At Hunter Douglas, we’re passionate about window shades—and creating an extraordinary experience. We offer unparalleled choices, for any window need. We design thoughtful innovations that can automatically adjust shades for the best lighting or privacy, day and night. And we deliver enduring quality, for products that last.
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DOUGLAS. SHADES LIKE NO OTHER™
We partner with designers who inspire, create, and elevate spaces.
Featured: Medittera by designer Angela Harris—a collection of large-format porcelain tile with old-world charm.
Go Ahead, Overthink The Windows.
Architect: Upwall Design Builder: Douglas Knight Construction
Photographer: Springgate Photography Follow us on Instagram
For some homes, windows become more than a building element. All the more reason to start with the world's best materials and designs, sustainably crafted. To transcend function and open the world of stunning sight lines, playful light and museum-quality views. A tall order for a normal window, but not for windows that never compromise. Learn more >
Photo: Matthew Millman
Create Where
You Belong
Experience the Difference: Club 1683
Gaggenau, maker of luxury kitchen appliances and the Home Kitchen Appliance Brand Partner of the MICHELIN Guide, prioritizes partnerships with its trade network. Club 1683 was developed to offer a select group of top tier industry trade professionals the opportunity to participate in the exclusive membership program promoting excellence in residential kitchen design. Qualified participants, including luxury designers, residential architects, kitchen studios, and single-family builders, gain access to personalized guidance, professional assistance, rewards and exclusive experiences.
For those who know the extraordinary.
Learn how to become a member.
The difference is Gaggenau
Featured: 5-Burner Gas Cooktop, Refrigerator, Convection Ovens, Espresso Machine, and Warming Drawer.
Simplicity Interior Design, Club 1683 member
Photo by Adahlia Cole and Colin Peck
Paint that painting experts trust.
Wall: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Eggshell
Trim: Indi Go-Go CSP-565, Regal® Select, Satin
A
Celebration of the Industry’s Leading Interior Designers, Architects + Professional Painters
WHEN IT COMES TO THE ESSENTIALS OF INTERIOR DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE, FEW ELEMENTS ARE AS VITAL AND VERSATILE AS THE FINAL FINISH. Paint is not just a backdrop; it is the essence of design, bringing depth, character and emotion to every room. It often tells stories of personal, historical and cultural significance while enhancing functionality with its durability and timeless appeal. For the industry luminaries who meticulously select colors, finishes and application techniques, paint is a powerful tool of expression and innovation.
This special feature celebrates the craftsmanship and work of 13 interior designers, architects and paint contractors who have forged strong partnerships, united by a shared passion for the transformative power of paint.
In collaboration with Benjamin Moore, meet the six talented teams across North America, whose collective expertise converges to create projects that are both beautiful and meaningful. Discover the magic that happens when creativity and teamwork meet as we introduce this year’s Faces of Design.
TORONTO, CANADA
COLETTE VAN DEN THILLART + MARIANO TORO
Layers of historical reference, touches of wit and personalized allure—these are the characteristics by which the work of designer Colette van den Thillart is known. Much of it comes to life with the addition of paint, and her partnership with contractor Mariano Toro is key. In discussing their creative collaboration, van den Thillart shares a recent project she and Toro completed. “For a spectacular house in Toronto with an interior dining room that had only one window, we chose Benjamin Moore’s Chartreuse 2024-10 in matte and painted all the walls and the ceiling in this ethereal color. The resulting space felt like an art installation; it is vibrant and dynamic during the day, but moody and poetic by nighttime candlelight.” Essential to the outcome was Toro’s application expertise. He shares the depth of it while mentioning another project: “For a client who wanted an almost glass-like finish, I came up with a method for creating a mirror effect that required many coats of paint and sanding between coats.” Alongside their love of unique colors and applications, van den Thillart and Toro share a passion for finding the perfect product to suit each client’s goals.
colettevandenthillart.com; optimustouch.com
PHOTOGRAPHY: ALEX LUKEY
CHICAGO, IL
ERIN SHAKOOR + EDUARDO GONZALEZ FLORES
An interior designer’s passion for color, texture and finishes demands exceptional craftsmanship. Erin Shakoor, distinguished for her love of dynamic material juxtapositions, relies on the skill of Eduardo Gonzalez Flores to flawlessly execute her creative visions. “Eduardo helps us achieve every exacting step with flying colors (pun intended),” Shakoor enthuses. She emphasizes the positive outcomes of their work together by sharing a recent project: “For a whole-house design, our clients wanted their primary bedroom to feel, function and look like a luxury hotel suite. Our thought was to evoke intimacy. We decided that the custom-paneled walls, crown molding and ceiling should be painted in Olympus Green 679. The wood floors had a similarly rich finish, and together, they created a cocooning effect.” Regarding applying one hue throughout a space, Flores shares his techniques, saying, “When using the same color, I like to select a different sheen for each surface. For example, flat ceilings, eggshell walls and semi-gloss trims all in one shade.” One look at the duo’s joint portfolio showcases the stunning results of this thoughtful approach.
“ The before and after of a p roject, and seeing the clients happy with our work, is what I love most about this job.”
— EDUARDO GONZALEZ FLORES
CA
ADAM HUNTER + ASAF AMARIO
In the art of design, expert trade skills converge to create a cohesive project. Among these, two seemingly juxtaposed yet perfectly complementary approaches stand out: a grand vision for overall aesthetics and an eye for intricate details. The power of this combination is evident in the collaboration of Adam Hunter and Asaf Amario. “Each of us plays a role in ensuring the design and execution are seamless,” Hunter explains. “I manage the overarching concept and material selection, while Asaf and his team focus on the technical application.” Since their introduction through industry connections five years ago, the duo has discovered a profound alignment in style and work ethic, leading to numerous successful projects. One of their
favorite projects showcases their combined expertise. “We transformed a dining room by applying a pink hue with a gloss finish, creating a vibrant, energetic atmosphere that uplifts the mood,” Amario shares. “The glossy finish bounces light around, making the room feel bigger—it’s stunning and perfect for lively get-togethers.” Hunter adds, “We always start with the client’s preferred palette and then suggest modifications to suit the lighting and space. This approach brings a custom element, ensuring the final design exudes the homeowner’s personality.” This special partnership showcases the remarkable synergy between design expertise and meticulous precision in application. adamhunter.com; mastercustompainting.com
HOLLYWOOD,
SAN FRANCISCO, CA
NOZ NOZAWA + PHILIP STOREY
If there is one overarching theme that becomes apparent upon viewing the portfolio of designer Noz Nozawa, it’s color, color, color. For one so obsessed with bold hues, partnering with the right contractor is essential. Fortunately, Nozawa has found that in Philip Storey. “He is proud of the quality his team brings to the project and cares deeply about turning over a painted home that will last,” she says. The duo has been working together ever since a contractor friend introduced them in 2018. To hear each of them talk about why they love their jobs, the shared passion is obvious. “I get to help people bring to life a manifestation of who they are and what is most important to them,” Nozawa says. “Paint is always a necessary component and one of the most flexible ways to imbue a space with the exact nuance of a spirit or personality.” Storey weighs in, “We live in such a beautiful area with amazing nature, design and architecture. I love that my job gives me an opportunity to experience that and add to the beauty of our city by the bay.” nozdesign.com; redhillpainting.com
“When Noz asks us to work with her on a project, I get excited. It’s always new, it’s always incredible and I always finish by thinking I want that in my home!”
— PHILIP STOREY
PARK CITY, UT
SCOTT JAFFA + JOEL MARSH
For those dedicated to creating home, there is no greater reward than client satisfaction. Architect Scott Jaffa says it best: “When I see the expression of a client who feels like they’ve just stepped into their true home, I know my extraordinary team has put their talent into a space that will be enjoyed for generations.” That team includes Joel Marsh, painting contractor extraordinaire and longtime project partner to Jaffa. “We have been collaborating for seven years, ever since one of our mutual clients introduced us,” Jaffa says. “Our job is to transform dreams into reality, and Joel values bringing that joy to our clients too.” For the contractor, this goal depends on many factors, but thoughtful specification is certainly at the heart. Speaking to that, Marsh says, “In some cases, technical aspects dictate which product we choose. For example, many Benjamin Moore paints have open times that allow us to roll large walls, while still being scrubbable and accepting touch-ups. Other times, the homeowner’s lifestyle is top of mind. Regal Select is perfect for families with pets and children because it is durable, wipes easily and doesn’t mar.” jaffagroup.com; marshpaintinginc.com
“ When we complete a project, it should ne ver look like we were there; our goal is seamless perfection in producing one-of-a-kind homes.” — SCOTT JAFFA
The partnership of Tami Ramsay, Krista Nye Nicholas and Cassandra Pace underscores the impact of chance meetings and mutual admiration. “I heard about Cloth & Kind from one of my clients,” Pace says. “I went to the showroom to introduce myself, and they were hosting a paint demonstration for designers that day.” Being that Pace was visiting to share her services as a painting contractor for the two design pros, this was undeniably serendipitous. The trio has worked together on various projects in the years since. Ramsay and Nicholas share one of their favorite collaborative endeavors, saying, “We recently completed a large Queen Anne Victorian with Cassandra. Collectively, we decided to paint over an
oppressive, deep-red textural wallcovering in the family room rather than remove it. Benjamin Moore’s Stratton Blue HC-142 melted away the Victorian vibes while leaving our clients with an interesting story to share.” Anecdotes like this aren’t uncommon with these three, who share a love of bold paint projects. Ramsay and Nicholas chime in, “Every time our clients trust us to use color, we’re able to dramatically impact the mood of the space, not to mention create a more custom aesthetic. Whites and soft neutrals have their place, but we consider it a missed opportunity to design an entire home that lacks confident use of color.”
clothandkind.com; bellpaintingmi.com
ANN ARBOR, MI
TAMI RAMSAY AND KRISTA NYE NICHOLAS + CASSANDRA PACE
Advice FROM THE Experts
“Always consider the lighting when choosing colors. For high ceilings, use a lighter shade to make the room feel more expansive.”
-ADAM HUNTER
“Adding sheen to a trim indoors does give it more durability in the long run, and personally, I like a trim that stands out from the walls.”
-MARIANO TORO
“Benjamin Moore is consistently my go-to brand because 95 percent of the time, if I’m dreaming up a color in my head, they have a shade to exactly match my vision.”
-NOZ NOZAWA
“For years, I only used eggshell in damp areas. But then, Aura Bath & Spa came along, and it changed my entire world! The ability to get a washable matte in the bathroom is fantastic.”
“ When views are extra important, consider painting window frames in the same shade as the walls. They’ll fade away and let the view take center stage.”
-JOEL MARSH
-ERIN SHAKOOR
“Prep is the most important step. If you skip on proper prep, it will show in the finish.”
-CASSANDRA PACE
benjaminmoore.com
Oxford White
Dove Wing OC-18
Smoke Embers 1466
Adam Hunter and Asaf Amario’s favorite colors, respectively.
Beach Glass 1564
Black Beauty 2128-10
Waller Green CW-510
Noz Nozawa’s favorite color.
Moonshine 2140-60
Erin Shakoor’s favorite color.
Joel Marsh’s favorite color.
Tami Ramsay and Krista Nye Nicholas’ favorite color.
Colette van den Thillart’s favorite color.
SEP OCT
The little black book of all things new and fabulous in the local community.
Plucked from Luxe regions across the country, these memorable spaces speak of timeless elegance and autumnal ambience.
A look at the latest news and product collaborations from the industry’s buzziest creatives.
Pages from Mieke ten Have’s new book provide bountiful fall inspiration for the months ahead.
Market
Layered mood boards by stylist and photographer Robin Verrier feature trending color combinations alongside the newest fabrics, wallpapers, trims and tiles.
Discover the latest product nds that complement beautiful rooms from Luxe’s regional issues.
Rich materials, delicate details and warm, neutral layers prove today’s quiet color schemes are nothing short of intoxicating.
A minimalist approach to meet your modern tastes.
For those whose appreciation for precision is matched only by their passion for food, we offer our new Transitional Series — the next step forward in the luxury kitchen. From satin stainless-steel finishes to slim transitional handles to touchscreen functionality, discover a new expression of purposeful design. This is how we stay #TrueToFood.
FEATURES
172
Behind Closed Doors
When a couple purchases an abode they had long admired, the next step is to create interiors that match its distinctive architecture.
184
Southern Accent
After outgrowing their beloved dwelling, a Palo Alto family decides to stay put, opting for a dramatic yet sensitive renovation.
196
Pieces of Meaning
In the hands of artist Lena Wolff, the idea of a patchwork quilt is reimagined with modern materials and traditional symbols.
200
Cloud Nine
A sleek and minimal Russian Hill residence is transformed into a warm, dreamy family home while maintaining its modern edge.
