An Incredibly Serene House in the Middle of Bustling San Francisco
Hannah Doolin
Updated
High-rise apartments aren’t the only option for San Francisco residents looking to rise above the city’s hectic gridlock and noise. Instead, it was this elegant single-family home, perched on a hilltop in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, that was the ideal escape for one couple and their three kids. Though they lived just a few blocks away at the time, they didn't think twice about snatching up the secluded property thanks to its lofty location, which comes complete with sweeping views of San Francisco Bay.
Making the most of their scenic find, however, required a complete overhaul of the house’s style and structure. Designer Catherine Kwong came onto the scene toward the end of a two-year construction process, to bring the family’s modern vision to life inside. “They did a large-scale gut renovation on the whole house with the architect, John Maniscalco, and then we came in to work on the finishes and the furniture,” says Kwong.
An Incredibly Serene House in the Middle of Bustling San Francisco
With its wall of glass pocket doors that slide open to an outdoor deck facing San Francisco Bay, designer Catherine Kwong could afford to keep her client's living room clean and simple. A white linen Minotti sectional and navy mohair chair are accented by a smoked glass coffee table from Egg Collective and a stunning slab of Calacatta D’oro marble above the fireplace.
The living room flows right into the dining area, creating a central space where the family of five spends most of their time. A glass bubble chandelier hangs above the custom dining table, which is flanked by oxidized maple-and-leather chairs from BBDW. “We have dinner at the table together as a family most nights—it’s not just for Thanksgiving or entertaining,” says the owner.
A parchment leather–covered cabinet, also from BBDW, showcases the couple’s collection of vintage china, hand-picked from estate sales and antiques shops when they lived on the East Coast and summered in Connecticut. The delicate blue-and-white treasures traveled with them in their move to California.
Two dishwashers, two fridges (one for wine, one for everything else), and a pantry space are all concealed within the kitchen’s polished custom cabinetry. An inset espresso machine—admittedly the client's most-used appliance—keeps the marble-topped island and countertops clear of clutter. “It’s become totally indispensable. We have a bunch of caffeine addicts in the family,” says the husband.
The bay's natural jewel tones informed the palette for this sitting room, a favorite spot for cocktails when the couple entertains. A Holland & Sherry rug ties together the cream Habité wool sofa, slate mohair daybed, and pair of rich blue armchairs. “We didn’t want anything to interfere with the view, so we kept things pretty low,” Kwong explains. A vintage blown-glass chandelier catches the natural light, above.
An extension of the front entrance, the home office stays organized thanks to custom millwork cabinetry that mirrors the white oak flooring. A pair of vintage scones and a Billy Cotton brass chandelier bring a touch of glamour to the otherwise muted space.
Another spacious deck off the master bedroom gives the couple a private place to take in the majestic Golden Gate Bridge, but the room itself also has meditative qualities. A calming, neutral color palette allows unique design elements, like an oversized, stained oak headboard crafted by Kwong’s woodworker, to shine. “We decided to panel the wall with fabric to give the room a soothing, almost spa-like quality,” the client adds.
The couple’s eight-year-old son has an affinity for the color blue, and it pops up throughout his bedroom—in the checked bed sheets, the Eames desk chair and the graphic posters on the wall. Matching nightstands from Blu Dot flank the gray, flannel-upholstered bed frame, while a three-armed Serge Mouille light fixture provides a playful touch overhead.
Though the home’s attic space wasn’t intended to be a bedroom, Kwong embraced the original architecture to create a cozy bedroom for the couple’s 17-year-old daughter. With its sloped ceiling, silk Ralph Lauren Home wallpaper, and romantic, floral-upholstered bed frame, this space turned out to be Kwong’s favorite. “It’s sort of my teenage self’s dream bedroom,” she says.
A curvaceous hanging light sculpture is the striking focal point in the lower-level family room, a casual spot for the kids to watch TV, play ping-pong, and relax. The bespoke piece, created by Irish artist Niamh Barry, was specifically designed to fit the room’s dimensions. “It really came to life in the space, and it looks so pretty from outside the house as well,” Kwong says.
The new open layout and clean lines called for a total departure from the Victorian-style furnishings in the family's former residence. Kwong took on the task of filling each room with understated style that would showcase, not detract from, the stunning landscape. “We pictured all glass and windows, but we didn’t want it to look like a museum,” the client says. “It had to feel homey and warm.”
Amid sleek marble and lacquered millwork, Kwong layered in a mixture of textures—linen and mohair, leather and wood—to soften the spaces, lending them an easygoing vibe. “We wanted to make sure it didn’t seem too stark,” she says. “All those subtle combinations help highlight the modernism of the architecture.” In the end, the owners were rewarded with a serene, light-filled home base for their busy family, prime for entertaining as well as kicking back with the kids, all with the beautiful bay within view.
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