modern white box" into a vibrant, functional family home. The clients, a family with three daughters and a dog, sought to add warmth, color, character, and personality to the new build, which initially felt cold and barren. Crawford's approach emphasizes socially responsible and sustainable design, reflected in her use of colorful, thoughtfully collected, and layered decor. The primary goal was to create distinct and intimate areas within the open-plan layout, allowing each family member to engage in various activities simultaneously, such as working, studying, socializing, dining, and playing music. This was achieved through strategic furniture arrangements, custom built-ins, and the transformative power of color. AThe design process began with the clients' desire for a fresh start, especially as their children were growing older. Crawford provided guidance from the pre-closure phase, focusing on integrating character into the developer's clean, modern aesthetic. Key to her design was the incorporation of beloved pre-existing items, including a massive patchwork kilim from Morocco and a rustic sideboard. She aimed to ensure these pieces felt intentionally integrated and harmonized with the new, streamlined elements of the apartment. Crawford used color as a declarative element to define spaces. For example, the entryway was painted in a pale pink hue, Benjamin Moore Wheatberry, which subtly appears in other areas of the home, creating a cohesive visual flow. The entry also features practical storage solutions like hooks, baskets, and cubbies from Room & Board to accommodate the active family's needs. Texture was added through a ceramic disc wall hanging and a woven Tuareg mat. In the living room, the vibrant patchwork Moroccan kilim served as the primary inspiration for the color palette, influencing the selection of seating, artwork, and accessories. Crawford also introduced a gentle antique Oushak rug to complement the kilim without competing with its intricate patterns. The dining room features the clients' cherished kilim, anchored by a sleek Artisan Latus table and Gubi Beetle chairs, with brass legs that echo other metallic accents in the adjacent sitting area. This intentional mix of rustic and modern elements ensures balance and visual interest. The family room, referred to as a 'snug,' was designed to be a cozy, intimate space. It was painted in a warm, deep gray, including the ceilings, to embrace the lack of natural light. Deep jewel tones and lush textures, such as velvet upholstery, were incorporated, along with a vintage Heriz carpet to add personality. Custom walnut shelving units were built to span an entire wall, providing depth and delineation, and housing a Samsung TV and Noguchi Akari floor lamp. The master bedroom was conceived as a serene retreat, adhering to principles of "soothing neutral colors, simple and clean lines, texture over pattern." The primary colors are neutral, with subtle pops of deep color from peacock sconces and a luminous mouth-blown carafe and glass. The bed frame is custom, and the bedding and throw are from Wolves Within. The study, designed for multiple functions including a home office, occasional guest bedroom, and storage, features a custom-designed built-in bookshelf that frames a Kalon Studios daybed. A vintage Paul McCobb desk and a vintage Swedish Kilim rug complete the space, demonstrating how distinct areas were created while maintaining an open flow within the larger apartment. The collaboration with landscape designer Laura Harmon of LFH Studio for plants further enhanced the natural integration of the design. #InteriorDesign #ApartmentDecor #FamilyHome #ColorPalette #CustomBuiltIns #StrategicFurniture #BrooklynDesign #VintageDecor #SustainableDesign

Jessica and Stig Olson, residents of San Francisco’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, transformed their typical 1928 stucco-clad row house garage into a bright, functional living space. The original garage, located beneath their 1,300-square-foot, two-bedroom, one-bath home, was an unfinished area of similar square footage, characterized by exposed joists, pipes, wires, a sloping concrete floor, and minimal natural light. In 2018, upon purchasing the property, the Olsons recognized the garage’s untapped potential beyond merely parking cars. The couple, accustomed to more open living spaces from their previous Hayes Valley Victorian rental, sought to replicate that expansiveness in their new home. This desire for an integrated, airy environment sparked the idea for the downstairs renovation. In 2020, Jessica enlisted the help of interior designer Hana Mattingly of Innen Studio, who subsequently brought in architect Jack Hotho. Their collaboration, marked by a convivial atmosphere described as resembling dinner parties, was heavily influenced by the Olsons' love for entertaining. Hosting became the primary goal for the new downstairs area, driving the design decisions. A