Written by Monique McIntosh
ON THE COVER: When this long-time family residence was remodeled to fit current lifestyles, a recreation room was a must. Designers Tiffany Mansfield and Lisa O’Neil selected Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron and a custom brass sconce for the walls. A Mariaflora-upholstered sectional, a rug from Pak Oriental Rugs and an ottoman covered in Edelman leather create a comfortable seating area. Page 184
Written by Maile Pingel
Photography by Bess Friday
Styling by Rachel Forslund
Written by Lauren Gallow Photography by Thomas Kuoh
Written by Deborah Bishop Photography by Alanna Hale
Photography by Lisa Romerein/OTTO
FROM VISION TO VIEW
Thoughtfully crafted moving glass walls and windows redefine the boundaries of indoor-outdoor living, offering you the freedom to design, build, and live in spaces that inspire. Scan the QR code to learn more.
Photography: Jessica Fix Photography
Interiors: Design by Kris Stensland
DESIGN MATTERS
CURATING
MENLO PARK LOS GATOS MORGAN HILL JACKSON HOLE, WY MONTEREY PENINSULA SONOMA & WINE COUNTRY
LIVE LIFE OUTSIDE
CREATE A WELL DESIGNED SPACE AND CHANGE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH OUTDOOR LIVING.
TERRA COLLABORATES WITH AN EXTRAORDINARY TEAM OF DESIGNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND ARTISANS ACROSS THE GLOBE TO CREATE EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR FURNISHINGS. OUR PREMIUM QUALITY AND CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN DESIGNS ARE IN-STOCK AND READY TO TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A PERSONAL SANCTUARY.
Architect Scott Landry had his work cut out for him, remodeling a home to make the most of its coastal view for his brother from New York. With a less-than-optimal landscape to work with, Landry took the opportunity to modernize the dwelling from the inside out—adding a new office space and re-situating the backyard to better accommodate his brother’s remote work habits.
With a coastal Californian climate that radiates heat and moisture, the existing structure’s aluminum window frames had failed to keep the extreme winds and humidity at bay. This made for less-than-comfortable summer days in the main living space. Better insulation was a must-have, but sacrificing the panoramic seaside vista was out of the question. Landry knew that comfort would be a priority for the wide array of guests and family that would soon fill the space.
“There are maybe 60 windows in this house. And we needed the right product. One that was resilient on the outside. One that had thin lines to maximize the view.”
Scott
Landry, Studio 101 Designs
BROTHER KNOWS BEST
Landry searched high and low for the right windows to maintain the homes existing look, match the exterior and interior colors, and perform better on the West Coast. Selections from the Marvin Ultimate product line were the only choice that met Landry’s standards. With a wealth of natural light now illuminating the home, he was free to reimagine how the kitchen and surrounding spaces interacted.
READY TO REFRESH YOUR SPACE?
Welcome in more natural light, fresh air, and inspiring views with custom-crafted windows and doors from Marvin.
marvin.com/makespace
ELEGANCE ACROSS EVERY ROOM
Find Häcker dealers with sideboards for seamless luxury.
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INTERESTED IN BECOMING A DEALER? SCAN BELOW TO LEARN MORE
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DESIGN DIRECTOR
Pam Shavalier
ART DIRECTOR
Candace Cohen
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
Brittany Chevalier McIntyre
SENIOR MANAGING EDITOR
Colleen McTiernan
JILL COHEN
EDITOR IN CHIEF
MANAGING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Kelly Velocci Jolliffe
MANAGING EDITORS
Krystal Racaniello, Clémence Sfadj
HOMES EDITORS
SOUTHEAST
Kate Abney
COLORADO, LOS ANGELES, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
Kelly Phillips Badal
PACIFIC NORTHWEST, SAN FRANCISCO
Mary Jo Bowling
ART
ART DIRECTOR
Maria Pluta
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Jamie Beauparlant
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Kyle Anderson, John Griffin-Santucci
SENIOR RETOUCHER
Christian Ablan
STYLE DIRECTOR
Kathryn Given
STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
Hannah Lavine
DIRECTOR, DIGITAL Ileana Llorens
SENIOR MARKET
EDITOR
Sarah Shelton
AUSTIN + SAN ANTONIO, DALLAS + FORT WORTH, HOUSTON
SANDOW was founded by visionary entrepreneur Adam I. Sandow in 2003, with the goal of reinventing the traditional publishing model. Today, SANDOW powers the design, materials and luxury industries through innovative content, tools and integrated solutions. With its diverse portfolio of assets, SANDOW has established itself as the largest design media company in the world which includes the following brands: Luxe Interiors + Design, Interior Design, Metropolis, DesignTV by SANDOW; ThinkLab, a research and strategy firm; and content services brands, including The Agency by SANDOW – a full-scale digital marketing agency, The Studio by SANDOW – a video production studio, and SURROUND – a podcast network and production studio. In 2019, Adam Sandow launched Material Bank, the world’s largest marketplace for searching, sampling and specifying architecture, design and construction materials. Other SANDOW brands include definitive authority on all things beauty, NewBeauty; luxury sampling platform, Test Tube by NewBeauty; Leaders Magazine; and exclusive private airport newsstand network, MediaJet.
There’s a perfect paint color for your space.
Finding it is simpler with Samplize.
• Peel-and-stick samples, each made with two coats of real paint.
• 1000s of colors from Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, and Farrow & Ball.
• Overnight delivery and no-mess application.
Order today and find your perfect color.
Room featuring Chrome Green HC-189 by Benjamin Moore
KATE KELLY SMITH
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT + MANAGING DIRECTOR
JAY BOUDREAU
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, SALES
TANYA SUBER
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
NATIONAL SALES DIRECTORS REGIONAL SALES DIRECTORS
NATIONAL PUBLISHER
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HOME FURNISHINGS DIRECTOR
Sarah Smith
WEST COAST DIRECTORS
Lisa Lovely, Carolyn Homestead
MIDWEST + SOUTH CENTRAL DIRECTOR
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INTEGRATED MARKETING
VICE PRESIDENT, MARKETING + DIGITAL STRATEGY Samantha Westmoreland
SENIOR MANAGER, MANUFACTURING + DISTRIBUTION Stacey Rigney
Luxe Interiors + Design®, (ISSN 1949-2022), Arizona (ISSN 2163-9809), California (ISSN 2164-0122), Chicago (ISSN 2163-9981), Colorado (ISSN 21639949), Florida (ISSN 2163-9779), New York (ISSN 2163-9728), Pacific Northwest (ISSN 2167-9584), San Francisco (ISSN 2372-0220), Southeast (ISSN 2688-5735), Texas (ISSN 2163-9922), Vol. 22, No. 5, September/October , prints bimonthly and is published by SANDOW, 3651 FAU Boulevard, Suite 200, Boca Raton, FL 33431. Luxe Interiors + Design® (“Luxe”) provides information on luxury homes and lifestyles. Luxe Interiors + Design®, SANDOW, its affiliates, employees, contributors, writers, editors, (Publisher) accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors or omissions with information and/or advertisements contained herein. The Publisher has neither investigated nor endorsed the companies and/or products that advertise within the publication or that are mentioned editorially. Publisher assumes no responsibility for the claims made by the Advertisers or the merits of their respective products or services advertised or promoted in Luxe Publisher neither expressly nor implicitly endorses such Advertiser products, services or claims. Publisher expressly assumes no liability for any damages whatsoever that may be suffered by any purchaser or user for any products or services advertised or mentioned editorially herein and strongly recommends that any purchaser or user investigate such products, services, methods and/or claims made
La Menagerie Collection
Photography by Nick Mele
Fall into Color
It wasn’t my intention for our September/October issue to be about color. In fact, when choosing the homes we included, I didn’t have any particular theme in mind. But the design world has a slow way of revealing how people are currently living, and, as an editor, it’s my job to share that story with you.
The homes you’ll discover throughout these pages—many enveloped in rich burgundies, dark chocolate browns and mossy greens—are restorative and soothing. I believe that these projects’ palettes are rede ning comfort for homeowners across the country and making them feel more at ease in their spaces while connecting them to the things they love—whether it’s wine, food or nature.
The language of design is visual, and, in that spirit, we are also telling a seasonal story without words. In one of our Market features, our editors sourced beautifully crafted materials from the design world and collaborated to create a series of inspirational assemblages using both natural and man-made wonders. Each one encapsulates an autumn narrative in a way that will inspire.
Fall has become the most comfortable season, so allow us to be part of your relaxing moments and enjoy the wealth of inspiration in the pages ahead.
Jill Cohen Editor in Chief Follow me @jilleditsluxe
Capturing the color and light on location with photographer Lisa Romerein.
www.thescalecollective.com
SCENE
WRITTEN BY ANH-MINH LE | PRODUCED BY COLLEEN MCTIERNAN
OPEN HOUSE
GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT A TRIO OF SHOWROOMS INVIGORATING THE BAY AREA DESIGN SCENE.
MOLTENI&C FLAGSHIP STORE
Now, there is yet another reason to visit Luminaire in San Francisco’s Design District: the addition of the Molteni&C Flagship Store adjacent to furniture showroom. The 3,000-square-foot venue beckons with a welcoming residential env ironment, from the living area by the entrance to the built-in kitchen and walk-in wardrobe system deeper inside. Designs by the likes of Vincent Van Duysen, Jean Nouvel, Foster + Partners, Ron Gilad, Yabu Pushelberg and Herzog & de Meuron populate the store. shop.molteni.it
RH PALO ALTO, THE GALLERY AT STANFORD
With the opening of RH Palo Alto, The Gallery at Stanford, the Peninsula has an exquisite new design destination. Its 60,000 square feet features a double floating staircase that leads to the glassencased Rooftop Restaurant on the third level. Alfresco areas with heritage olive trees and sculptural evergreens contribute to a transportive experience, while the interactive design studio’s state-of-the-art technology reminds shoppers that they’re in the heart of Silicon Valley. r h.com
DE SOUSA HUGHES
This year, Geoffrey De Sousa and Erik Hughes’ showroom is celebrating its 25th anniversary as well as a move to the San Francisco Design Center Galleria. De Sousa Hughes’ 25,000 square feet provide a gallery-like atmosphere for presenting furniture, accessories, textiles and lighting— including recently added lines by Thierry Lemaire, Alexander Lamont, Alison Berger Glassworks and TheSign. One thing that hasn’t changed is the showroom’s focus on modern handcrafted designs that highlight some of the industry’s most creative makers. desousahughes.com
RH Palo Alto, The Gallery at Stanford
De Sousa Hughes
Molteni&C Flagship Store
LIGHT SHOW
ERIN HUPP CERAMICS
Oakland-based ceramist Erin Hupp—known for her bespoke tableware at restaurants such as Michelin-starred Californios and Sons & Daughters—has ventured into the interiors field, with designs available by commission. On the heels of table lamps, mirrors and a wall hook crafted in collaboration with Windy Chien, Hupp is debuting pendant lamps. erinhuppceramics.com
Why did you expand into interiors? My decision to broaden my practice with interior design products stemmed from a natural progression in my work. Initially, I focused solely on creating ceramic tableware for restaurants, collaborating closely with chefs to complement their culinary visions. This provided for a seamless transition into working with interior designers. There’s a unique synergy that happens when two creative minds come together to shape a space.
What attracted you to lighting? Similar to ceramic plates at restaurants, lighting is functional art, and it draws you in closer with its warm glow. This duality is what makes my pieces special— they are meant to be lived with and interacted with, not just observed f rom a distance. Each lamp is custom and handcrafted with a particular interior concept in mind.
What inspires your designs? I draw from various sources—often everyday objects or the modification of past designs. One of my porcelain lamps is inspired by the form of an egg cup. There’s something incredibly charming and sweet about a porcelain vessel used to serve Frenchstyle soft-boiled eggs, where the top of the shell is delicately removed like a hat. I wanted to translate that sense of delicacy into lighting.
