Simple and modern, this entry featured on Style by Emily Henderson is so tastefully decked for the holidays. The cozy bench is both welcoming and functional. Accessorized with classically seasonal accent pillows and a shearling throw, it’s the perfect perch for resting a bag or slipping off your winter boots.

When space allows, it’s always nice to have a spot in the entry to drop your keys – and check your lipstick. The entry of our West Clay Residence features a petrified wood topped console table, oversized mirror, and a pair of Chippendale chairs. We had the seats recovered in a zebra-print fabric that adds a touch of unexpected playfulness to the otherwise mature space.

In this entryway designed by Studio McGee, seating is cleverly added by tucking two X benches underneath the entry table. Not only do they add functionality by providing a place to sit or rest a bag, but the striped fabric and woven details on the legs of these benches add a graphic quality to the room.

Now for a punch of personality – this pink, green, and black-and-white entry by Kate Spade NY is both warm and inviting. While tight on space, the simple yet playful color palette keeps the room feeling special and intentional. The small chest of drawers adds storage as well as a place to rest bags and keys, and the bright green chair with its elegant silhouette keeps the space feeling elevated.

Last but not least, this cerulean blue entryway by Aerin has been a favorite of ours for years. From the rich, textured walls to the oversized chandelier and unique, burled wood table, the entire space exudes elegance. The pair of matching cerulean blue velvet chairs with their geometric details and tall backs provides a striking symmetry to the space.

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From the eclectic gallery wall to the chevron patterned floor tiles, there is a lot to love about this home office space from Lawson Fenning. The gold-colored café chair adds a dash of Parisian flair and an unexpected contrast to the more industrial vibe of the desk. The colors and playful zigzag on the floor tie everything together.

It is difficult not to find joy in the bright and cheerful turtle-patterned wallpaper of the office-meets-guest-room of our Berkeley Hills Residence project. So as not to compete with the turtles, we kept the furnishings in the room natural, neutral, and textural. Composed of a rich wood frame and a woven cane back, the desk chair is no exception. We added a bit more interest with a textured, tweed-like fabric for the upholstered seat.

In the teenage son’s room of our Berkeley Hills Residence project, we layered many different shades of blue – our young client’s favorite color. To brighten things up and add a bit of contrast, we used a few accents of yellow – including this slim-lined, upholstered desk chair (a West Elm find!).

There is something so elegant and timeless about this home office space designed by Steven Gambrel. The deep teal color in the back of the built-in shelves adds a richness and depth to the space. And the touches of brass throughout pair perfectly with the bright, cheerful green of the desk chairs.

Restrained doses of vibrant color shine against the otherwise neutral palette in the primary bedroom of our St. Francis Woods Residence project. For the desk set-up in this space, the ever classic black-and-white combination of the desk and chair allows the colorful artwork and turquoise lamp to take center stage. The modern yet organic shape of the desk chair blends stylistically with the other furnishings without sacrificing comfort for design – while the leather finish adds a bit of warmth and texture.

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From the pink patterned floor tile to the collection of oversized woven light fixtures, there’s so much to love about this bright, bohemian dining space designed by ETC.cetera for a couple of vintners in Napa. Not least of all, the combination of the simple black metal framed side chairs with the green leaf inspired chair at the head of the table adds a dose of whimsy and playfulness. We can’t help but imagine a warm summer evening here sipping on rosé with a group of friends.

Tucked under a canopy of greenery and a perfectly rustic pergola, this outdoor dining space feels like it’s part of a secret garden. The bench seating covered in pillows creates coziness while the outer chairs add charm and elegance.

The unique double L-shaped benches surrounding this square dining table create a cozy nook in this monochromatic space by Caroline LeGrand Design. We can imagine it being packed with family and friends enjoying perfectly endless meals. And tucked under this beautiful beamed overhang, it can be enjoyed rain or shine.

These wood framed dining chairs with canvas backs and seats are reminiscent of a director’s chair. Accessorized with blue and white pillows to complement the exterior of this Spanish-style home, this inviting outdoor dining space is casually elegant. Perfect for enjoying a family barbecue!

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Wishbone Chair

The Wishbone Chair was designed by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Son and has remained a popular dining chair since its introduction in 1949. Featuring a simple hardwood silhouette with signature “Y” back and a seat of hand-woven paper cord, the Wishbone Chair is both minimal and comfortable and has become a signature of Danish modernism.

In this dining space by Olivia Massimi, the wood tones of the chairs complement the neutral palette in the room while the modern, simple silhouette of the chairs artfully juxtaposes the ornate mirror and intricate mantel.  

Meanwhile in this modern kitchen designed by Krista Watterworth Design Studio, the bright orange frame of the chairs adds a pop of color and vibrancy to an otherwise neutral space.