key challenge addressed by the design team was the lack of natural light within the garage. Hotho emphasized diffusing light throughout the space as a primary objective. To achieve this, a bifold glass door was installed, connecting the garage to the backyard, complemented by a new exterior concrete slab for seamless indoor/outdoor flow. This area was designated as a comfortable lounge capable of seating twelve, with walls and ceiling painted white to enhance the sense of space and brightness. Mattingly noted that painting ceilings the same color as walls, particularly white, makes a room feel larger. An adjacent kitchenette features a serving window that doubles as an outdoor bar, further integrating the indoor and outdoor environments. Open shelving in the living room was strategically used to partition off an office area without obstructing light, maintaining the overall flow and brightness. Hotho explained the team's intention to define distinct spaces within the larger area while ensuring light permeated each zone. The renovation also focused on integrating existing architectural elements with new, functional designs. The team consciously preserved the garage's original exposed joists and wood support columns, adding acoustic insulation to mitigate noise from the upstairs living space and conceal plumbing and wiring. The concrete floors were re-poured, establishing a new base around a wood support post and creating flared steps at the bottom of the stairs, with the idea of a polished concrete floor plan. Jessica, who appreciates preserving historical elements, actively contributed vintage finds to the design. The aesthetic aimed for comfort, invitation, and a sense of history. Mattingly curated Jessica’s eclectic collection of antique and inherited pieces, blending them with modern items like an oversized sectional and Ikea shelving units. This approach ensured a cohesive yet uncluttered look. The kitchen was outfitted with DeVol cabinets and accessories, complemented by butcher-block counters stained by Stig Olson and an apothecary cabinet repurposed as a central island. The bathroom, lacking natural light, was intentionally designed to be cozy and rich in texture. It features dark tiles, a textural plaster finish on the walls and ceiling, a vintage concrete sink, and brass faucets. A custom mirror and cabinet provide full-height storage, and a ledge made from leftover soapstone extends into the shower. The project concluded in 2021, transforming the garage into a vibrant communal space for family gatherings, movie nights, and dinners, fulfilling the Olsons’ vision for a home conducive to entertaining and community living. #GarageConversion #SanFranciscoRenovation #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #BeforeAndAfter #EnglishCottageStyle #IndoorOutdoorLiving #SmallSpaceDesign #AdaptiveReuse

James LaForce and Stephen Henderson, a New York couple of 34 years, embarked on a significant home transformation when they acquired a 6,000-square-foot loft in a historic Chelsea factory building. The expansive space, complete with broad windows and an auxiliary studio, presented a unique challenge: how to balance their social lives, which often involve hosting fundraisers and gatherings, with their desire for intimate downtime together. Their initial attempt to engage a trusted decorator, Fernando Santangelo, led them to Ryan Lawson, who was highly recommended by Santangelo himself. Lawson, known for his deep knowledge of decorative arts and innovative ideas, drew inspiration from diverse architectural and design references for the project. These included Lina Bo Bardi’s Casa de Vidro, Carlo Scarpa’s color-blocked Casa Tabarelli, and the playfully furnished Menil House in Houston. His objective was to craft a coherent narrative for the apartment that would reflect the couple's vibrant lifestyle, despite the disparate nature of his inspirations. The design process began with surgical layout adjustments to enhance the overall flow and functionality of the loft. One key modification involved reconfiguring the entry to create a more elegant foyer, guiding visitors through glass doors. This space was distinguished by Donald Judd-inspired shelves, a feature inherited from the previous owner, painter Tom Levine. The kitchen, originally an internal area, was opened up to an adjacent room, significantly increasing natural light and creating interconnected cooking and lounging zones. Throughout the apartment, ceiling planes were simplified, with exposed conduits removed and architectural lighting streamlined into a geometric vocabulary of squares, rectangles, triangles, and circles. Lawson meticulously emphasized artisanal craftsmanship wherever possible. This included mouth-blown glass panes in the internal partitions and monochromatic tile grids that distinctively mark each of the four bathrooms. Color played a pivotal role in establishing a spatial framework, with Lawson employing a