LAUNCH CORRUGATED
For her first foray into furniture, former fashion designer Hanneke Lourens knew she wanted to pay tribute to her home country. “As corrugated metal is an affordable building material, it is used a lot in South Africa’s urban environments,” she says. “That classic wavy shape just kept jumping out at me and ultimately became the visual backbone of the whole Corrugated collection.” Lourens’ inaugural line, comprising a bench, lounge chair, and coffee, console and side tables, is composed of white oak sourced near Fort Bragg, where she is currently based. Her design process starts with copious amounts of research, deriving inspiration from myriad sources, like photographs, music and podcasts. She turns her rough sketches into miniature models and then full-size creations made of scrap wood. The designs are further refined, including the type of joinery, before being finalized. “In my fashion design life, I ended up spending a lot of time at the computer, and these days I spend a lot more time actually making things,” Lourens notes. “For me, making a physical object with my hands is incredibly rewarding.” hannekelourens.com
ON VIEW
“CALIFORNIAN WILDFLOWERS”
Fall brings an exhibition by South African photographer Pieter Hugo to Jonathan Carver Moore’s eponymous contemporary art gallery. Hugo began capturing San Francisco’s Tenderloin district, where the gallery is located, while in residency at Marin’s Headlands Center for the Arts in 2015. “I met people with mental disorders, addicts, victims of the 2008 recession, war veterans, men and women who had made bad lifestyle choices, as well as people who, for whatever reason, liked living rough,” he recalls. “Notwithstanding their terrible circumstances, which are real and inescapable, there is something quite ecstatic in the poses and gestures of the people I photographed.” The series, on view through November 2, resonated with Carver Moore. “These photos are special to me because t hey not only represent a continued sense of community, but they also show the landscape in which we live,” he says, adding that the body of work “champions a group of people who are overlooked and underrepresented, which fits into the gallery’s programming.” jonathancarvermoore.com
ROAD TRIP
AMID GLORIOUS VINEYARD AND COASTLINE VIEWS, THESE CHIC SPOTS ARE WORTH A STOP ON YOUR NEXT DRIVE THROUGH SONOMA COUNTY.
HOUSE OF FLOWERS
On a 15.5-acre property just outside of Healdsburg, Walker Warner Architects and Maca Huneeus Design collaborated on Flowers Vineyards & Winery’s tasting room, dubbed House of Flowers. “Given the remoteness of Flowers’ estate vineyards, we looked for a beautiful and natural—yet more accessible— location to welcome visitors,” explains Flowers estate director Jen Beloz. Inspired by the palette of the surrounding redwood grove, the exteriors were stained a shadowy black, which helps keep the focus on the natural landscape. The bright and light-filled interiors feature cypress siding and are arranged like a residence, with a living room, dining room, library and study. Vintage and modern art coexist alongside works by local makers, including ceramicist Zoe Dering. Says Ona LeSassier, Maca Huneeus Design’s head of design, “Made by hand, attention to detail, craftsmanship—that is really the story of Flowers.” flowerswinery.com
THE SEA RANCH LODGE
Last year, The Sea Ranch Lodge completed a comprehensive update, unveiling 17 guest rooms that San Francisco-based designer Nicole Hollis conceived as a “warm and cozy refuge from the wild coastal winds and crashing waves.” The property, situated on 53 acres along the Pacific Ocean in northern Sonoma County, dates to the 1960s and features midcentury-style architecture. “The rich rust tones of the eroded soil and deep blues of the ocean inspired the color and material palette,” Hollis says. “We wanted this to be incorporated into the rooms, so the landscape and interiors would feel visually harmonious.” Custom elements built by Santa Cruz Woodworks mingle with woven pieces by Berkeley artist Jess Feury and ceramics by San Francisco-based Sasinun Kladpetch. thesearanchlodge.com
CETO HOME
Samantha Morton-Robert’s downtown Petaluma shop, Ceto Home, features furniture, rugs, lighting, pillows, blankets and baskets sourced from makers all over the globe, as well as an in-house line of block-printed textile products. “I have always been drawn to natural materials and things that are handmade,” she says. “I think it is beautiful when there is a person and a story behind the items that we bring into our home. Sometimes handmade is equated with high maintenance, but we try to carry an assortment of items that are well-made, practical and can be used every day.” cetohome.com
a time for play, putting away new projects... you’ve worked HARD ENOUGH time to enjoy living in California while you’re here ime to enjoy YOUR Art and YOUR California let’s choreograph YOUR experience
Finest Antiques, Museum-Quality Restoration, Custom and Reproduction from Antiques to Contemporary.
Founded by third-generation artisan and antiques dealer Claudio Mariani in 1986, C. Mariani is a distinguished showroom, renowned atelier and wholesaler of European high-end antiques and art from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. C. Mariani is also a full service workshop for custom projects, from antiques to modern.
C. Mariani offers the broadest range of museum-quality restoration services including conservation, repairs, cleaning, waxing, polishing, refinishing, reinforcing and stabilizing, height adjusting, Chinoiserie, French polishing, gilding, marquetry, parquetry, stone and metal work, mirrors, fine art repair, mounting and presentation cases, specialty leather including desktop leather replacement, reupholstering, veneering, and embossing.
CLAUDIO MARIANI Founder
RADAR
Step inside this season’s guide to stunning spaces, new product collections and a timely tome.
A Ray Booth project overlooking downtown Nashville boasts sweeping views and a sumptuous, livable palette. photo:
Open House
CULLED FROM LUXE ’S REGIONS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THESE INVITING INTERIORS CHAMPION RICH MATERIALS AND UNDERSTATED ELEGANCE.
WRITTEN BY
GRACE BEULEY HUNT
Set against a cosseting backdrop of Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe, an integrated Calacatta marble desk provides an airy counterpoint in this San Francisco home office designed by Viona Seshadri (above). studiovionainteriors.com
Tactile textures—from a linen headboard to an Apparatus sconce composed with natural stone—infuse this Laguna Beach bedroom by designers Lisa Berman and Melissa Rohani with a sense of earthy connection (top right). studiogutow.com
Designer Anna Knight channeled a collected-overtime ethos for her clients’ Chicago living room (right), mixing vintage furnishings with velvet, sisal, iron, leather and marble material notes. annaknightinteriors.com
In Palo Alto, designer Tiffany Mansfield embraced the dark disposition of a basement level rec room, deploying Benjamin Moore’s Wrought Iron as the base for sumptuous textiles and warm brass accents (left). mansfieldoneil.com
Rustic wood details, including reclaimed ceiling beams, Ochre appliance handles and an accent stool by artisan Ian Love, bring a cozy disposition to this Manhattan kitchen designed by Sean Anderson (bottom left). seanandersondesign.com
A powder room in Cardiff-bythe-Sea, California, offered the perfect opportunity for designer Amy Meier to showcase diverse materials, from hand-troweled Marmorino plaster walls to a deep green Esmeralda Quartz sink (below). amymeier.com
Art & Craft
TODAY’S TOP DESIGNERS AND ARTISTS DISCUSS THEIR LATEST VENTURES AND COLLABORATIONS MAKING WAVES ACROSS THE INDUSTRY.
Carmen Nash
When Carmen Nash received an Instagram message from Kelly Wearstler complimenting her aesthetic and inquiring about pieces for sale, her side hustle as a vintage furniture dealer quickly turned into a full-time career. However, Nash soon realized that she didn’t just want to present pieces of furniture; she wanted to tell a story that would emotionally resonate with her audience, thus beginning her art and design journey. Fast forward to today, and Nash has recently released a visually transporting lamp collection with Troy Lighting which, ironically, began with an admiring note on Instagram. Aptly named Folk and Flora, the rhythmic designs reference folk perspectives of the rural south, including those of Nash’s own family, while also nodding to the beauty and simplicity of Ocala, Florida, which she has long called home. “I discovered a lot about myself during the design process,” Nash explains. “But at the end of the day, connecting people to things they love is what impacted me the most.” hvlgroup.com, @loftandthought
photos: jeanne canto, courtesy troy lighting.
Jamie Bush
Since founding his Los Angeles-based rm in 2002, Jamie Bush has been recognized for his ability to blur the lines between interior and architectural design, as well as an eye for what he calls “historically driven modern design”—focusing on materiality, texture and natural forms. It’s this passion that has driven a portfolio lled with signi cant residential homes and a recent collaboration with Marc Phillips Rugs. “The designs are based on abstract paintings I made depicting studies of agricultural elds left fallow and eroded by nature,” Bush explains (see his Pepper rug, at left). The pieces have a hint of traditionalism and ample versatility: They live as easily in a classic Tudor as a contemporary home. jamiebush.com, marcphillipsrugs.com
Alyssa Kapito
Alyssa Kapito has made a name for herself crafting distinctive interiors rooted in minimalist classicism. On the heels of publishing her rst monograph, the New York-based designer is fast at work developing a second collection for AKI Editions, the small batch editions arm of her e-shop, Galerie by Alyssa Kapito. Envisioned as a gathering ground for ne antiques and bespoke collaborations with makers—like the above collection with Venetian glassware company Laguna~B— the designer plans to open a physical space in Manhattan this fall. “Galerie is a place that combines all of my passions,” Kapito shares. “I love art, I love design, I love fashion, and I love creating. I want it to be somewhere I can welcome you into my world!” alyssakapito.com
Barry Dixon
Dixon
It’s no secret that Dixon has a proven for heirloomworthy With a love of and an eye for Dixon uses his pieces as nishing touches in beautifully balanced rooms. While he has many
It’s secret that Barry Dixon has a proven penchant for crafting heirloomproducts. With a love of antiquities and an eye for modernity, Dixon uses his pieces as touches in beautifully balanced rooms. While he has many collaborations to his name, his latest collection of metal lighting and furniture with Iatesta Studio is particularly special. A passion project initiated by the Maryland-based studio’s owner and creative director, Matt Quinn, the compilation is a resurrection of Dixon’s iconic and archived designs, like the Synapse Pendant (above) which rst debuted more than a decade ago. “We already had a history of collaboration,” says Dixon, “so we were primed and ready to go.” barrydixon.com, iatestastudio.com
Jessica Helgerson
Most design elements aren’t accompanied by “friends,” but the table lamps in Jessica Helgerson’s new Bobine collection are meant to pair perfectly with a set of sculptures. are cute, whimsical the Paris-based designer. “I wanted to create elements that spark joy when you The light xtures—beauties in their created in concert with Portland artists Lynn Read and Kovel—are available as all-glass xtures hand-painted wood and ceramic models. Helgerson’s intention is for the pieces to light in a sometimeschallenging world. It is this joy that Helgerson brings to breathing life into historic homes, a specialty of the seamlessly mixes timeless elements contemporary framework, a using for a new rug set to launch this year. jhinteriordesign.com
collection are meant to pair with a set of glass snail sculptures. “They are cute, whimsical gures,” says the Portland- and Paris-based “I wanted to create elements that when you look at them.” The shapely xtures—beauties in their own right, created in concert with Portland artists Lynn Read and Andi Kovel—are as luminous xtures or wood and ceramic models. intention is for the pieces to be a in a sometimesworld. It is this same joy that to life back into historic a particular of the designer who mixes traditional and elements within a contemporary a formula she’s using for a new rug collection set to launch this year.
Workshop/APD
In the world of founded Matt Berman and Andrew Kotchen, is most a From interiors to and a space at this year’s Kips Bay New York Show House the rm has their hands in about “Early on, we felt uncomfortable de who we were,” says Berman. “But now we embrace it and realize is
In the world of design, Workshop/APD, founded by principals Matt Berman Andrew Kotchen, is most certainly unicorn. From residential and commercial interiors to architecture, hospitality, a stunning space at this year’s Kips New York Show House (right), the their hands in just about everything. we felt uncomfortable de ning who Berman. “But now we embrace it and realize design is uid. There’s a lot of crossover between disciplines.” Such crossover has led them to product design and collaborations with brands like Arteriors, with whom they are launching a second line in September. The assortment, which features pieces like the Roll chandelier (above), focuses on mixed materials and architectural details. workshopapd.com, arteriorshome.com
Amber Lewis
If the laid-back, California cool aesthetic had a poster child, Amber Lewis might be its face. As the principal and founder of Los Angeles-based Amber Interiors and Shoppe Amber Interiors lifestyle boutiques, her signature style, which she describes as “elevated, but lived-in,” counts cultlike devotees. Lewis’ unstudied, approachable chic is on full display in her recently completed Lake Arrowhead getaway (right), where the family room’s warm tones and layered patterns exude a mellow coziness. Her celebrated look has led to partnerships with Loloi Rugs and Visual Comfort & Co.; this fall, she adds even more to her 100-plus piece collection (including the Billings End Table, at left) launched in the spring with Four Hands—the brand’s rst designer collab. Also on the docket? A fth outpost of Shoppe Amber Interiors in Montecito, set to debut before the end of the year. amberinteriordesign.com, fourhands.com launched in the rst collab. Also on the docket? A fth outpost of Amber Interiors in set to debut before the end of the year.
Natural cork mural with metallic foil. Nagano in Terracotta
Seasonal Splendor
IN HER FORTHCOMING TITLE, STYLIST MIEKE TEN HAVE SHARES HER SECRETS FOR ENLIVENING YOUR HOME THIS FALL, AND ALL YEAR LONG.
A dreamy tableau in the mudroom at Mieke ten Have’s upstate New York property features gilded sconces, a Greek Revival mirror and bountiful blooms.
photo: frank frances.
