SeaBend is sited dramatically on a bluff, embracing a commanding view of a New England. The house is long and narrow, mostly one room deep, so that all the major rooms are open to both the north water views and the south sun, with breezes blowing through. The plan is geared to informal living, with the kitchen in the center to serve both indoor and outdoor living areas. Part of the fun was in seeing what happened when a broad gabled volume was bent to respond to the contours of the site and to begin to suggest an outdoor space on the water side. Keeping the gable roof un-bent while putting a crook in the plan resulted in some curious volumes and unexpected shapes, which you discover as you move around the house. Photography by Robert Benson

Well-traveled. Relaxed. Timeless. Our well-traveled clients were soon-to-be empty nesters when they approached us for help reimagining their Presidio Heights home. The expansive Spanish-Revival residence originally constructed in 1908 had been substantially renovated 8 year prior, but needed some adaptations to better suit the needs of a family with three college-bound teens. We evolved the space to be a bright, relaxed reflection of the family’s time together, revising the function and layout of the ground-floor rooms and filling them with casual, comfortable furnishings and artifacts collected abroad. One of the key changes we made to the space plan was to eliminate the formal dining room and transform an area off the kitchen into a casual gathering spot for our clients and their children. The expandable table and coffee/wine bar means the room can handle large dinner parties and small study sessions with similar ease. The family room was relocated from a lower level to be more central part of the main floor, encouraging more quality family time, and freeing up space for a spacious home gym. In the living room, lounge-worthy upholstery grounds the space, encouraging a relaxed and effortless West Coast vibe. Exposed wood beams recall the original Spanish-influence, but feel updated and fresh in a light wood stain. Throughout the entry and main floor, found artifacts punctate the softer textures — ceramics from New Mexico, religious sculpture from Asia and a quirky wall-mounted phone that belonged to our client’s grandmother.

Matthew Millman

Designer - Fiona Lynch Photography - Sharyn Cairns

Erik Bishoff Photography

A child's bedroom with a place for everything! Kirsten Johnstone Architecture (formerly Eco Edge Architecture + Interior Design) has applied personal and professional experience in the design of the built-in joinery here. The fun of a window seat includes storage drawers below which seamlessly transitions into a desk with overhead cupboards and an open bookshelf dividing element. Floor to ceiling built-in robes includes double height hanging, drawers, shoe storage and shelves ensuring a place for everything (who left those shoes out!?). Photography: Tatjana Plitt

Office space under the stairs.

Sharps Bedrooms

Corey Gaffer Photography

Eric Roth Photography

Lee Manning Photography

Rebecca Zajac

Büroecke im Wohnzimmer mit Alkovenfenster

Interior Design: Kay Ettington The Talo Halogen Mini 21 is available in a die-cast painted aluminum finish in Silver/Grey, White or Satin Chrome as well as a Chrome finish. One 150 watt R7s 120V halogen lamp included. Also available in a fluorescent version. 8.25 inches wide x 4 inches deep x 1.25 inches high. ADA Compliant. UL listed.

Wall to wall custom cabinetry keeps the collections of books organized and graphically interesting. South facing windows allow light to permeate the space and flood the meeting room in daylight. White paint throughout keeps the space bright for meetings. Flooring is locally sourced hardwood. Stainless steel tables are pushed together at center to create a dynamic workspace. Sharon Davis Design for Space Kit