unique palette inspired by Scarpa. Instead of conventional white walls, he opted for a shade he termed “cream of mushroom soup” as a neutral backdrop. Against this, bold splashes of color were introduced to act as visual anchors, such as striped paneling in the kitchen, a floating red bookcase in the library, and large wall-mounted fabric panels in the living room. These bold elements, counterintuitively, were designed to provide visual rest, freeing the eye from an overload of smaller details. The apartment serves as a showcase for LaForce and Henderson's eclectic yet unpretentious collection of art and furniture. Their acquisitions range from flea-market finds to pedigreed pieces, including vintage claw-foot consoles from the estate of Picasso biographer John Richardson and a Gothic Revival center table from the Mario Buatta estate. Unattributed vintage sofas were given new life through daring upholstery choices. The art collection, often small-scale and thrifty, was thoughtfully arranged. In the den, dozens of works, some anonymous and others by friends, form an immersive salon-style arrangement, treating them as “wallpaper” grouped from floor to ceiling. Provenanced pieces by artists like Robert Indiana and Paul Cadmus, whom the couple regard as gay forebears, were given prominent displays. Lawson highlighted that the success of the project stemmed from the clients' openness to innovative ideas. He appreciated their willingness to embrace a unique design formula, which allowed him to incorporate more esoteric references and bigger conceptual constraints. The resulting apartment is both beautiful and robust, designed to evolve with the couple’s expanding collections, as exemplified by the Josef Hoffmann picture nails on the kilim-lined partition in the sitting area, making artwork changes effortless. The loft successfully balances its role as a vibrant venue for social events with a comfortable retreat for the couple’s private moments, reflecting their dynamic lifestyle and refined taste. #ManhattanLoft #InteriorDesign #RyanLawson #HistoricBuilding #EclecticDecor #ArchitecturalDigest #LuxuryLiving #ArtCollection #ColorPalette

Interior designer Regan Baker embarked on a comprehensive renovation of her 1,800-square-foot midcentury home in San Francisco’s Forest Knolls neighborhood, transforming a box-like 1961 structure into a vibrant and functional oasis for her family, including her husband, Jace, and their two children. Despite the home's initially unappealing peach exterior and square shape, Baker recognized its inherent potential and the appeal of its forested surroundings adjacent to UCSF’s Parnassus campus. The renovation, undertaken between 2018 and 2019, focused on reinterpreting the floorplan to align with her family's lifestyle. Key changes included maximizing space and enhancing openness by raising ceilings, elevating door frames, and converting one of the two garage parking spots into additional living area. A significant exterior modification involved reworking the façade with cedar plank louvers and relocating the main entrance from an upper-level door to the first floor. Given the family’s busy schedules, an open-concept floor plan was crucial to facilitate easy movement and interaction. Baker incorporated extensive custom millwork and strategic storage solutions throughout the house, emphasizing organization and ensuring every item has a designated place. The kitchen exemplifies this thoughtful design, featuring a full wall of custom cabinetry that not only conceals a full-sized refrigerator but also houses a large appliance garage complete with a coffee station, microwave, and dedicated storage for bakeware. Upstairs, the twins’ bedrooms, designed with their individual personalities in mind, each include built-in desks, a feature that proved particularly valuable during the pandemic. Amelia's room showcases a horse motif wallpaper and equestrian art, while Everett's room reflects his love for Star Wars with a Milky Way mural and a Sutro Tower coat rack, a nod to the nearby iconic landmark. Baker’s distinctive playful, colorful, and lighthearted design aesthetic is evident throughout the home, characterized by a generous use of artisanal wallpapers, unique tiles, and layered textures. Each room often features a striking accent piece, such as an emerald green sofa in the living room or an unexpected Veg Tan tile in the master bathroom, which Baker notes brings her joy daily. The master bedroom features a custom channel-tufted headboard complemented by floating nightstands and a painterly wallpaper. The children's bathroom boasts a colorful Porter Teleo wallpaper and a custom shower curtain, contrasted by a patterned white and charcoal tiled floor. The overall design achieves a relaxed California vibe, blending contemporary style with comfort and effortlessness. The renovation was completed just months before the pandemic, allowing the family to fully appreciate their transformed living space. A bi-folding door that opens to the backyard seamlessly connects the interior with the natural surroundings, creating a serene and private sanctuary. The project successfully transformed a challenging, box-like structure into a personalized, functional, and aesthetically pleasing home, leveraging the existing good bones and the natural environment. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SanFranciscoHome #MidcenturyModern #ReganBakerDesign #CustomCabinetry #WallpaperDesign #FamilyHome #SpaceMaximization