“I think the term stylist is a nebulous and often confusing one. What I’d rather tell people is that I am a storyteller of sorts, always seeking to conjure emotion in rooms using objects, flowers, colors, and patterns as my tools,” explains creative extraordinaire Mieke ten Have in her upcoming book, Interiors Styled by Mieke ten Have Her debut tome covers the principles that guide her dreamy and evocative styling work as well as seasonal influences on decorating and design. In an excerpt (at right), ten Have dives into her take on autumnal inspiration at home. vendomepress.com
Fall offers perhaps the most interesting dialogue between the interior and exterior world; before the first hard frost, the dahlia beds erupt in color and soar in height I can scarcely keep up. In the fall, I turn to jewel-toned textiles, earnest American jacquard blankets, and graphic rugs of varied origin, which I drape over my dining table, channeling a Dutch master painting of a wealthy sea merchant’s interior. I shuffle pillows around on sofas and chairs. I see my textiles anew, and I’m always surprised by how adding a secondary pattern on a large, upholstered piece of furniture can sway the mood of a room.
LIGHT CREATES SANCTUARY
Shades and Lighting
Part of a home ecosystem. Designed by Lutron.
NOTABLES
Chris Howard Antiques and Modern
Handcrafted in solid walnut with dramatic curved backs, these authentic midcentury modern dining chairs are by renowned Danish designer Kai Kristiansen. Elevate any modern interior design with these timeless chairs. Available in thousands of fabrics and leathers. antiquesandmodern.com
Boyd Lighting
Inspired by its namesake, lily of the valley, the Lily Series cascades like delicate white flowers. Available as a sconce, single-strand pendant or multiple pendants—with five or nine strands—its natural sense of balance and proportion translates into beautiful, functional, organic design. boydlighting.com
its of the the Series cascades like delicate white flowers. Available as a sconce, or five or nine strands—its natural sense of balance and proportion translates into
Lolita Garcia Textiles
Introducing Lolita Garcia Textiles’ debut collection. The Deco pattern draws inspiration from nature, architecture and travel. This minimalist, modern, geometric print is created on 100-percent Belgian linen. lolitagarciatextiles.com
Phoenix Day Lighting and Metalwork
Introducing the #7110 LED Mirror. Designed by Douglas Durkin Design, it is part of a larger LED collection that uses stateof-the-art, dimmable LED lamping and is handcrafted at Phoenix Day’s Bay Area workshop. Available in custom sizes and finishes. Price upon request. phoenixday.com
At ORR Design, we love using our exclusive WHOLE-VISION TM design process to realize our client’s dreams by fusing dramatic curves and sweeping arcs into an extraordinary fusion of home, interior, landscape and pool design.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM?
Randy Martin PRESIDENT
YOUR PROJECT IS OUR PRIORITY
Our showrooms are designed to inspire, with bath, kitchen and lighting choices from top brands curated in beautiful, hands-on displays. From product selection to delivery coordination, an industry expert will be there to support your project every step of the way.
a
collaboration
“UNVEILED”,
new
by Ryan Saghian for Studio M.
DISCOVERIES
Liaigre
The Costes x Liaigre capsule collection includes the Castiglione sofa, Carrousel side table, Mont-Thabor armchair, Rivoli reading lamp and Cambon chair—each of which was created for the five-star hotel Jean-Louis Costes and Christian Liaigre realized together. 212.210.6264
Häcker Kitchens
A harmonious balance of sophistication and innovation. The AV 6023 GL grooved cabinet fronts from Häcker Kitchens are an elegant and sustainable surface that grounds the kitchen with natural elements and visually-enriching textures. hackerkitchens.us
Roche Bobois
Designed by Christophe Delcourt, the Palatine table features a top resting on Roman travertine half-cylinders, joined by solid walnut crossbars, creating a timeless, architectural masterpiece. roche-bobois.com
Perennials
Perennials is proud to introduce Perennials Wallcoverings, the brand’s first category introduction outside of 100-percent SDA textiles. Boasting 17 designs across patterns, metallics, performance and textures, the debut collection offers understated elegance to any space. perennialsfabrics.com
STARK x Missoni Home
Experience the allure of the Missoni Layers custom rug, a meticulously hand-tufted masterpiece in wool, shiny nylon and lurex that showcases Missoni’s signature glamour. The intricate chevron pattern and subtle ombre detailing bring dimension and depth to any space. starkcarpet.com/missoni-home
MARKET
Influenced by bold color combinations, these pages feature the latest in luxurious fabrics and wallpapers, inspiring furniture finds and Luxe’s paint picks.
Seasonal Schemes
COLOR REPORT
Soft Landing
Clockwise from top right: Striations Rug
Fortina is a remarkable architectural system that looks and feels like real wood, but is made with aluminum and a hyper-realistic non-PVC surface. Available in over 100+ wood and metal finishes and 50+ profiles for interior and exterior applications. Now with integral lighting, larger, up to 2" x 12" profiles, and quicker delivery with Quick Ship.
Clockwise from right: Rolf Medium
Clockwise from top right: Mak Rug
PHOTO: JOSHUA MCHUGH.
Next Generation collection
CREMA CLARET
OCEANUS
VENUS
ATLANTIS AZUL
L UNARIA
Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove Regional KDC Winners
Riggs celebrates all 2022-2023 Kitchen Design Contest participants and congratulates our top three regional winners!
3rd Place: William Adams
1st Place: Amy Friedberg Global KDC Finalist Enter the Riggs 2024 Kitchen Design Contest Now!
2nd Place: Nar Bustamante
Like style, sophistication isn’t always conveyed through language.
LIVING
Today’s standout kitchen and bath projects and products embody the trend towards warm, rich interiors.
photo:
Neutral Nuance
THERE’S NOTHING MINIMAL ABOUT TODAY’S TONAL, TEXTURED TAKE ON KITCHEN AND BATHROOM DESIGN.
WRITTEN AND PRODUCED BY GRACE BEULEY HUNT AND SARAH SHELTON
Soft maximalism. Easy elegance. Quiet luxury. Whatever verbiage you prefer, there’s no denying that neutrals are having a renaissance. With the days of bland white kitchens and baths largely in the rearview, serene yet richly layered and thoughtfully detailed schemes are emerging in their stead. Take this jewel box kitchen in New York’s Hudson Valley: Awash in artisanal touches and historical references, it’s a feast for the senses—and the perfect embodiment of neutral’s impactful new mood.
Warm white tones—including clé zellige tiles, marble from BAS Stone and cabinets painted Farrow & Ball’s Shadow White—converge in this upstate New York kitchen. Designer Isabel Brewster crafted a shallow ledge to display treasured objects, which are illuminated by Chapman & Myers picture lights.
The Breakers, the Vanderbilt family’s iconic Newport, Rhode Island, “cottage,” might seem like surprising inspiration for a Hudson Valley farmhouse. But as chance would have it, designer Isabel Brewster was fresh off the Newport Cliff Walk home tour circuit when she signed on to renovate a young family’s stately Greek Revival in Rhinebeck, New York—and the threads between the two historic dwellings proved serendipitous.
For the kitchen—a sun-drenched space with a modest footprint that was stripped down to the studs and reimagined alongside general contractor Piotr Ottenbreit of PO Design Creation—Brewster envisioned a warm white scheme rooted in classicism, layered with patina and accented with modern elements. Inspired by The Breakers’ kitchen’s ceiling-height subway tiles, Brewster clad the upper walls and integrated range hood in perfectly imperfect Moroccan zellige tiles that shimmer in the light. Below, a sleek floating ledge and continuous white marble backsplash and countertops lend a decidedly contemporary perspective.
The room’s robust cabinetry program offers another discrete historical homage with its inset-style paneling, which Brewster describes as “transitional” and “Shaker but not ” thanks to the enhanced beveled detailing. Anchoring the space, the designer once again took her cues from the Breakers’ kitchen, channeling its large, freestanding center table for her design of an oak island stained chocolate brown.
Sanding the original wide plank pine floors to their natural state finished with a subtle whitewash creates a bright base layer for the room and unlacquered brass taps and hardware garnish the scene with a timeless living finish. A cherry red pendant suspended above the island is the lone saturated dissenter in the creamy milieu.
Upstairs, the primary bathroom is similarly reverential of history, taking cues for its walls from hand-carved paneling the designer spied in a circa-1700s home in Maine. “I thought this was such an interesting idea and a way to have ‘artwork’ without actually hanging artwork,”
An Urban Electric Co. pendant specified in Benjamin Moore’s Raisin Torte hangs above a custom oak island designed to evoke that of The Breakers mansion in Newport, Rhode Island (left). Brass Rejuvenation hardware dots the drawers (below).
Brewster explains. Here too, the designer chose a warm white paint for the millwork, complemented by bright white ceilings, a monochrome clawfoot tub and crisp, limestone-tiled floors. “I love the mixing of whites in this space—a flat white ceiling, warmer white walls and white floors. There’s a gradation of shades moving up the walls based off the white tones found in the marble.”
Said marble—which wraps the walk-in shower and tops the vanity the designer had fabricated from a vintage midcentury dresser—is a bold cut of Calacatta Viola Breccia. “It makes such a statement with the burgundy undertones,” gushes Brewster, who opted to pair the striking stone with exposed piping, yet again in an aged brass finish, “because that’s ho w bathroom plumbing actually looked and worked in period homes.”
While quiet, the finished spaces thrill with their many tone-on-tone material choices and hand-crafted details. When it comes to creating wow factor within a neutral palette, pulling layers of patina from the past, it seems, is an inspired place to start. isabelbrewsterinteriors.com
Farrow & Ball’s Slipper Satin blankets the primary bathroom, where an antique dresser was retrofitted as a vanity and topped with Calacatta Viola Breccia from United Marble. A tub from Vintage Tub & Bath adds a historic touch.
MATERIAL NOT ES
HIGH-TOUCH PRODUCTS THAT ELEVATE EVERYDAY EXPERIENCES.
GLOBAL VIEWS
Australia-based hardware company, Bankston Architectural is making its U.S. debut with the launch of a buzzy collaboration with New York-based design studio, Civilian. The 12-piece Hemispheres collection—named after the two parts of the world from which the and and Portoro bankston.com companies are headquartered—combines architectural and artistic flair with functional, standout hardware. Curving shapes and circular elements can be found throughout the line of levers, knobs and pulls as evident in the H03 Knob on Half Moon in Portoro Gold Marble on Smooth Nickel (right).
TAPPED OUT
With matte-black plumbing and hardware here to stay, Brizo is now o ering its beloved Kintsu bath collection in the popular fi nish. Named for the Japanese method of Kintsugi, which marries cracked pottery with gold, Kintsu combines Japanese wabi-sabi principles with a minimalistic Scandinavian ethos. Here, the discreet Widespread Lavatory faucet is shown in the matte black fi nish with wood inserts for a balanced and Zen aesthetic. Mother-of-pearl and concrete detailing are also available. brizo.com
STONE FACED
Coming o the heels of their debut line of mantels, Marmi is leaning further into product with the launch of Editions No. 2: Bath. Known for their custom natural stonework in high-end interiors, Marmi’s 20-piece bath collection features everything from vanities to pedestals to tubs in an impressive 17 stone choices. Here, the Hamilton Demilune Vanity in Picasso marble, designed by the brand’s creative director Neil Zuleta, is complete with burnished brass detailing, open side shelving, a fl uted front and walnut-lined drawers. marmistone.com
Photo: Christopher Stark Photography
All in the Mix
VARIED TEXTURES MAKE A STRIKING STATEMENT IN A MARYLAND BATHROOM DESIGNED FOR DECOMPRESSION.
photo: stacy
zarin goldberg.
Greige tiles, Formica vanities, a quintessential 1980s sunken jacuzzi: The bathroom, located in Clarksville, Maryland, was begging for a rewrite and designer Elizabeth Reich was happy to oblige. Spurred by her client’s love of Italy, Reich composed a surprising symphony of materials that bridges classic and contemporary for a transportive retreat. Below, the designer breaks down the details.
Wow Factor: My client wanted an unusual marble that reminded her of traveling abroad. We fell in love with this Calacatta Vagli Viola with its wine-colored veining and milky background. She wanted it everywhere at first, but we evolved to making it a focal point on the vanity, sinks, shower and casings.
Grounding Influence: The wood tiles are by Tabarka Studio, which warm up the room and add another element of texture and pattern. I fell in love with this monotone parquet; it’s simple yet interesting.
Hand Crafted: The walls are Venetian plaster by artisan Kelly Walker to give an aged feel, like something you would see in Europe. The pale umber color brings out the subtle golden tones in the marble.
Custom Content: The bespoke vanity was designed and built from white oak by a local cabinetmaker. The solid brass hardware is in a burnished finish by HRL Brass, and we loved the rectangular backplates which give them an extra cool factor. The standalone cabinet is also made of white oak, but the panels are reeded. Same material, different vibe! crosbyjenkins.com
Calacatta Vagli Viola marble from Gramaco Stone Source steals the show in this Maryland bathroom, where Visual Comfort & Co. sconces flank Arteriors mirrors. Wood tiles from Tabarka Studio and plaster walls by Kelly Walker of Artstar Custom Paintworks add texture.
photos: stacy zarin goldberg.
