Golden Views
Author:Lindsey ShookJDP Interiors curates a serene masterpiece with infinite views of the Bay Area
“I was very inspired by the colors that were peeking through these giant windows at the time of my initial visit; especially from Alcatraz island – greens, browns, creams/tan, while infusing pops of black for a dramatic effect,” says Joyce Downing Pickens of JDP Interiors on the design of a modern San Francisco home that centered around the sweeping views of the bay.
The three-story, 3,278 square foot residence is home to a young couple who desired a Scandinavian feel with sophisticated style. JDP took this into account while focusing on warming up the stark, modern structure. “The clients requested light and bright with contrast and really fell for this BDDW chair which really set the tone for the entire scheme,” Pickens notes.
The project—which took just six months to complete—presented a few configuration challenges. The clients wanted muted tones that still had character and plentiful seating for entertaining friends. While the walls of glass in the communal living spaces provided a plethora of natural light and stunning views, they limited how furniture and art could be installed. “Every main wall was a window, so we were stuck with the dilemma of trying to configure a furniture plan without blocking the view – we ended up opting for low, open seating that wraps around the windows instead of avoiding them all together (which would have resulted in less seating and more cramped living quarters),” says the designer.
An even bigger yet very fulfilling challenge was installing a custom Travertine dining table built by Bananas & Hammocks. Pickens recalls, “Getting this giant into the house down a set of unbelievably precarious set of stairs (think San Fran hills) proved to be one of the most stressful moments on an install to date! But ohh was it a sweet feeling once we finally got it in there!”
The final result is a classic, cool home that offers tranquility from the everyday bustle of the city. “I think that we really achieved their requested serene color scheme while keeping it young (infusing hip and funky furniture items),” notes Pickens. “We provided plenty of seating for them to enjoy and entertain and the space was really warmed up and infused with personality.”