A mahogany banister and a marble mantle and fireplace were unearthed from under layers and layers (and layers) of paint and gunk in the last weeks at our new house. I am so thrilled that these materials will see the light of day again. Thanks to Builtform Construction and Zack | de Vito for all of the [...]
We are so lucky to be surrounded by beautiful Edwardian row houses on our new block, painted all kinds of purples, greens, blues, whites. Now, what should we choose for ourselves? Any suggestions? We want something fun for the kiddos, and celebratory for us. I grew up in a dark charcoal grey house, and love [...]
Our design and permitting process is finally done, and now work has begun in earnest at our new (very old) house. While the design moves strive to simplify, the work we are doing is substantial and will be completely transformative. Most of the change is happening on the back of the house. An old laundry [...]
Clearly, I am no architect. These are rough existing floor plans of the house from memory, and a little help from Google Maps. Our biggest concern is getting more light into the back of the house. We may increase the size of some of the windows in the back, and remove some of the closets [...]
Most houses in SF that we have seen in our year long hunt were staged and updated to the max. They looked like hotel lobbies frozen in time with bowls of perfect green apples on granite counters and coffee table books just so. Yeah, not so with our place. The as-is state helped us see [...]
Its official, we are the new owners of an 1880′s fixer in the Mission District. A long process lies ahead, with minor changes and renovations in every room, and no doubt some surprises too. Still, as crazy as I am sure it will be, I am so very excited. We continue our life as a [...]
At Templeton Ridge Winery and Burbank Vineyards the clients are passionate, creative people embarking on the exciting task of building a vineyard and winery from scratch. They love their setting, the view and the greater landscape, but disliked many aspects of the style and quality of the home on the site. The view above shows [...]
I’ve recently completed a quick handbook of staging recommendations for a Lower Pacific Heights Edwardian home in San Francisco. The owner is having her interior professionally staged by a staging company and recognized that a good deal of attention was needed for her exterior spaces as well. The house is gorgeous, but was lost behind [...]
The rainbow makes the construction site look deceptively peaceful. It’s busy at the Templeton Ridge Winery residence these days. Field grown olives have just been placed and its a thrill and a relief to see the neighbor’s house disappear. I’m sure the clients are looking forward to some peace: swimming amidst the grapes and looking [...]
Construction is well underway at the main residence of Templeton Ridge Winery and Burbank Vineyards. I am really pleased with how dramatic the view is out into the surrounding hills from every vantage point. I know linearity can be a tough sell for many when it comes to landscape and garden design. I love a [...]