Featuring our Ramey Chair
Shades Terracotta
INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF DESIGN
WHERE LEADERSHIP, PERSPECTIVE + INGENUITY ABOUND
From inspiring their clients and colleagues with signature aesthetic leanings to guiding their teams in managing deadlines and smooth installations, the women of design are undeniably influential. Of course, their seemingly endless font of talent plays a role too.
TURN
Del Gavio Group
Del Gavio Group
650.529.2002 | delgaviogroup.com | delgaviogroup
When one’s business is based on reputation, it’s critically important to build lasting connections with clients and colleagues. “Developing relationships is one of the most important aspects of my business,” emphasizes Patricia Del Gavio, Founder and Principal Designer for Del Gavio Group. “Building trust and partnerships is the way I work and live.”
When it comes to design, she’s inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright for “his incorporation of outdoor water features and landscapes around his homes.” One of Del Gavio’s favorite projects involved true indoor-outdoor living. She explains: “From my first meeting with the contractors, I saw the ability to bring the outdoors in and open up walls with full glass folding door systems.” That spark of creativity brought her client’s vision to life. Del Gavio says: “By listening to clients and drawing out their wishes, we create unique designs that meet their dreams.”
Decision Making
“Many people experience decision fatigue when it comes to designing a space,” says Del Gavio. “They know what they like and dislike but are often overwhelmed by the multitude of options.” Her firm has created a solution for this common conundrum. “We have developed a unique system that helps clients clarify their vision and refine their choices— and it smoothly lands them in their dream space.”
Daily
Inspiration
The fresh start of her daily routine gets Del Gavio going every day. “Waking up to sunlight streaming through my windows and doors, having a morning cappuccino while buzzing around the house and simply starting my day with appreciation for the wonderful area in which I live is my top motivation.” Second on the list? “Coming into the studio— only two miles from home—and greeting my enthusiastic and loyal team. What could be better?”
Top This timeless kitchen encourages family gathering and cooking. Walnut beams were refinished to complement bespoke cabinetry replete with clever storage and custom details. Right From the living and dining rooms to the interior atrium, this space embodies indoor-outdoor living with bifold doors throughout. Far right Artful green doors play off of the custom wall moulding in the attached primary oasis. Herringbone floor tile draws visitors through the home to a private courtyard beyond.
WE UNDERSTAND THAT TRULY COMPELLING INTERIOR DESIGN EXISTS AT THE INTERSECTION OF CREATIVE VISION, PRECISE ARTISTRY AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY. WE COMMIT TO BRING THAT TO EVERY PROJECT IN OUR STUDIO.”
Photography Top by Daniel Blue; Right + Far right by Kathryn MacDonald Photography; Headshot by Emily Kim Photography
DHM Architecture
While not everyone who played with dollhouses as a child becomes an architect, most architects share stories of being absolutely transfixed by dollhouses as a child. Denise Hall Montgomery, Founder and Principal of DHM Architecture, definitely had that experience. She shares, “From a young age, I delighted in creating and discovering how things fit together and I built my own wooden dollhouses as a child.” Montgomery describes her company as “a boutique firm dedicated to designing sophisticated homes for modern living.” Their work ranges from creating new homes from the ground up to restoring historic spaces, where they always “focus on how space, form and light can bring joy and enhance each client’s well-being.” Montgomery prides herself on a highly custom and personalized approach to every project, noting that “every home is tailored to meet each client’s unique needs and desires.”
Industry Icons
Montgomery cites influential designers in the field of architecture.
• Maya Lin: “She always tops my list of important architectural icons. Despite often working on a monumental scale—or creating actual monuments—Lin infuses her designs with a sublime humility.”
• Julia Morgan: “I’ve had the pleasure of spending the past year restoring a historic house with a Morgan-designed library. She was the first woman to graduate from the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and was very prolific. The library is very innovative and meticulously thought out, with every detail considered with care.”
• Jeanne Gang: “Her Aqua Tower in Chicago was the tallest womandesigned building in the world at the time it was built. Gang blazed new trails for women architects and continually uses technology to create a connection between modern architecture, nature and the environment.”
AND CREATIVITY TO THE TABLE— FUELS MY PASSION AND ENTHUSIASM.”
Frog First
Montgomery believes in the “Eat the Frog” theory of prioritization. She explains, “I always tackle the day’s most difficult task first. It’s crucial to my productivity.”
Top Concrete floors, strategically placed windows and natural materials frame sweeping bay views through the treetops. Left Reviving this Victorian gem involved a meticulous renovation, including excavation. The team preserved timeless architecture and classic detailing of the original masterpiece while integrating modern amenities. Center Designed for flow and openness, natural light and layered views amplify the sense of space in this modern kitchen integrated inside a historic Victorian home. Right Here, the team preserved the century-old plaster ceiling molding while adding new walnut floors and soapstone fireplaces to this dining room of a San Francisco Victorian.
Photography Top by Muffy Kibbey; Left, Center + Right by Christopher Stark; Headshot by Laura Reoch
A varied work schedule keeps things interesting. Fatima Silva, Founder and Principal of FDG Design Group, is happy to share that no single workday is typical for her. “I could be anywhere from Hawaii to Portugal, frequently traveling for client meetings,” she says. “I also split time between our offices in San Francisco and Miami.” The bicoastal life has been good for FDG. “Our goal is to establish a brand renowned for its distinctive approach to artful luxury living, driven by fresh ideas and innovation,” Silva explains. “Our studio boasts a rich blend of experiences, drawing from diverse cultural heritage and extensive international exposure. By sharing our ideas and inspirations with clients, we expand our design capabilities.” And those busy days? Silva says: “I wear many hats to ensure I am current on all projects and happy with the progress. I wouldn’t have it any other way!”
Reading List
Here are three must-read titles Silva currently recommends.
• Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone: “A must-read for aspiring female designers. Calderone does an impeccable job taking readers on a journey from initial inspiration through every intricate design detail of a space.”
• Perspective by Steven Gambrel: “My favorite aspect of this book is the immense variety, ranging from elegant country to highgloss urban designs. There is something for everyone to enjoy in his work. Gambrel’s use of different colors, tactile surfaces and vintage elements is beautiful and inspirational.”
• Evocative Interiors by Ray Booth: “Trained as an architect, Ray Booth’s designs are distinctively elegant. They exude modernism while still maintaining a sense of creativity and he excels at harmonizing openplan interiors with surrounding outdoor landscapes.”
Fresh Start
Silva makes sure to begin every day with a burst of energy. She says, “Whenever I feel tired or uninspired, I love to get outside and be active. Exercise does wonders!”
Top Located in Hawaii, this room epitomizes its unique environment emphasizing elegance and comfort, pairing sophistication with simplicity into one unique space.
Photography Travis Rowan; Headshot by Christopher Stark
HSH Interiors
Not only does Holly Snow Hollenbeck know how to breathe new life into an interior, but she also knows how to reinvent herself. Before establishing HSH Interiors in 2002, Hollenbeck worked in investment banking, consulting and at an internet start-up before she says she “realized I need beauty, challenge and artistic stimulation.” Hollenbeck decided to return to school, and while studying interior design at UC Berkeley Extension, she simultaneously gut remodeled her first home in Marin County. When it was complete, so many requests poured in from friends and family who wanted Hollenbeck to transform their own homes that she dropped out to start her company. Today, with an almost entirely female team of 14, Hollenbeck says she finds women to be innately cut out for the job. “I believe our ability to multitask, and to bring empathy and emotion to our work, is a real asset,” she says.
Inspiration Is Everywhere
HSH Interiors has worked on everything from a 1,200-square-foot 1962 A-frame renovation in Tahoe to a 10,000-squarefoot contemporary new-build home in Wyoming. With such a wide range, Hollenbeck finds inspiration in a number of places. “On my last trip to Paris, I toured an exhibit of Charlotte Perriand’s work and admired her diverse talent—from a modernist Alps ski resort to her iconic sculptural furnishings,” she says. Closer to home, Hollenbeck recently visited the Santa Monica Proper Hotel, designed by Kelly Wearstler, and “admired her talent with materials and surfaces, and her ability to play with scale.”
Double Tap
Hollenbeck uses social media to discover one-of-a-kind pieces and to connect with creatives. Here are a few of her favorite Instagram accounts to follow:
• @1stdibs
• @thefutureperfect
• @douglasfriedman
I AM MOTIVATED BY HAPPY CLIENTS AND BEAUTIFUL PROJECTS. I ALSO LOVE MY STAFF— THEY ARE CREATIVE, KIND AND HARDWORKING.”
Right The great room inside this classic 1962
A-frame home in Tahoe features a spiral staircase.
Photography Stephanie Russo
Integrated Resources Group
When one’s job is a pleasure, they never work a day in their life. That’s a philosophy that Ameeta Chadha, Owner of Integrated Resources Group, fiercely believes in. “I don’t feel like I have to work,” she says, “because it is a pleasure to create something beautiful for a client. Something they will love for years!” Chadha co-owns IRG with her husband and—while she began her career in design as a fine artist—she soon realized that she truly enjoyed helping clients create their dream spaces. Chadha enthuses, “After just a few minutes of introductory conversation in the showroom, I always know what a customer will like.” Then she helps them by putting together slabs and patterns and suggestions for a project. Her greatest satisfaction? Meeting new clients and explaining stone choices to them. Chadha explains: “I love seeing their excitement and appreciation for stone grow right before their eyes!”
Defining Difference
When asked what sets them apart, Chadha credits IRG’s variety of products as a distinguishing feature. “It’s our inventory,” she says. “We house an amazing assortment of marbles and granites and a vast selection of natural stone—all very high quality and all beautiful in their own ways.”
I LOVE TO HELP CLIENTS WITH THEIR HOME AND TO FACILITATE THEIR VISION SO THEY CAN REALIZE THEIR HOME AND LIFESTYLE DESIRES.”
Next Generation
A family-run business, Chadha is excited that her daughter, Jogreet, has joined her and her husband Dilmohan at IRG. “Our daughter has joined the company,” she shares. “With her comes all of the energy of youth and the quest for the new. She helps us understand what today’s younger clientele wants and needs.”
Top The gentle tones of Beverly Blue quartzite are soothing, as shown in this primary bath designed by Jennifer Robin Interiors. Left The deep gemstone-colored wall in this powder room is accentuated with gorgeous Maestro quartzite in complementary blue and green tones. Right Their vast product line—which includes semi-precious slabs, quartz, porcelain, granite, marble, quartzite and limestone—has made IRG a leading natural stone company.
Photography Top by Paul Dyer Photography; Left by Sarah Shields Photography
Blooming beautifully on the vanity of Holly A Kopman’s exotic powder room, presented at the 2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
The stone destination
Kelley Flynn Interior Design
Interior designers with a background in architecture bring a specific and well-rounded expertise to the field. Kelley Flynn, Principal of her namesake firm, is one such designer. She studied architecture because she loved the arts and “wanted a pragmatic application.” After seeing the possibilities of residential design, she realized that “interior design is an area that encompasses all of my interests—in buildings, history, the idea of home, beauty and expression.” Today, her company specializes in updating older residences and integrating traditional details into new construction projects. “I have always had a love affair with houses,” Flynn says. “I am interested in the energy of a place.” Designing fulfills her passion for helping others create a space that is truly home. Flynn says: “For me, a house is a living expression of the people who live in it— both a container and a mirror.”
Industry Inspiration
There are numerous designers that Flynn has found influential throughout her career. “Early on I was influenced by Eileen Gray and Andrée Putman,” she says. “Gray for her multi-disciplinary approach as well as her acknowledgement of the psychological need for comfort. And Putman for her style and versatility.” Another influence is Georgia O’Keeffe’s home in Abiquiú. Flynn enthuses, “Her home was a revelation, as it embodied nature and rustic materials but felt modern—as if the house itself was alive.” Reading Ilse Crawford’s books solidified her desire to pursue interior design. Other inspirations include Clodagh’s theory of “total design” and Rose Tarlow’s “balance of elegance, organic materials and a modern sense of space that is timeless,” and Carla Sozzani’s “10 Corso Como and first concept lifestyle store have long been inspirations.”
I LOVE THINKING ABOUT HOW TO USE SPACE AND TO CREATE HARMONY AND BUILD A SENSE OF WELL-BEING FOR THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN IT.”
Top An update to a 1930s-era kitchen includes a three-dimensional tile porcelain backsplash, oak cabinetry and a tobacco limestone flooring combined with sculptural lighting. Far left A bungalow renovation in Mill Valley allowed for the creation of an airy breakfast nook. Green pillows accentuate the green trees directly outside. Center Traditional navy with dark wood accents makes a statement of clean simplicity in the corner of this living room. Left Warm tones in a mix of textures create a cozy space for reading or relaxing.
