Be Our Guest

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Banner Day proves that a San Francisco guest house may be small but can be mighty

The living room features a sofa from Clad, the chandelier is by Arteriors and the rug is by Armadillo. Photos by Christopher Stark.

Folded into a 1924 building where a classic San Francisco home rests on the back of the iconic Presidio Park, this 940-square-foot flat had one job: to feel like a boutique hotel that guests would never want to leave. The owners recently saw a guest room that was designed by Banner Day and knew they were the team to achieve their design goal. “That guest bedroom had a strong jewel toned green color narrative,” recalls Clara Jung, founder of Banner Day. “The back of this building abuts Presidio Park, and the client specifically asked that greens and blues be pulled into the overall color story here as well.”

The perfect dining nook features a custom banquette covered in fabric by Imogen Heath and the wallpaper is by Pierre Frey.
Photos by Christopher Stark.

This small two-bedroom space was to serve as guest quarters for visiting family and friends. “The clients specifically asked for a boutique hotel vibe with charming and unique design that was still cozy and comfortable,” she says. “Even though the front of the building is squarely a quintessential San Francisco facade, the back of the flat has a very verdant forest adjacent feel to it.”

The colorful kitchen features a Fisher & Paykel range and a custom-covered vent hood by Zephyr. The cabinets are painted in Farrow & Ball’s India Yellow and the tile is Ping by Tempest Tile. Photos by Christopher Stark.
The team carved out a perfect desk nook where guests can work remotely. Photos by Christopher Stark.

The soul of the space lives in its art. Original pieces are woven throughout including Seonna Hong’s work that anchors the living room. A Carla Weeks piece brings a quiet magic to the guest bedroom, giving the apartment a gallery-like feel. However, Jung and her team knew that the decor had to be durable for guests of all ages. “Since this flat was to entertain a wide variety of houseguests—including kids—we made sure that this was a family friendly space but also interesting and eclectic for those that travel lighter aka sans kids,” she says.

The first guest room features a showstopping Italian panoramic wallpaper by Schumacher. The sconces are by Lostine.
Photos by Christopher Stark.
The bathroom floor and wall tile is by Fireclay. The shower tile is from Akdo and the plumbing fixtures are by California Faucets. Photos by Christopher Stark.

Each space is infused with color and character, including the bespoke kitchen that made such a ‘wow’ statement, the project had to be included in Jung’s first book—Storied Homes. The team overhauled the existing gray palette and embraced bold yellow and wood cabinets that maximize utility and style.

In the guest bedroom, the quilt is by Studio Ford, the pillows are by Studio McGee and the bed is by Burke Decor.
Photos by Christopher Stark.

And the client’s reaction during the big reveal? “They loved it,” Jung proclaims. “They often use the guest flat as a means of getting some downtime themselves when their own home is buzzing with people and energy. I believe that to be the highest compliment.”