Urban Oasis in the Bustling Mission
After having lived in the 3 bedroom/ 2 bath condo flat for 20 years with a previous partner, this newlywed couple wanted an updated space that reflected their new life together: “We wanted to make sure we could both say to guests, "Welcome to our home," and really mean it, the wife said.
Sparked over the pandemic, the couple initially reassessed the use of the two extra bedrooms and converted them into their home offices. Then the following year, they took the plunge to bring the rest of their home up to date with a full remodel. Situated in a dense, bustling neighborhood, it was important to both partners for their home to feel like a tranquil and relaxing oasis, a respite from everything outside. We achieved this by selecting a new color palette, all new finishes, patterns and elements. The soothing color palette of teals and blues, with bright, white oak floors throughout, contrasts greatly with the darker, original finishes, dating from the early 2000s.
The calming aesthetics works simultaneously with maximizing the limited space of this urban condo. With limited ability to make structural changes, it meant every space had to be considered for optimal use and efficiency. Clever custom storage solutions are featured throughout the home, from the custom cabinetry in the kitchen to both bathrooms.
The inspiration for the kitchen, the heart of this home, came via a beautiful slab of Costa Esmeralda marble for their large island and range backsplash; the couple fell in love with this particular stone at their favorite local SF restaurant. The color palette unfolded from there: soft gray upper cabinets contrast against the darker teal lower ones, and the custom color teal backsplash tiles from Fireclay features a mod striped pattern, a collaboration with hip LA-based design collective Blockshop. Just across the way, the updated fireplace features vertical paneling in the same soft gray and is topped by a warm solid walnut mantel. Flanking the fireplace, a pair of cozy built-in benches provide a cozy spot for reading (and their cat to lounge!) and looks over the lush backyard; the whimsical leaf-patterned valance above mimics the foliage outdoors while soft natural grass shades filters the light from the sun-drenched outdoors.
Moving into the primary bedroom, we turned a pair of dated mirrored closet doors by papering over them in a large scale mountainscape grasscloth by Kelly Wearstler and paired it with a complementary wavy landscape patterned roman shade. Again, a warm-toned natural grasscloth filters bright sunlight but also hides the busy school across the street. In the adjoining Primary bath, a spa-like oasis was achieved with the calming color of light-reflecting soft teal Moroccan zellige tiles, Carrara marble walls and floors, and a teal wallpaper which contrasts against the warmer tones of the brass fixtures and custom oak cabinetry. To maximize space, clever custom cabinetry includes a hidden built-in ironing board and hanging space for clothes as well as a built-in medicine cabinet that's covered in wallpaper.
Our biggest design challenge came in the form of the smallest space; the Guest Bath and Laundry room, an area consisting of only 5' x 8'. We squeezed in a guest shower, stacked washer/dryer, a custom sink with fluted vanity and even a couple of custom cabinets for extra storage. With navy tiles and dark blue custom Galbraith & Paul wallpaper, the space maintains brightness by light colored grout, a large mirror, Carrara white marble floors and white oak cabinetry.