The article details the transformation of a modern farmhouse in Austin, Texas, originally built in 2017, into a comfortable and cozy home. The owner, a first-time homeowner, sought architectural and interior design advice to address major flaws in the layout and interiors. Interior designer Viki Chupik collaborated with Christopher Sanders of Sanders Architecture to create a stylish reincarnation of the space, aiming for a light, bright, yet not overly contemporary or cold aesthetic. The primary challenge was to delineate spaces within a very long, linear open-plan kitchen, dining, and living area without creating a monotonous or visually competitive environment. The solution involved introducing traditional focal points. In the living room, a soft and sculptural plaster fireplace was installed. Complementing this, an equally compelling sculptural plaster vent hood was designed in the kitchen. These elements were strategically placed to guide the eye through the space and encourage pausing to appreciate the details. The original fireplace was a significant issue due to its massive size, disproportionate scale, and a modern exposed metal flue. The design team replaced it with a smaller, more elegant plaster fireplace and removed flanking clerestory windows, resulting in a softer, more sculptural appearance. The built-in bar was also removed, relocating the television to an adjacent wall to allow the fireplace to serve as an artistic focal point. The furniture chosen for the living space features soft, subtle pieces, incorporating the client’s preferred blue hues. The dining area, situated between the living room and kitchen, was furnished with a natural European oak table from Rose Uniacke and custom dining chairs upholstered in Elizabeth Eakins Venice Stripe fabric. These choices made a gentle statement, preventing them from overpowering the surrounding design elements. A striking 48-inch Mandala artwork by Karen Hawkins, crafted from vintage romance novels, was incorporated, and the sideboard’s marble top echoes the kitchen countertops and cabinets. In the kitchen, the plaster vent hood became the central design feature, with other elements falling into place around it. Rose Uniacke plaster pendants hang over the island, mirroring the white plaster extractor hood. Slim-profile bar stools from Thomas Hayes were selected. For the cabinetry, a sophisticated combination of Benjamin Moore paint shades, AF-15 Steam and 972 Alaskan Skies, was used to create a pale yet interesting scheme. The primary bedroom was designed for luxury and sanctuary, inspired by an area rug from Black Sheep Unique. Key elements include a bed from Dmitriy & Co, a Stephen Antonson chandelier from The Invisible Collection, and ombre alpaca drapery from Rosemary Hallgarten. A collage artwork by Amy Berlin adds a finishing touch to this curated space. A mudroom was deemed essential for the homeowner’s two Instagram-famous dogs. It features a black and white marble floor by Exquisite Surfaces, a rug from Black Sheep Unique, and custom built-ins for organized storage of shoes and coats. The exterior patio was integral to the overall design, with a full steel window wall offering views of the pool and covered patio from the open-plan living space. A custom iron daybed swing and two matching daybeds from Amalfi Living, upholstered in Kravet Inside Out fabric in light blue, were incorporated to complement the interior design. The project, completed in 2022, successfully integrated the client's preferences for light pink and blue within a sophisticated and subtle design, aiming for a timeless sense of peace and calm. #OpenPlanDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #TexasHome #FocalPoints #ModernFarmhouse #PlasterElements #CustomFurniture #SophisticatedPalette

