Classically Cool

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Amanda Teal infuses a new home with sophistication and style for a family of five

Photos by Brad Knipstein
A coffee table by Nickey Kehoe grounds the living room. Photos by Brad Knipstein.

“I always strive to create interiors that strike the perfect balance of livability and sophistication. I’m a classicist at heart, and as such, my work focuses on clean lines, balanced proportions and a mindful use of tone and texture,” says Bay Area designer Amanda Teal about her firm’s design philosophy. “I develop close relationships with my clients and believe success in the design process is the result of ongoing collaboration with the build team, craftsman and artisans, and finding inspiration in the smallest details.”

In the kitchen, the pendants are from The Urban Electric Co., the plumbing fixtures are by Waterworks and the marble countertops were sourced from IRG. Photos by Brad Knipstein.
In the dining area, a chandelier from The Urban Electric Co. sheds light on dining chairs from McGee & Co. Photos by Brad Knipstein.
The powder room features a custom fluted vanity and Samuel Heath faucet. Photos by Brad Knipstein.

Inside this 5,500-square-foot home, Teal and her team were hired by existing clients to bring their dream interiors to life. “This sweet family of five is near and dear to us as this is the second home we’ve designed for them,” she boasts. “They have amazing taste and knew exactly what they wanted—a sophisticated interior with a restrained color palette that’s family friendly.”

In the family room, a pair of swivel chairs face a painting by Caleb Mahoney. Photos by Brad Knipstein.
The basement bar features a pendant from The Urban Electric Co. and a game table by Nickey Kehoe that is surrounded by chairs by Thomas Hayes Studio. Photos by Brad Knipstein.
The stairwell is illuminated by a grouping of globe chandeliers from Cuff Studio. Photos by Brad Knipstein.

Cultivating a collaborative partnership with clients on each project is crucial to Teal’s design process. “I develop close relationships with my clients and believe success in the design process is the result of ongoing collaboration with the build team, craftsman and artisans, and finding inspiration in the smallest details,” she notes. “The Client has an amazing eye for design and partnered with us closely throughout the whole process.”

In the primary bedroom wallpaper from Assemblage complements the drapery textiles by Kerry Joyce. Photos by Brad Knipstein.
Photos by Brad Knipstein
Photos by Brad Knipstein

Each space is washed in neutral hues that deliver the desired level of sophistication while also illuminating the natural light that floats in. Warm woods, timeless lighting and eclectic textiles add visual depth and a level of contemporary edge. The ground-up build allowed Teal and the team to focus less on configuration and more on design details, weaving in select pieces the client already owned. “The kitchen is my favorite space in the home,” she says. “We wanted to keep the palette restrained, so we layered in various textures, natural materials and warm finishes to achieve that while also being interesting and engaging.”

Photos by Brad Knipstein
In the girl’s room, the wallpaper is by Caitlin McGauley. Photos by Brad Knipstein

Being the clients were so involved in the design process, there wasn’t a big reveal that followed the install. However, they were still overwhelmed with awe when they saw every thing in place. “When your client walks into their new home with all the furnishings placed after they’ve been imagining it for years, is a magical,” Teal remarks. “Nothing beats the feeling of making someone’s dream home a reality. That’s why we all do this, right?”