Photography Top, Far left + Left by Drew Kelly; Center by Suzanna Scott; Headshot by Jerry Yoon
Many designers enter the industry not only due to a love for design, but because the tremendous role that a home has in one’s life and a desire to be a part of that realization for people. Kristi Will, Principal and Owner of Kristi Will Interior Design, shares that an experience at a young age while interning at an interior design company showed her just how transformative a new design can be. “A pivotal moment came when I was working with a renowned firm,” she says. “Witnessing the transformation of raw spaces into beautiful, livable environments was inspiring. One particular project left a lasting impact when I saw the client’s emotional reaction to their new space.” The result? For Will, a career. That experience made her realize her passion for creating aesthetically pleasing and lasting environments for clients due to “the profound impact good design can have on people’s lives.”
Areas Of Focus
The team believes their approach to design sets them apart in the industry. Will outlines the team’s core tenets, which she says “allow us to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations.”
• Attention to Detail:
“Our meticulous attention to detail ensures that every element of a design is carefully considered and expertly executed, from initial concept to final finishing touches.”
• Collaborative Process:
“We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with clients throughout the process to make sure their visions are realized.”
• Innovative Solutions:
“We are committed to staying at the forefront of innovative technologies—incorporating solutions for inspired interiors.”
• Quality and Craftsmanship:
“We partner with top-tier artisans and suppliers to bring designs to life with the highest quality materials and craftsmanship.”
Bedside Table
Will recommends reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. “This book is a profound exploration of creativity,” she says. “Gilbert’s insights on overcoming fear are invaluable.”
Far left In the sitting room, an elegant Best & Lloyd chandelier hangs above the etched-bronze surface of a coffee table from De Sousa Hughes. Top right This entry features a handcrafted mirror from Magni and velvet bench from Madeline Stuart. The paneled walls are inset with wallpaper from Sloan Miyasato. Bottom right A modern chandelier by Hersh Design hangs above an enamelled lavastone table from Sue Fisher King and casts a warm glow in the breakfast nook. Photography Matthew Millman
Lauren Nelson Design
Homes are multifaceted—they are the spaces where the minutiae of daily life happens and also where holidays take place and family and friends gather for big moments. Lauren Nelson, Principal and Founder of Lauren Nelson Design, keeps this in mind in her work. The studio is known for being stylistically diverse with a unifying characteristic of what they call “sophisticated joy.” With projects spanning a range of locales— from historic houses in San Francisco to Napa Valley hillside homes, and from California coastal retreats to beachside locations in the Caribbean— Nelson revels in crafting spaces that speak to each area and the clients who have chosen to call that place home. She affirms: “It has become very clear how much our environments shape our whole sense of being, how we move through the day and thereby through life. What a privilege it is to craft that experience for other people.”
Online Inspiration
Nelson shares a few designers that she loves to follow on Instagram:
• @nickeykehoe: “I adore everything this design duo does. Their interiors are so layered and personal, and their store is a constant source of beautiful pieces that we purchase and put in client homes.”
• @betsybrowninc: “I love how she puts spaces together. They are almost always neutral—with absolutely no color—but they are never boring and remain perfectly balanced. Brown creates a beautiful mix of old and new.”
• @hadleywiggins_: “She is a master of color combinations and excels at creating a mood of understated elegance.”
Worth A Listen
Nelson also recommends an industry podcast she finds inspiring. “I love The Interior Collective Each episode interviews an interior designer and dives into all facets of the business, from design process to company operations. I always learn something new.”
Top This sitting room doubles as a space that is used for work during the day and in the evening it’s a place for spending time with friends. Right The chic dining room features a custom table designed by LND, vintage chairs, an unconventional chandelier and charming de Gournay wallpaper. Far right A kitchen renovation reformatted the layout to create better flow, more storage and a focal point where the range is, while also adding windows for more natural light.
I ASPIRE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HOME MEANS TO EACH CLIENT AND TO THEN DELIVER THAT WITH TASTEFUL, PURPOSEFUL, LONG-LASTING DESIGN.”
Photography Top + Far right by Seth Smoot; Right by Michael Clifford; Headshot by Sophia Studio
The best thing about a busy day is how it keeps things interesting and moving. Lindsay Gerber Northart, Founder and Principal of Lindsay Gerber Interiors, credits her full schedule with keeping her motivated.
“My days feel like I’m endlessly pivoting from one thing to the next, so it’s always exciting,” she says. “Every day is different as each project and client has unique quirks and energy.” Since founding the firm in 2013, Gerber has designed spaces all over the world that “draw inspiration from their local architectural language and regional influences.” With a focus on luxury residential and hospitality markets, LGI strives to strike a balance between beauty and function. Gerber explains: “With a timeless elegance informed by nature and driven by materiality, we incorporate textured woods, stone, leather and patinated accents to create stunning spaces with an inviting livability.”
Preferred Projects
When it comes to a favorite project, Gerber can’t pick just one: “That’s like choosing a favorite child!” She adds that each project becomes dear to her and many clients become friends as, “families and projects become intertwined.”
One uniting factor she cites is: “The best work we do is both aspirational and practical.”
Going Green
The trend that Gerber hopes continues in the industry is for design firms to prioritize green designs. She explains: “I hope that we prioritize sustainability in our building practices and purchasing habits—and push brands to do the same.”
TO ACHIEVE A COHESIVE VISION CATERED TO CLIENT PRIORITIES, WE EXECUTE HOLISTIC PROJECTS FROM REMODELS TO GROUND-UP BUILDS.”
Top High ceilings in the great room accentuate the airy feel of the space, adorned in a mix of warm neutrals. Far left The drapes and blankets echo each other in an understated yet lush primary bedroom. Center The blend of textures in this color palette—from fluffy pillows to feathered florals— lock in the sophisticated feel of this family room. Left A powder room is simple, yet playful thanks to the interesting countertop floral mix.
Photography Top + Center by Nicole Franzen; Far left by Sam Frost; Left by Christopher Stark; Headshot by Douglas Friedman
Lynnette Reid Interior Design
650.728.7002 | lrinteriordesign.com
lynnettereidinteriordesign
Many designers want to be a part of the entire process of a home’s creation, and love the opportunity to join the project from the earliest possible moment. Lynnette Reid, Founder and Principal of her namesake firm, “typically joins in during the architecture phase.” Her preference is to be involved from the construction period through the final completion of a space, as that best suits her strengths. She explains, “Because I am typically involved in the architecture phase, I can often develop very uniquely designed spaces that set them apart from just decorated spaces.” While Reid is based on the West Coast, her design work keeps her busy and well-traveled. “I have been working in interior design for 40 years,” she says. “In that time, projects have taken me far and wide and extend from one coast to another—with creations off the coast of Florida, in the Pacific Northwest and the Hawaiian Islands.”
Every Detail
The team goes above and beyond the role of a typical interior design firm. Reid states: “We handle every detail attached to a house, including all interior architecture.”
Art History
With a deep love for and understanding of “all the past artistic periods,” Reid uses her knowledge and appreciation as a base for her designs. Making things modern, she “loves to couple that history with modern and technically based needs.”
Client Focus
The team meets with clients and “dives into their personalities” when they start a project, according to Reid. “We then create designs that best reflect their taste and lifestyles.”
Top This home features white marble floors throughout, evoking the elegance of classic homes from yesteryear. Center This kitchen embodies a home with a casual, easy lifestyle while being an ideal space to raise a family with three children. The client loves the blend of styles mixed with modern touches. Bottom For a recent client with a passion for travel and entertaining, the team designed a home that combined elegant details reminiscent of European countries with a modern touch.
Photography David Duncan Livingston
I LOVE DEVELOPING A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH MY CLIENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES. I WANT TO ELEVATE THE BACKDROP OF THEIR LIVES!”
Boutique design firms often pride themselves on being small in size but mighty in their capabilities. Katie McCaffrey, Founder and Principal of the McCaffrey Design Group, feels that way about her namesake firm, which is staffed by “the most amazing women who are talented, smart, dynamic, kind and inspirational.” The team at MDG has worked together for over 10 years and “communicates with excellence and efficiency.” McCaffrey’s interest in interior design began at a young age and she remembers her mother giving her the opportunity to pick out wallpaper for their family home when she was a child. “We picked out a marvelous chinoiserie toile for a powder room,” she says. “I saw how it truly transformed the space and it was so exciting.” What keeps her going? McCaffrey says: “My clients inspire me! I have been so fortunate to work with such amazing people. It really is my dream job!”
Team Goals
The McCaffrey Design Group makes sure to begin each project with the end in mind. “We always want to surprise and delight our clients, to give them a wonderful experience during the process and a magnificent home in the end,” McCaffrey says. “We also strive to make the process easy and enjoyable for our architectural and construction teams by providing them with timely details in a collaborative manner.”
Brilliant Results
The firm believes that all of their projects exemplify their own style and aesthetic. McCaffrey explains: “We are very diverse in our capabilities and each project is unique in its style because it is tailored to the client and environment. Our creations are not only beautiful to look at, but relevant and reflect each client’s lifestyle and eye, while also being responsive to the local architecture and surroundings.”
Future Colleagues
McCaffrey says: “The future is bright for women designers. Every year we see new superstar women rise up and make a name for themselves and it makes me so happy!”
Top One of two guest bedrooms in the residence offers guests a secluded space to relax and recharge.
Photography James Carriére
Staprans Design
It’s important for today’s design firms to prioritize sustainability and individual impact. For Lisa Staprans, Principal Designer and Founder of Staprans Design, that kind of thinking comes naturally. “I believe deeply in the ripple effect of our design decisions and how they impact people and our planet,” Staprans shares. “I strive to work with companies that share my values of sustainability and positive impact.” Having studied at The University of California, Berkeley, the School of Visual Arts and Parsons School of Design, she is drawn to and appreciative of the world of art and design. It was a backpacking trip in Europe at age 17 that changed everything for her. “During that trip I realized that beauty had a profound impact on my life,” Staprans says. “It was so transformative that I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to creating beauty that could heal and change people’s lives.”
Early Bird
While no day is exactly the same for Staprans, they all start early. “I’m usually up between 4:30 and 5:00 am,” Staprans says. “I start with meditation and exercise, followed by coffee.” She continues, “Connecting with nature is crucial, as it grounds and settles me. By 8:00 I’m in the office—often having already touched base with team members in different time zones.”
Showcase Room
One of Staprans’ recent projects that exemplifies her style and skills as a designer is a meditation room that she created for the San Francisco Designer Showcase House. “It was a direct expression of the ideas in my book, The Soul of Design,” she explains. “We collaborated with PlantWave, a company that incorporates biophilia and uses sensors on plants to create calming sounds. We also featured handpainted wallpaper, reclaimed wood and blown-glass lighting.”
Future Vision
Staprans outlines her goal for the future: “I want to become even more empathetic, honest and mindful to those around me. I want to really celebrate our shared humanity and our precious planet.”
Top A serene meditation space with a bamboo wall handcrafted by Thai artisans blends nature-inspired elements with soulful details. Far left Green “Turn Around Swivel Club Chairs” from Coup D’État invite relaxation and between them sits a Kevin Christison glass table. The room features elegant Fromental wallpaper. Center A bespoke bar designed and built by Staprans and her partner Armin Staprans is both sturdy and movable, balancing function and artistry. Left Soaring windows and oversized beams frame breathtaking vistas in the living space, while a customdesigned sofa anchors the room.
Behind Closed Doors
After admiring a hilltop house for 20 years, a San Francisco couple makes it their own.
Interior Design: Viona Seshadri, Viona Seshadri Interiors Home Builder: Gearoid Murphy and Francisco Legorreta, Barker O’Donoghue
A San Francisco home was given a sensitive update by interior designer Viona Seshadri.
Above the living room fireplace, an installation of brass leaves by Kirk Maxson presides over a Warren Platner for Knoll armchair.
In a San Francisco neighborhood lined with quintessential Victorians, one house stands as an ode to the city’s more recent past. The 1938 Streamline Moderne dwelling is well known among locals, who hike up the steep hill where it’s perched to sit on the corner and take in the bay views. “I used to do this, too!” recalls homeowner David Howard, who purchased the abode with his husband, An Ly. “I lived two blocks down the hill, and this house always reminded me of Miami— it just looked so cool. I admired it for 20 years.”