The article details the entryway of the Home on the Bay Project, a custom new build located in the San Francisco Bay Area. This project, a collaboration between Studio McGee, Sausalito Construction, and Holscher Architecture, emphasizes a blend of modern and traditional elements from the moment one enters the home. The entryway features white oak floors, custom-stained wood beams, and ample natural light, establishing the aesthetic that flows throughout the residence. A key design choice in the entryway is the use of repetition, specifically with lanterns, which creates a significant visual statement and sets the overall tone for the home. The layout of the entryway is characterized by a long, narrow hallway, which influenced the selection of elongated furnishings such as a runner and a custom console table. These elements were chosen to complement the spatial dimensions of the area. Styling the console table involved using a large mirror as a central focal point. This was flanked by two lamps to provide balance, and the middle section was filled with various layers and levels of decorative items to add visual interest and depth. The design approach focuses on introducing elements in the entryway that are then echoed and expanded upon in other areas of the home, ensuring a cohesive and integrated design narrative. The project highlights how an entryway can serve as a crucial introductory space, not only welcoming guests but also articulating the design philosophy and material palette that defines the entire home. The integration of modern and traditional styles, along with strategic use of lighting and furniture, contributes to an inviting and aesthetically consistent environment. The collaboration with construction and architecture firms underscores the comprehensive planning involved in creating a bespoke residence. #HomeOnTheBay #EntrywayDesign #InteriorDesign #StudioMcGee #CustomBuild #ModernTraditional #DesignElements #SanFranciscoBayArea #ArchitecturalCollaboration

A couple returning to New York City after two decades in the New Jersey suburbs sought to renovate their 1,210-square-foot West Village apartment, engaging design and engineering studio Dunham Robinson for the project. The primary objectives were to enhance storage, refresh the aesthetic, and improve the apartment's overall circulation, transforming it into a welcoming family home where their adult sons could comfortably visit. The apartment, initially a 'blank slate,' allowed the couple to define their evolved taste. One of the most impactful transformations was the creation of a custom-built foyer piece designed to anchor the entryway and extend across the wall. Rachel Robinson, architect and founding partner, emphasized that this built-in was a key solution to a missing architectural and emotional component in the apartment's pre-renovation state, where the entrance led directly into the dining room. The new foyer piece, measuring two feet deep, seven feet long (or 12 feet including the door), and eight feet tall, was meticulously designed to establish an entry sequence and improve the apartment's flow without overwhelming the space. This design also incorporated much-needed storage in the form of a coat closet. Dunham Robinson focused on creating depth without making the space feel cramped, utilizing careful proportions, strategic placement, and integrated solutions. The design team employed color and texture to enhance this sense of depth, notably incorporating a pale-blue paint and leather details. To ensure continuity and a warm, cohesive ambiance, the foyer piece was constructed from natural, unstained oak, a material choice that harmonized with the new flooring. Textural accents, such as leather-wrapped cabinet handles, complemented the oak, and the built-in's extension across the wall and over the threshold contributed to a comfortable sense of enclosure. Beyond the foyer, the renovation included other clever design solutions throughout the apartment. The former galley kitchen was efficiently enlarged by extending new cabinetry around the corner into the dining room, visually opening the kitchen to the rest of the space and providing additional storage. Custom built-in pieces were also integrated below the windows in the bedrooms and living room, serving to conceal HVAC units while offering extra storage. In the guest bedroom, a Murphy bed from Resource Furniture was installed, surrounded by custom cabinetry by Black Square Builders, maximizing space and functionality. The renovation successfully transformed the apartment into a functional and aesthetically pleasing home that not only met the couple’s immediate needs but also created a welcoming environment for hosting friends and family, reflecting their current lifestyle and taste. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #CustomBuiltIns #FoyerDesign #SpaceOptimization #ApartmentRenovation #DunhamRobinson #NewYorkCityLiving #ModernHome

