Last fall we were approached by a couple who had purchased a condo perched atop Nob Hill with sweeping views of the San Francisco Bay from Grace Cathedral to the Golden Gate Bridge.
With plans to use the home as a pied-à-terre for weekends in the city, the clients were eager to furnish the rooms quickly, and excited to take a hands-on roll with the design implementation, making this project an ideal fit for our Reinvent Your Room service.
Developing a Color Palette
The first order of business was to develop a color palette so that they could have the entire condo painted while furniture was on order. We developed an atmospheric color palette that softly connects the interior with views of the water and sky. We suggested special wallpapers for the elevator vestibule, powder room, and hallway, and introduced them to one of our rockstar paper hangers.
Space Planning
While painting and paper hanging were underway, we developed space planning options for the Dining Room, Living Room, and two bedrooms. The Living Room warranted the most consideration, with common modern-day questions regarding TV location, size, and how to factor in the existing fireplace. Our recommendation was to place the TV on the wall opposite the fireplace, rather than above.
We engaged the fireplace by configuring a sectional with an ottoman that opens in both directions. This way, we could size the TV for optimal viewing in a large room, and pair it with an appropriately sized media credenza. We incorporated the fireplace into the overall wall composition and sourced artwork that is well proportioned to the pre-existing fireplace and architectural molding.
Art Selection and Placement
When asked to assist with art selection and placement, I was delighted to introduce the clients to some of my favorite local artists and galleries, at a range of price points that would match their budget. An original piece by Anastasia Faiella is a focal point from the dining table.
The vignette below includes a print of an egret that was purchased digitally from Etsy, professionally printed and framed at Cheap Pete’s Frame Shop, and has become one of the client’s favorite pieces.
Special Wall Treatments
We wanted to make the arrival a special experience, so for their dedicated elevator lobby, we selected a wallcovering with monochromatic texture and organic movement in the pattern. The color palette is deeper than the rest of the space, creating an intimate moment before opening up to expansive views.
We elevated the powder room experience with a loose flame stitch patterned wallpaper and a mirror with a tiered frame made from bone inlay.
An existing niche in the entry foyer was the perfect place for a commissioned Jeremy Holmes sculpture set against a grasscloth wallcovering backdrop.
The end result was summed up by our clients’ generous testimonial:
Ellen and her team’s interior design expertise transformed our space beyond what we thought possible. Her exceptional ability to listen and translate our vision into reality resulted in a home that perfectly reflects our aesthetic while maximizing functionality.
We are currently taking new Reinvent Your Room projects. If you would like to talk to Ellen Nystrom about this furniture-focused, flat-fee service, click the link below to schedule a call:
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