Even so, when David noticed a for sale sign in front of the residence and told An he wanted to buy it, his husband didn’t believe he was serious. David was, indeed, very serious about the idea, and soon persuaded his partner to feel the same. The home had been renovated, but David and An knew they could make it just a little more them. “It was a bit sterile,” David says. “We needed it to be warmer and friendlier.” As self-described “design purists,” they also wanted to bring authenticity back to the interiors. To achieve that goal, they brought on designer Viona Seshadri and general contractor Gearoid Murphy, both of whom knew the house well and were eager to see inside. Though the name of the original architect is lost to time, the abode’s striking curves and horizontal lines are emblematic of a streamlined style so distinctive that Seshadri describes the structure as “almost a breath of fresh air next to its Victorian neighbors.” Continues the designer, “It’s a very glamorous house with a cinematic quality. We wanted to bring that wow factor back without being too Machine Age.” This is a family residence, after all, and it needed to accommodate home offices, dogs, kids’ playdates and parties with equal aplomb. While the home was in solid shape, it did require some architectural tweaks. Working alongside general contractor Francisco Legorreta, Murphy opened the floor plan on the main level, connecting the kitchen and living spaces, and added a roof deck on top of the dwelling. All the resulting features are in line with the original “ocean liner” spirit of the house, such as the clean-lined curved stair rail and balusters by architect-turned-metalsmith Mark Nicholson.
Starting in the kitchen, Seshadri mimicked the home’s curved structure with a capsule-shaped range hood and a central island with rounded edges. In new, Art Deco-esque features, like the island pendants and counter stools, the designer mixed wood and metal finishes, giving the space a contemporary edge. “Together, the different elements add visual interest,” she says.
Inspired by the couple’s bonsai sculpture, the designer used color and texture to riff off a garden theme in the living room. From the olive-green sofas to the vintage cinnamon-brown Tibetanwool-upholstered chairs, the earthy palette lays the groundwork for pieces such as Kirk Maxson’s patinated brass leaf sculpture above the black marble fireplace. “The artist completed the installation with David, which makes it a nice memory,” Seshadri notes. In the adjacent dining room, the designer opted for “curved but subtle” pieces to let the artwork shine.
While the main floor and rooftop are designed for entertaining, the lower level is the family’s retreat. “This house is our safe place,” David says. “We wanted a cocooned feeling here.” To that end, Seshadri created a cozy family room with a pillow-laden, plush sectional perfect for curling up and watching television—or the sunset, since even the lower level has spectacular views. Those vistas inspired the designer to accent the space with a Karina Bania painting whose “color, light and movement” relate to the landscape just outside the windows.
The primary bedroom lacked the curvilinear architectural features found elsewhere in the house, so Seshadri played with finishes and furnishings to distinguish the space. She inset the existing cabinetry with a gold-speckled black cork wallcovering that sparkles like city lights at night and chose a rug she describes as having a “strong Art Deco vibe” to make the space jive with the rest of the dwelling.
“We integrated everything they needed while respecting the dynamic architecture—it’s all about mixing and balancing,” Seshadri says. “It really was a labor of love,” adds David, looking at the view he now enjoys from inside the residence. “At every moment, we just thought about what would feel right for the house.”
Playing to the homeowners’
oversize, plant-like sculpture, Seshadri outfitted the living room with a pair of 1930s Jindřich Halabala armchairs upholstered in Tibetan lambswool. The drapery is made with Holland & Sherry fabric.
Above: The dining room was designed around the multipiece artwork by Seiko Tachibana. Velvet-covered RH chairs surround the Jason Miller for De La Espada table from The Future Perfect. The chandelier is by Studio Van den Akker.
Opposite: A woodcut engraved after a Pablo Picasso drawing and a sculpture by Brandon Reese flank a door leading from the kitchen out to a small terrace. The marble throughout the space is from IRG, and the range is by Wolf.
Pill-shaped Apparatus pendants at the kitchen island and counter stools by Skylar Morgan mimic the curves of the ceiling and custom hood. Just beyond in the breakfast nook is a pendant light by J. Adams & Co.
Above: A corner of the guest bedroom doubles as a home office, so Seshadri inset a marble slab in the cabinetry to serve as a work surface. The swivel chair is by Charlotte Perriand for Cassina.
Opposite: Farrow & Ball’s Down Pipe transforms the guest bedroom into a dark and cozy retreat. The throw pillows are from Anthem’s San Francisco boutique.
SOUTHERN ACCENT
A classic Palo Alto home adopts a new language to suit the evolving lives of its long-time residents.
WRITTEN BY LAUREN GALLOW PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS KUOH
Architecture: Gina Dixon and Catharine Garber, Fergus Garber Architects
Interior Design: Tiffany Mansfield and Lisa O’Neil, Mansfield + O’Neil Interior Design Home Builder: Chad Lencioni, Lencioni Construction Company
A desk and cabinets fabricated by Arca Woodworkers and painted in Kelly-Moore’s Wing Man define the wife’s office. The custom chair by designers Tiffany Mansfield and Lisa O’Neil is upholstered in a Galbraith & Paul pattern. The shade fabric is by Lisa Fine Textiles.
Few Northern California neighborhoods are as charming as Professorville in Palo Alto, so named because it’s where many Stanford University faculty built their homes in the early 20 th century. Two decades ago, the allure of the classic dwellings and tree-lined streets appealed to a young couple, and they purchased a 1906 Colonial Revival abode. But over the years, as a family of two became six, their beloved home was bursting at the seams, and they started looking for a new residence. “We searched for a ‘ready-to-go’ house so we could avoid the hassle of a remodel, but we couldn’t find what we wanted,” the wife explains. When they decided to stay put, they enlisted architects Gina Dixon and Catharine Garber, designers Tiffany Mansfield and Lisa O’Neil, and general contractor Chad Lencioni to make the house a perfect fit.
“Professorville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places,” Dixon says. “Because of this, we needed to maintain the original character of the street-facing side but had free rein on the rest.” The architects developed a plan to open the compartmentalized layout, excavate belowground to add a basement and create new connections to the outdoors via a side porch.
While the floor plan and flow changed dramatically, the couple knew they wanted the interiors to get closer to the character that drew them to the house initially. “We lived in New Orleans prior to moving to the Bay Area, and we love the historic homes there and their charm,” explains the husband, who has family ties to Louisiana. The designers set out to create a traditional look and feel with details nodding to the couple’s roots, all while retaining the cozy, approachable tone the family had cultivated over the years.
“They had a watercolor portrait of the husband’s mother that we knew would hang in the main living area, and that was the inspiration for the interior palette,” explains Mansfield, who layered
an inspired collection of colors, patterns, materials and forms to create storied rooms. The designer pulled hues from the painting for walls and fabrics, executing statement moves such as a pattern-rich living room and an office cloaked in light blue. “Color is expressive,” Mansfield says. “I like to play with it and use a wide range.”
Most of the rooms mix moments of darker tones with lighter elements, such as the primary bath, where deep cornflower-blue tile pops against white walls. However, for the new basement level, the designers embraced the darker end of the color spectrum. “We used a rich gray paint for the walls and ceiling in the family room and contrasted it with brass light fixtures,” Mansfield explains. “Basements are usually dark, so people avoid painting them a deep color, but the walls here glow with a semigloss paint, and it feels cozy.”
Pattern was another element the designers embraced throughout the home. “The wife picked a Moroccan-style tile with a brick-red geometric pattern for the kitchen backsplash, which inspired the geometries in the fabrics I chose,” Mansfield recalls. English and French patterns influenced other fabric and finish selections, including the custom upholstery on the dining and living room chairs as well as the new built-in hutches with fretted glass in the dining area. Together, the palette conjures the Southern charm the couple loved but with a modern twist.
Perhaps the most New Orleans-feeling element is the new covered side porch designed by Dixon, which holds areas for dining and lounging. “We spend a lot of time out there—in this amazing climate, we can use it almost year-round,” the wife says. A ceiling fan, fire pit and heavy curtain help modulate extreme weather, and a set of bifold doors create a seamless connection between inside and out.
Today, the right-sized home weaves a tale of a maturing family and a building whose legacy continues to deepen. “Now, the house speaks to the kind of people they are, which is happy, family-focused and approachable,” Mansfield says. “It’s the next chapter for them.”
Portico armchairs upholstered in Martyn Lawrence Bullard fabric face a sofa dressed in a Mariaflora textile; between them are leather ottomans by Patricia Edwards. The rug is by Kravet, and the Jacques Jérôme Gudin clock is a family heirloom.
Above: In the kitchen, a vase and dish from Pottery Barn sit atop a Vadara Oro Galassia quartz countertop from Da Vinci Marble. The backsplash is a mosaic of red-and-white limestone tiles from AlysEdwards Tile & Stone.
Opposite: Built-in white oak cabinets by Arca Woodworkers flank a charming window seat in the dining area. The custom table from Loggia Showroom is surrounded by Galbraith & Paul-upholstered chairs designed by Mansfield and O’Neil.
The kitchen and dining areas are united by warm oak flooring. At the island are counter stools by Essentials for Living in Garrett Leather and pendants by Visual Comfort & Co. The dining area
chandelier is by The Urban Electric Co.
Painted in Benjamin Moore’s
Wrought Iron and lit by a custom brass sconce, the basement recreation room evokes a moody aesthetic. The Mariaflora-covered sectional embraces a rug from Pak Oriental Rugs and an ottoman upholstered in Edelman leather.
PIECES of MEANING
Symbols and stories fill the quilt-inspired work of artist Lena Wolff.
WRITTEN BY DEBORAH BISHOP | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALANNA HALE
American folk art has long been an interest for Berkeleybased artist, craftswoman and activist Lena Wolff— particularly quilts. To her, they are more than just beautiful textiles. Adorned with symbols that allude to events both personal and public, she sees patchwork quilts as potent vehicles for narrative expression and the springboard for her modern interpretations rendered in paper, wood and concrete. “Quilts are so emblematic of our history as a country—and they were a way for women of all strata to have an artistic, if often anonymous, voice,” she says. “I never tire of gazing at the spellbinding patterns.”
The artist is particularly intrigued by a pattern known as the Golden Dahlia. “It’s rare,” Wolff says, “but the underlying geometry is based on the eight-pointed
star, which is an iconic quilt pattern that lends itself to an infinite number of riffs.” Armed with a compass and ruler, she has drawn hundreds of star-based variations, some of which evolve into paper collages, while others become sculptures rendered in such woods as walnut, beech and maple. For the latter, Wolff collaborates with a master woodworker who translates her vision employing techniques such as inlay, marquetry and parquetry. To her, this is carrying on a tradition. “These patterns have been adapted and transformed for centuries in our country,” she says. “Mainly between women and across different cultural communities.”
Combining historical patterns with invented motifs, Wolff also creates entire patchwork quilts out of hand-cut paper. A Language for the Commons, for example, is composed of 143 unique squares and contains symbols laden with personal meaning: scissors (craft), scales (equal justice), bee (sustainability), triangle (LGBTQ rights) and radio (free
speech), to name a few. Many of these icons appear in “A Pattern Language,” a planned series of 10 quilts rendered in concrete. Wolff was encouraged to explore the medium by her friend Mark Rogero, founder of the design and fabrication studio Concreteworks, where the tiles are produced. As part of the painstaking process, Wolff makes a 3D scan and print of each collage to create molds that are then cast in concrete. “And I probably spend just as much time arranging the tiles into an ideal compositional balance,” says Wolff, who is currently preparing for a solo show opening September 28 and running through mid-November at the Sarah Shepard Gallery in Larkspur.
Although Wolff rarely works with a needle and thread, her aesthetic forebears would likely marvel at the ways in which her pieces honor, respond to and expand upon their labors. “I love being a part of this tradition and claiming it as art,” Wolff says. “Then—as now—it absolutely is art.”
Lena Wolff works on a watercolor collage in her light-filled studio with Full Moon Star hanging on the wall behind her (opposite). Also in her space are watercolor “experiments” (left); drawings, such as the blue-hued Drawing For Morning, #14 (bottom); and sample concrete tiles (below).
Cloud Nine
Dreamy details make this modern San Francisco home heavenly.
WRITTEN BY MONIQUE MCINTOSH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA ROMEREIN/OTTO
Interior Design: Benjamin Dhong, Benjamin Dhong Interiors
Old meets new in the airy entry hall, from the Victorian black armoire from 1stdibs to the graphic Zoe Bios for West Elm rug. Overhead hangs a three-tiered Fortuny light fixture. The vibrant wall sculpture is by Paslier Morgan.
For many, contemporary design focuses on minimalism and the editing of superfluous details to achieve a purified elegance. This was true for a Pacific Heights residence, which, prior to being purchased by the current owners, had undergone a gut renovation that left it with a white-walled interior absent of any overt adornment or color.
Initially, the owners aimed to preserve the abode’s unadulterated sleekness and recruited designer Benjamin Dhong just for furnishings. However, as Dhong walked through the bare white rooms, he knew the home’s pristine feathers needed some metaphorical ruffling. “Doing something purely modern would feel a little cold here,” the designer explains. “I wanted to mix things in and take full advantage of the whole vocabulary of interior furnishings.”