Content creator Rachel “Rocky” Barnes and photographer Matthew Cooper embarked on a significant home renovation in 2019 after purchasing what Cooper described as “The worst house on the block, by far” in Los Angeles. The 1958 ranch-style home, a three-bedroom property, presented a mix of styles, including terracotta floors with Greek columns, non-functional original appliances, and a general aesthetic that Barnes humorously called “Mid-century meets ’80s meets a bad remodel.” The couple discovered Barnes was pregnant two weeks after closing on the house, and their son, Jones, was born in New York by the time they secured permits in January 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Despite initial challenges, including clearing out mold and asbestos, the home's L-shaped layout remained largely intact. Architect Yoram Lepair was instrumental in opening up doorways, adding a parapet, and trimming the roof's eaves to enhance natural light and views of the expansive backyard, which features a pool and tall palm trees. The couple's vision for the home was to create a perpetual vacation-like environment, an idea reflected in their choice of the primary bedroom with direct access to the pool. This design decision aimed to evoke the serene feeling of a hotel stay. The backyard's plaster walls were deliberately maintained to mimic the aesthetic of the Amangiri desert resort in Utah, reinforcing the luxurious, retreat-like atmosphere. The interior design process, guided by Summer Jensen of Hawk & Co, involved a blend of Barnes's maximalist tendencies and Cooper's preference for clean, industrial styles. Ultimately, they settled on a calming palette and a sanctuary-like space filled with personal touches and collected items. These included an oil painting from Barnes’s uncle in Hawaii, thrifted pottery displayed in the kitchen, and a Sarah Ellison Huggy chair in the living room. Each piece contributed to a curated, global aesthetic. Individual preferences were accommodated in specific areas. Barnes transformed a former bedroom into a walk-in closet and office space, designed to showcase her extensive hat collection and facilitate her content creation and modeling work. Cooper's home office, featuring a denim blue sofa and a fireplace, served as his personal retreat and a space for quality time with their son. Although not initially designed with their growing family in mind, the open-plan kitchen proved ideal for casual meals and entertaining. The family now includes a second son, Charlie, and they frequently gather on their large orange circular daybed in the backyard, enjoying the home's resort-like ambiance. The renovation successfully transformed a challenging property into a personalized, luxurious, and family-friendly haven. #HomeTour #LosAngelesHome #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #LuxuryLiving #FamilyHome #OutdoorSpace #ModernRanch #CelebrityHome

Brandi and Scott Fuller embarked on a renovation journey for their 1914 Georgian home in Park Hill, Denver, intending to complete a few specific updates. Initially, their plans were modest, focusing on expanding and remodeling the kitchen, which felt too small for their combined family of seven and the 8,000-square-foot house. They also planned to add ensuite bathrooms to two upstairs bedrooms, a walk-in master bedroom closet, and a basement home gym. Despite their experience in the architecture and real estate industries, the Fullers did not anticipate the extensive scope their renovation project would ultimately encompass. What began as a "few things" quickly escalated into a near-complete transformation of their historic residence. The catalyst for this expansion was the discovery of a sagging kitchen floor, a result of a previous shoddy renovation. The architect, Toby Branch of Branch Architecture Studio, explained that addressing this structural issue required significant interventions in the basement, leading to a full structural remodel of the kitchen floor and the basement ceiling below. This, in turn, caused new cracks to appear in the main level's plaster walls, necessitating further repairs. The snowball effect continued throughout the house. The upstairs updates followed a similar pattern; converting two children's bedroom closets into bathrooms required unexpected construction, which then prompted Brandi and Scott to overhaul their master bathroom. While these projects were underway, they also decided to remodel the third-floor bathroom and bedrooms, restore a bedroom suite above the garage, replace most of the home's lead pipes, and install a new HVAC system. Brandi likened the process to getting a new sofa and then realizing the drapes and paint needed updating, illustrating how one improvement led to the desire for others. Outdoors, the initial plans to repair the original red-brick walls, sand, and paint also grew significantly. The architect enclosed the walkway between the garage and the house to create a new mudroom and added a French door and metal staircase connecting the kitchen to the yard. This enhancement transformed the yard into an additional living space, usable for a significant portion of the year. The property's original brick hardscaping now frames new plantings designed by Lifescape Colorado and artificial turf, which the Fullers chose to retain and integrate into the design due to shade and maintenance considerations. Ultimately, the renovations covered 6,000 square feet. Beyond the structural changes, a key challenge was to seamlessly blend the home's preserved original architectural details—such as old windows, millwork, wood-plank