Womb Chair

In 1948, Florence Knoll asked Eero Saarinen to design a chair “that was like a basket full of pillows – something she could really curl up in.” The resulting Womb Chair is just that – an enveloping form of foam molded over a fiberglass shell with a relaxed posture. Simple and sleek, the Womb Chair is an icon of mid-century organic modernism.

In this bedroom reading nook by Ursino Interiors, there is something so calming and serene about the white cloud-like Womb Chair in this monochromatic space.  

Here in this cozy corner featured on Dwell, the deep blue chair, warm wood tones, and simple, modern accent furnishings create an overall mid-century vibe.  

Platner Chair

The Platner Chair was designed by architect Warren Platner in the 1960s. A classic representation of mid-century modern design, the Platner Chair features a sculptural base of nickel-plated curved steel rods designed to resemble a “shiny sheaf of wheat.”

In this dining room by SIMO Design, the light upholstery and dark base of the Platner chairs is the perfect combination to blend with the simple, modern wood table and the overall neutral palette of the space.  

Meanwhile in this space by Melanie Turner Interiors, the combination of dark upholstery and gold chair frames brings the drama in this glamorous dining room.

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This pair of chaises in the primary bedroom of Madeline Stuart’s Jackson Hole project is so warm and inviting – you can almost hear the crackle of a fire across the room.  Featuring suede-wrapped frames with shearling cushions and fur throw pillows, this cozy set is the perfect place to lounge after a long day in the snow.  The tonal, neutral palette of the space furthers the sense of serenity.  

In Heidi Caillier’s weekend home, the designer used a deep blue plaid fabric on her fireside armchairs for an increased sense of coziness. Keeping with the cabin vibes, this more traditional fabric choice feels fresh on the chair’s modern silhouette and pairs perfectly with the deep, moody color of the walls and fireplace.  

Who says leather can’t be cozy? While it may not be the obvious “cozy” texture choice, the high back, deep seat, and enveloping sides of this cushy swivel chair make a strong case for comfort. As it “breaks in” with age and use, this leather chair is the perfect cozy complement to the warm wood and earthy tile of this minimal, midcentury home by Sherry Williamson Design and Andrew Mann Architecture.

Inherently cozy, shearling has gained popularity in both fashion and home decor in recent years, and this occasional chair by Kelly Wearstler proves it is a trend with real staying power. A great way to add texture and interest while keeping the palette neutral, shearling helps modernize the 70s silhouette of this chair while amplifying its cozy factor. Working from home has never been so appealing!

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Just looking at the image above gives me a sense of tranquility.  This understated space allows our attention to focus on the elegant shape of the Brou Chair by Alfonso Marina.  Simple white upholstery highlights the graceful lines of the black frame, and the chair becomes a perfectly balanced part of this minimal composition.   

By using solid black fabric on these vintage chairs, the emphasis is on the form of the chair.  I especially love how the strong lines of the chairs contrast with the delicate features of the fireplace and the architectural details of this New York Brownstone.   

This traditional settee gets a modern refresh with this small-scale fabric pattern by textile designer, Seema Krish.  The settee complements the composition of this art wall, and the pattern is small enough that it does not compete with the artwork.  The black outline of the settee frame accentuates the graphic quality of the fabric.   

We used zebra printed hair on hide at our West Clay Park Project to give our client’s Chippendale chairs a fresh look and new purpose in the entry foyer.  Zebra print works as a neutral, so this pair of chairs look great when they are moved into the adjacent dining room or living room for extra seating.   

Teakwood is often used in Danish furniture construction like the chair above.  Older teak tends to have a lot of orange undertones, so adding color needs to be done thoughtfully.  This cream-colored fabric with an organic black pattern by Fabric and Steel is perfect with these chairs because it highlights the rich natural colors of the wood.    

Using black and white in your interior design makes a statement and has a timeless appeal.  To read more about using black and white to create a timeless design, head over to our blog post about the ballroom of Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley of France.

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When the perfect chair is combined with a compelling outdoor setting, it’s hard to resist the invitation to take a moment out of your busy day and enjoy the experience that is being offered. 

Classic Summer

Adirondack chairs are a simple design that has stood the test of time.  They are comfortable, durable, attractive, and work in almost any setting.  I love them in classic weathered teak as much as I love this turquoise set of chairs.  This clearing feels protected by the surrounding old-growth trees.  The filtered light makes it the perfect place to catch a breeze on a summer evening. 

Secret Garden

This little hidden oasis would be an ideal spot to settle in with a favorite book… or snuggle with a kitten.  It seems like the perfect place to let the mind wander, sort of like the meandering vines covering the fence.  I love the texture of the woven fencing.  Bright yellow cushions are all that’s needed for a comfy seat. 

