Second Best

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Williams + Grange wraps an Oakland Craftsman in modern warmth

In the living room, a Max McLintock side table from Claude Home faces a skirted sofa from Lulu & Georgia, the handmade pillows feature textiles from Zak + Fox and Muriel Bandollini. Photos by Stephanie Russo.

When hired to update the furniture and decor inside this Craftsman in Oakland, Williams & Grange embraced the existing woodsy, mid-century sensibility details and took design cues from the home’s redwood paneling and exposed beams, allowing the direction to be formed. “Drawing inspiration from the warmth and richness of the redwood, we leaned into a distinctly Northern California sensibility—layered, organic and connected to nature—while introducing a mix of traditional elements, timeless design, modern updates and subtle mid-century modern influences,” says co-founder Blair Williams. “The goal was to create spaces that feel authentic to the home’s original character, yet more elevated, collected, and enduring—interiors that feel warm and intentional rather than overly renovated or trend-driven.”

In the dining room sits a vintage burl pedestal from 1st dibs, the dining chairs are by Soho Home, the rug is by Pierce and Ward collection for West Elm and the art is by Tyler Guinn. “The iconic redwood paneling and exposed beams throughout the home are undoubtedly its most defining feature,” says Williams.
Photos by Stephanie Russo.
A vintage Tony Paul stool found on 1st dibs holds a lamp. An Audo Copenhagen coffee table faces a Little Petra lounge chair covered in Zak + Fox, textiles. The rug is from Revival. Photos by Stephanie Russo.

The clients hired Williams & Grange for a nursery project in their main home that has a more East Coast Colonial-style, so they wanted their second home to feel distinctively different. “Their vision was a fresh, California-inspired aesthetic—more relaxed, layered and modern,” says co-founder Tina Grange. “We focused on creating a home that embodied a casual yet refined West Coast lifestyle, one that felt inviting, comfortable, and well-suited for both everyday living and entertaining.”

A lounging room features Huey sconces, a sleeper sofa from Interior define sleeper sofa covered in Zak + Fox textiles and the pillows are made using textiles from Schumacher and Pindler. Vintage Floor lamp from 1st dibs. Photos by Stephanie Russo.

Aside from constructing a design that was fresh, maximizing functionality for optimal entertainment was a prime consideration. “Rather than sacrificing living space, we focused on creating highly flexible, multi-functional rooms that could adapt as needed,” says Williams. “Two existing living areas were thoughtfully designed to serve dual purposes, each incorporating discreet, hidden beds that allow the spaces to seamlessly convert into comfortable bedroom suites.”

The property also features an ADU that the team designed to function as a fully self-contained guest suite, while the media room was intentionally planned to double as an inviting guest bedroom. “This layered approach to space planning allows the home to flex effortlessly—supporting everyday living while easily transforming to accommodate overnight guests without feeling compromised or overly programmed,” says Grange.

The guest room features a velvet arm chair from Lulu and Georgia, side tables by Rachel Donath, the rug is from Rejuvenation and the art is vintage. Photos by Stephanie Russo.

This updated escape is a perfect example of how existing architectural details can be preserved an enhanced. When asked how the homeowners responded to the finished project—they noted, “They’re excited to have a home that comfortably welcomes guests while still feeling intimate and personal. They especially love how many distinct living moments were created within a single home—spaces that feel cozy, layered, and inviting, yet connected. Ultimately, the house now feels like a true destination for gathering, entertaining, and making memories.”

In the primary bedroom, a Pierce and Ward for West Elm bench sits at the foot of the bed. The nightstands are from RH, the pillows feature textile from Zak + Fox. and a vintage mirror and black lamp top a console found on 1st dibs. Photos by Stephanie Russo.