floors, marble fireplace surrounds, and even original call boxes—with modern updates. The kitchen served as a prime example of this vintage-meets-modern aesthetic. Mikal Otten, owner and lead designer of Exquisite Kitchen Design, created a "traditional kitchen with soft contemporary touches." This was achieved by incorporating simplified traditional elements, like custom cabinets with a subtle cove profile and a soft white brushstroke finish, and ethereal blue glass backsplash tiles that offer a contemporary nod to classic brick styles. A stainless steel farmhouse sink replaced traditional porcelain, providing a cleaner, edgier look, while a walnut coffee-bar armoire and chevron-patterned white oak flooring reintroduced turn-of-the-century flair, recalling a historical practice of special floor treatments in specific rooms. The floor coverings played a crucial role in anchoring the decor of each room. Brandi explained that they started with the rug in each room and built the design from there. For instance, the dining room's modern floral rug influenced the choice of silk shantung wallcovering, a branch-like brass chandelier, and clear Lucite chairs. In the living room, a neutral rug set the tone for gray crushed-velvet sofas, a marble-topped coffee table, and a ring-shaped crystal chandelier. The foyer featured a custom stair runner with a cherry-blossom pattern, complementing a midcentury-style credenza and bold custom artwork. The furnishings selected by Brandi and Scott represent a diverse mixture of styles, primarily transitional but incorporating midcentury, contemporary, and bohemian pieces, which Brandi noted "came together in the end." Branch attributed the project's success not just to luck, but to the inherent integrity and forgiving nature of century-old homes, which allow for structural repairs and modern updates without losing their original character. The complete transformation ultimately highlighted the enduring strength and beauty of the home's historic foundation. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #InteriorDesign #KitchenRemodel #StructuralRenovation #ParkHillDenver #VintageModern #ArchitecturalPreservation

Meredith Rothman, a manager at Anonymous Content, initially envisioned a Spanish Revival home but was drawn to a modern, boxy house in Beverly Hills due to its floor-to-ceiling windows, natural light, and canyon location, which evoked childhood memories. She sought the advice of interior designer Lauren Waters, who convinced her of the property's potential as a "wonderful blank canvas for intriguing furniture and great art." This affirmation led Rothman to purchase the 2,500-square-foot spec house and commission Waters to transform it into a personal retreat suitable for entertaining and showcasing her art collection, which includes works by Analia Saban, John Baldessari, and a charcoal drawing by her grandmother, Luddie Waters. Rothman emphasizes the importance of collecting art by artists she connects with. The primary bedroom, located on the top floor, is designed as a serene space, featuring a custom wall-to-wall upholstered headboard and large windows offering views of the lush hillside and a 200-year-old oak tree, creating a treehouse-like ambiance. Waters initially advocated for a neutral palette, a decision Rothman now credits for improved sleep quality, with a rust velvet bench from Lulu and Georgia providing the only prominent color accent. A second bedroom on this floor has been converted into a gym. On the main level, a previously clunky electric fireplace with crystals was replaced by an open bookcase. This new feature serves to divide the dining and living areas while also providing a display space for Rothman's dishes, books, and art objects, such as a sculpture by Lauren Tsai and ceramics by Cody Hoyt. The kitchen underwent updates including brass hardware from Rejuvenation and cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Railings, a soft black with blue undertones, to inspire Rothman's culinary pursuits. The living room is furnished with a custom sofa, inspired by Adrian Pearsall's cloud design, upholstered in cream bouclé and adorned with ball pillows made from vintage silks. Complementary pieces include a vintage French standing lamp and a Charlotte Perriand stool. John Baldessari’s screenprint, _Two Sunsets (One With Square Blue Moon)_, hangs above a vintage woodworking table from Amsterdam Modern, which functions as a credenza. Sliding doors connect the living room to an outdoor area featuring a vintage André Dubreuil wrought iron Spine chair. Notably, Rothman opted against placing a television in the living room, desiring a more meditative space conducive to conversation, while a custom sectional in Erica Shamrock rust velvet in the home's ADU is dedicated to movie and series watching with her husband, Jamie Iovine, co-founder of NTWRK. Vintage Benny Linden teak chairs, reupholstered in Zack & Fox fabric, surround a concrete table from Restoration Hardware, creating an inviting workspace. Rothman, who once preferred Spanish Revival, now finds her modern home perfectly suited to her lifestyle. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #HollywoodHomes #SpecHomeRenovation #ModernHome #ArtCollection #LuxuryLifestyle #BeverlyHills