Lush and Verdant

Add a few fruity drinks to this lush patio setting designed by Christopher Reynolds and featured by Flora Grubb, and you could easily imagine being transported to a tropical destination.  But if you live in San Francisco, you know that the missing element would be the heat!  This is why the heated seating from Galanter and Jones is THE most brilliant thing.  It is made from heated cast stone molded into comfortable seating with graceful lines.     

Urban Escape

The patio of this Modern Craftsman Home by San Francisco Architect Andrew Mann and Landscape Architect Scott Lewis takes a more minimal approach to the urban patio.  The wood slat walls provide privacy and texture and lend a sense of calm.  The lightweight and minimalistic folding chairs can be pulled up to the fire pit on chilly nights.  

Whimsical Porch Swing

There are few settings that are more magical than a porch swing on a summer evening.  The whimsy factor is turned up a few notches at this South Carolina home designed by Charlotte Barnes and feature in House Beautiful.  The delicate wicker furniture, the colorful fabric patterns, and the sunburst-shaped rug create an inviting setting for casual summer gatherings. 

Cheers to many magical moments this summer, in your favorite outdoor setting! 

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Each chair is a chance to tell a story. The shape of the chair, the material that it’s made from, the surrounding space and furnishings–all of these elements can contribute to a highly personalized experience. I especially love it when clients come to us with a favorite chair that needs a little love. You know, that chair that fits like a worn-in pair of jeans, except you don’t want it to look like a worn-in pair of jeans. It is our delight to give those pieces a refresh, and figure out how to work them into the overall design.

At our Noe Valley Project, one of the first decisions we made was to reuse a settee that had been inherited from the husband’s parents.  It became a focal point in the foyer at the bottom of the staircase. We chose a windowpane plaid for a subtle nod to the traditional style of the piece.  The vibrant shade of turquoise and the tangerine-colored pillow bring the piece forward in time.

At our North Beach Project, we had several opportunities to give some old chairs a new lease on life.  With an apple green spotted Ikat fabric, this antique chair became the perfect counterpoint to an open floor plan with a modern leaning.  We placed it at the entry, which opens directly to the dining area. The shape of this chair doesn’t lend itself to curling up with a book.  But it’s a great perch to remove shoes or set down a handbag at the end of the day.

I think of myself as someone who is able to envision unrealized potential.  But I have to say that when I first saw this dilapidated little chair, I had to stretch my imagination.  Thankfully, we work with a very skilled upholstery workroom! We had a small ottoman made in the same fabric, and the chair emerged from its metamorphosis as an inviting bedroom chair that is just right for this cozy little alcove.

This favorite red leather chair had occupied our client’s office at her law firm for over 20 years.  When she retired, she asked us if we might find a home for it in their new home design.

The leather was still in good shape, so we didn’t need to do anything to the chair itself.  But it got an entirely new personality in the environment we created, using wallpaper from Osborne & Little, accented by new custom bookcases.  With a reading lamp and accent table nearby, all the essentials are covered!

As 2019 comes to an end, I hope that 2020 brings you whatever kind of transformation you desire! 

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When designing a master bedroom, we always like to make a space for an inviting lounge chair and ottoman. It may not get used every day, but having that quiet place to retreat is a welcome luxury for most of our clients. In this St Francis Wood master bedroom the corner window with views to the Pacific Ocean was the perfect spot. Since space was little tight, we found a comfortable petite chair with a rounded back, and had a small custom ottoman made in the same fabric. The turquoise velvet fabric lends a splash of color to this otherwise serene room.

The Grasse Chair by Alfonso Marina is one of my all-time favorite chairs. With its tapered legs and the graceful curve of the back, the lines are refined and elegant. The cane back keeps it feeling light while providing comfortable back support, and the brass feet add a special detail. It’s a perfect dining chair, but comfortable enough to be pulled into the living room for extra guest seating. The chair has great versatility, but I think it would be especially amazing with seats in this whimsical fabric by Timorous Beasties:

I have long been a fan of Lucite, and when used as the frame of a chair, it gives the wonderful impression that it’s floating. It also catches the light and glows with just a touch of that 70’s glam that you either love…. or not. In this dining room by Moises Esquenazi, the chairs are upholstered in a lime green fabric that makes the space feel fresh and bold.

For our clients in North Beach, we wanted to make sure that the barrel window would be an inviting place to spend time. Swivel chairs in a fuchsia fabric were our solution to ensure that our clients and their guests could easily sip a cocktail and enjoy the views out the window, or turn back towards the room and engage in conversation.

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