The designer remained restrained with the palette, sticking to a strict range of white, gray and notes of black. Such colors would feel at home in any modern interior, but, in Dhong’s hands, familiar neutrals take on a romantic, painterly quality when filtered through layered textures and subtle patterns.
This deft sense of tactile minimalism blossoms in the living room, softened with tufted bouclé sofas, a plush Beni Ourain rug and pleated drapery diffusing the abundant sunlight. Everything is bathed in cumulus shades of white, recalling the hushed quality of “Marin County on a very misty day,” Dhong muses. “It feels like being in the clouds.” Reflective accents, like the brass armchairs and a shimmering convex mirror, “bring in elements that catch the light,” he adds. The couple’s bedroom leans further into this ethereal ambience with a silver-lined cloud wallpaper and an upholstered bed framed by billowy floor-to-ceiling curtains. “I love canopy beds, especially when you have a very large space, because they create small rooms within a room,” the designer says. Spaces that shift toward stormier hues required an equally able hand to preserve a sense of dimension. “When I use dark colors, they need to have an inner light that shines through,” Dhong notes. Character-rich wallpapers proved key, like one guest bedroom’s rivet pattern that “creates a gray cocoon-like feeling.” He also swathed the expansive game room in a wallcovering that
“looks almost like a men’s tweed suit fabric, with horizontal lines that give a sense of movement,” the designer says. These deep, dynamic tones permeate through to the smoky gray carpeting, velvety upholstery and ebonized wood finishes.
Furniture lines throughout the home are sleek yet sculptural, favoring eased geometries such as a circular tabletop, a rounded chair back and an amoeba-shaped sofa. “I tried to avoid right angles, so spaces never feel cut in half,” the designer notes. “This creates a sense of subconscious welcome.” To avoid a sea of chair and table legs, he opted for details like the dining room’s velvet-clad chairs that “skirt down to the ground, making everything visually less cluttered,” he says.
However, this contemporary take on simplicity didn’t preclude ornamentation. Dhong delighted in incorporating baroque, anachronistic accents that pure modernists might leave out. The foyer illustrates this delicate balance, featuring a silk-lined shield pendant adorned with old-world Venetian motifs alongside a towering black Victorian cabinet of curios that the designer filled with bone boxes and plaster pieces. Such flights of whimsy carry throughout the home, from a fluffy white cloud pendant floating in the stairwell to a Takashi Murakami smiling flower piece in the children’s playroom. “I like to think of a house as a narrative,” Dhong says. “I want you to wander through it and discover unexpected places and pieces.”
One particularly thrilling note in that narrative is the Moroccan-inspired lounge the designer created in a little-used space. “I love the look and feel of the Middle Eastern elements,” the designer explains. The low-slung custom seating “forces you to sink in, so the space feels more lounge-like.” While keeping true to the home’s monochromatic mood, small details like the embroidered wallcovering, layers of fluffy sheepskin rugs and an authentic Moroccan lantern convey a rich atmosphere.
The new interior still exudes urbane polish, but now its sharp edges feel honed and softened and are embellished with characterful details. Here, the designer proves that the drive toward simplicity need not sacrifice life’s pleasures—including the decadence of a plush rug, the pattern and texture of an embroidered filigree, and a glinting flash of bronze and gold. “I’d like to think I’m setting a new direction for modern decor,” Dhong reflects. “One that doesn’t completely dispense with minimalism but rather builds on it.”
“I like to think of a house as a narrative. I want you to wander through it and discover unexpected places and pieces.”
–BENJAMIN DHONG
Sleek white Brett Beldock for CB2 counter stools fit neatly into the kitchen’s existing clean, monochromatic style. The designer also incorporated characterful details, like a custom cloud screen in the adjacent dining area.
Above: The Moroccan-themed lounge features a medley of textures, including a shag rug and Carnegie Xorel embroidered wallcovering. A lantern by Tazi Designs hangs over a lowprofile coffee table from Chairish. An RH convex mirror completes the space.
Opposite: CB2 chairs join an RH table in the dining room. Stark carpeting covers the floor, and a white-painted geometric totem sculpture from Noir stands in the corner. The custom folding screen cleverly conceals a television.
Dreamlike clouds courtesy of the primary bedroom’s Fornasetti wallpaper serve as the backdrop to an RH bed draped in linen curtains. A Kardiel sofa and woolcovered ottoman form a cozy seating nook. Glinting above is a Studio Anansi for CB2 fixture.
Above: Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and a striped Stark carpet swathe the bunk room in texture.
A yellow pop-art wall piece from RH hangs over benches from Homary and adds a punch of color to the monochromatic space. The pendant is by Visual Comfort & Co.
Opposite: Shades of gray, from the mural by York Wallcoverings from Anthropologie to the textured Stark carpet, envelop the guest bedroom. The twin RH beds are dressed in Serena & Lily linens. Another Tazi Designs Moroccan-style pendant hangs above.
Gray leopard-print loungers from Pottery Barn and a Crate & Barrel nesting coffee table create a fun gathering space in the kids’ playroom. A vintage yellow console from 1stdibs and a Takashi Murakami Flower Ball punctuate the space.
KITCHEN + BATH
WHERE THE PROS UNITE PRACTICALITY AND PANACHE
Among the many spaces that contribute to an enjoyable home, there are two which reign supreme in the mind of every homeowner and design professional: the kitchen and bath. These all-important environments demand function, form and thoughtful floor plans, and the experts found within these pages are showcasing it all.
KEEP READING TO CATCH UP ON TRENDS, TIPS AND TECHNIQUES.
William Adams Design
All Natural Stone
Elevating the ordinary to the extraordinary is the hallmark of true luxury. Since 2000, Juan Vasquez and Larry Perez, the Owners of All Natural Stone, have been sourcing rare and exotic natural stone, porcelain and handcrafted tile for their residential and commercial clientele. “We offer one of the largest tile and porcelain collections in Northern California,” Perez says. “Additionally, our inventory of natural stone slabs—quarried from sites around the world—and synthetics—crafted with an artist’s eye—is one of the most extensive in the state.” The key to the firm’s success is their dedication to excellence. Vasquez adds, “Our promise is simple: to deliver reliable expertise, exceptional service and an unparalleled selection of slabs, porcelain tiles, handmade ceramics, artisan glass and metal decor of the highest quality from our showrooms in Burlingame, Berkeley, Dublin, and San Jose.”
Material Witness
How do natural stone, porcelain and tile enhance the kitchen and bath experience? Larry Perez and Juan Vasquez share:
• Visual Variety: Stone and tile come in a vast array of colors, patterns and textures that complement any decor.
• Natural Beauty: Natural stone brings the unique, inherent beauty of the outdoors inside.
• Artistic Expression: From intricate mosaics to hand-painted tiles and patterned designs, tile offers a canvas for artistic expression.
• Durability and Maintenance: Glazed tiles resist stains, humidity and are easy to clean and natural stone offers robust performance against moisture and wear.
• Flexibility in Use: Stone and tiles can be used on floors, walls, backsplashes, countertops and other surfaces while providing a cohesive look.
• Transitional Material: Both stone and tile can help create a smooth transition between indoor and outdoor spaces and are perfect in open-concept environments.
Sustainability Meets
“Sustainability is at the forefront of future interior design trends,” Vasquez and Perez explain. “As environmental concerns grow, there’s a noticeable shift toward materials that are not only eco-friendly but also durable and stylish. Innovations like porcelain, glass tile and other surfaces composed of recycled material are becoming much more prevalent as are eco-friendly stone and tile options because they offer a win-win: reducing waste while providing endless aesthetic possibilities for environmentally conscious homeowners.” Left Working in close collaboration, All Natural Stone and Eye For Pretty’s Nicole Salceda greatly enhanced the look, feel and design of this stunning kitchen. Top right Reflecting the authenticity of handmade craftsmanship, WOW’s
Sometimes focusing on one thing makes the biggest impact. Since its founding in 2004, Artistic Kitchen has been dedicated to transforming homes across the San Francisco Peninsula with exquisite custom cabinetry. The company began with a simple vision: to bring the finest American and European cabinets to the area. Over the years, they have expanded their showroom to 6,000 square feet, providing neighbors in San Francisco with a selection of the best in kitchen design. Their mission is to blend art and functionality to create spaces that inspire and elevate everyday life. AK strives to provide clients with personalized design solutions that reflect their tastes and lifestyle, with a commitment to excellence evident in their meticulously crafted cabinets. They work closely with clients, listening to individual needs and desires to design spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Trending Line
Artistic Kitchen’s Senior Interior Designer, Julie Binik, shares that the company’s signature product is the Doca cabinet line. “Renowned for their exceptional quality and innovative design, Doca cabinets bring a unique blend of elegance and functionality to any kitchen or bath space,” she says. Binik adds: “These cabinets are crafted with precision and attention to detail, and feature sleek lines, high-end finishes and customizable options that cater to individual tastes and requirements.”
Team Philosophy
“We believe that the kitchen is where form meets function and aesthetics enhance utility,” says Binik. The team prioritizes creators and clients. Binik praises her coworkers, adding, “Our philosophy is rooted in a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, focus on innovation and meticulous attention to detail.”
Easy Upgrades
Binik notes, “To refresh a kitchen or bath design, I usually update hardware and fixtures for an easy update with big impact.”
Julie Binik Senior Interior Designer
William Adams Design
When form and function unite, the result can be magical. William Adams, Principal at his namesake firm, blends design expertise with a unique background in industrial design. His passion for architecture and design began early, as he was influenced by his architect grandfather and his father, who worked in the cabinetry business. Later, Adams studied industrial design in college and learned technical and spatial aspects of the craft. Specializing in kitchen and bath design, Adams’ firm “boasts over 500 kitchen designs, 30 complete home renovations and 100 bathroom remodels.” He recently won third place for best kitchen in the regional Riggs Kitchen Design Contest, and Adams is proud of his work with historic homes homes in the Bay Area and other parts of the country. When he’s not designing kitchens, he is happily cooking away in one. Adams enthuses: “I enjoy the art of cooking and I absolutely love to cook!”
Mixed Metals
One design choice that Adams loves is an unexpected combination. “I often mix metals in kitchens and bathrooms,” he says. “The key to making this a success placement and relationship to one another.” Adams explains: “For example, a light fixture might have some elements of brass on it but consist of a black metal frame that relates to a matte black cabinet pull on a vanity.” It’s the overall combination that unifies the choices and makes it all work.
Bathroom Basics
Adams cites two must-haves for the bathroom:
• Heated floors: “I love them in any space, and they are always a must in the bathroom!”
• Powerful shower: “It’s a challenge in California—with our water lowflow standards—to find a truly strong showerhead. But there are manufacturers who have moved forward and created new technologies to improve the flow without using more water.”
Hot Hues
Adams notes: “Various shades of greens are popular, especially sages. More earth-toned pastels are also on the rise.”
Far left An historic Queen Anne Victorian home is given an upgrade with beautiful blue in the bright kitchen space. Top right Blue tiling on the wall in a graphic print is juxtaposed against grey flooring in a beautiful starburst pattern. Bottom right An unexpected pairing of black and pink cabinets is combined with unifying brass hardware and offset with pink and white wall tiling.
Photography Capture Studios
Beachside Home Staging
Beachside Home Staging transforms everyday properties into captivating homes, inviting buyers to imagine their future lives within these spaces. Recently, BHS was thrilled to complete the transformation of a seller-initiated refresh that showcased the home’s true potential. Photography courtesy of DaShunda Morris. beachsidehomestaging.com | 714.331.2253
Archetype Design Collective
Bespoke projects require bespoke solutions. Archetype Design Collective offers comprehensive in-house design, construction management and self-performed installation solutions to fulfill the most discerning of projects. “From conception through construction, please allow us to share our 50-year legacy of craftsmanship and integrity with you!” archetypedesigncollective.com archetypedesigncollective
James Royce Designer Rugs
Indulge in the opulence of James Royce’s luxury rug collection, showcasing a breathtaking array of colors, styles and patterns. Each masterpiece is meticulously crafted to infuse any space with timeless elegance and unparalleled sophistication, creating an ambience of refined splendor. jamesroyce.com | jamesroyce_la
San Francisco Design Center
SFDC’s beautifully curated showrooms represent 2,000 manufacturers, whose product lines are sourced locally and internationally. Discover the best in traditional and contemporary furniture, fabrics, lighting, kitchen and bath products, antiques, art, rugs, flooring, cabinetry and ceramic tile. sfdesigncenter.com | 415.490.5821
Design Around Objects (DAO)
Home to the most extensive inventory of its kind in Los Angeles, DAO crafts original furnishings and pieces from exotic woods and stone. Using largeformat slabs, various woods, petrified wood and stone to create furniture and sculptures for both the indoors and out, DAO is unrivaled in the industry. daohome.com | 310.289.8717