The article details the transformation of a 2300-square-foot penthouse apartment in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, from a clinical, industrial space into a whimsical and functional family home. Keren Richter, co-founder of interior design studio White Arrow, led the redesign, prioritizing the tastes and needs of the clients' three young children. The project focused on softening the apartment's original hard-edged and high-contrast finishes to create a more playful and inviting environment for the family. One of the most notable features of the redesign is the kitchen. Richter expressed her particular fondness for this space, highlighting the custom cabinetry crafted from bleached maple. This choice provides a light and natural base, which is then complemented by aluminum cast hardware from Australian designer Studio Henry Wilson. A striking element is the refreshing green Calacatta turquoise marble used for the countertops and backsplash, creating a vibrant contrast with the playful powder pink kitchen cabinets. The kitchen also incorporates whimsical decor, such as abstract modern bar stools by Jack Rabbit Studio, and existing artwork from the client, all contributing to a balanced and uplifting aesthetic. Despite adopting some minimalist principles, such as built-in storage to conceal clutter, the space retains warmth and visual interest through its material and color palette, demonstrating that extensive decoration is not always necessary when materials speak for themselves. Contrasting with the lower floors, the top floor of the duplex was designed with cooler tones and a more pared-back aesthetic. The dining room, for instance, features sleek wood surfaces and mid-century modern furniture. Abstract elements are woven throughout, from a uniquely based dining table to an abstract midcentury pendant light, maintaining a visually engaging yet minimally decorated space. The design incorporates materials like chrome, mirror, hand-blown glass, and bleached maple, alongside bold Calacatta turquoise marble and cast aluminum hardware, to create a sophisticated atmosphere. Playful touches, such as a pink console, wavy candleholders, and angular lighting, are strategically placed to echo the home's overall whimsical theme without overwhelming the refined design. The living room provides a plush and inviting atmosphere, featuring a large powder-blue sofa and quilted modern armchairs that blend contemporary style with family-friendly comfort and practicality. The careful use of pastel colors and a colorful abstract rug adds playfulness without being overwhelming, balanced by a sleek chrome coffee table. This space exemplifies the fusion of sophistication with accessibility for children. In the master bedroom, the concept of softness is particularly evident. A cloud-like wall mural creates an airy and relaxing ambiance, ideal for a sleep space. While pink dominates the color scheme, it is balanced by neutral decor, including a boucle bed frame and a warm-toned geometric rug, preventing the room from appearing overly saccharine. A delicate chandelier adds an extra layer of sophistication, complementing the room's soft elements. Subtle gold accents and art pieces contribute to a luxurious, retreat-like feel. Throughout the home, the designers incorporated a refreshing and calming palette, contemporary art, unique wallpapers, locally made design pieces, and a mix of reflective 70s Italian lighting and furniture, seamlessly integrating custom White Arrow-designed elements. Wood, specifically white oak, is used extensively throughout the home to provide a refined yet durable finish capable of withstanding years of family life. Custom white oak features include a primary closet, a connecting staircase with curved detailing, and refinished floors. The design also incorporated curves in architectural details like window wells and maximized storage solutions to accommodate the active family's needs. The children's rooms on the lower floors feature more saturated colors and patterns, including an immersive scenic mural, hand-drawn wallpapers, and graphic rugs and window coverings, creating playful and intricate spaces that are balanced by abstract colorful rugs and curved wood furniture. The nursery, for example, combines a wood cot, a blue rug, an armchair, and polka-dot wallpaper with framed prints, reflecting a thoughtful blend of functional design and cheerful aesthetics suitable for young occupants. #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #BrooklynApartment #HomeRenovation #WhimsicalDecor #ModernDesign #ColorPalette #CustomCabinetry #SpacePlanning