In The Heights

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Regan Baker Design collaborates with her client Mather Made to strike timeless balance in a forever home

In the formal living room, the sofa is from 1st Dibs, the sofa fabric is by Cowtan & Tout and the accent Chairs are by Lawson-Fenning. Photos by Suzanna Scott.

When Jocelyn Mather set out to renovate her San Francisco carriage house built in 1910, she wasn’t just overseeing a design project—she was creating a deeply personal space for her young family of four. As a commercial interior designer and founder of Mather Made, Mather knew the magnitude of what she had signed up for: reworking the layout, managing the construction and balancing her own aesthetic with that of her husband—all while preserving the originality of the century-old home that is located in the Presidio Heights neighborhood.

But even an experienced designer knows when to call for help. After months of material selections, mood boards and architectural planning, Jocelyn enlisted Regan Baker Design to help bring her vision to life. “We loved the warm and livable aesthetic the Regan Baker Design team curates, while still making the home feel sophisticated and personal,” Mather shared. From the beginning, they agreed that the home should feel timeless while remaining flexible for the growing family’s needs. “After touring the historic home and reviewing the overall mood boards, presentations and finish selections, we knew we could help bring the full vision together, and loved the idea of this unique collaboration,” says Baker.

Designed by the client and furnished and styled by RBD, the kitchen features stools found on 1st dibs. The range is by Sub-Zero Wollf, the sink is by Kohler and the faucet is by Brizo. Photos by Suzanna Scott.
In the dining room a Roll and Hill pendant hangs above a Max Lamb table that is paired alongside modern A+R chairs upholstered in Kvradrat Relate fabric. Photos by Suzanna Scott.

Mather felt strongly that the decor remain resistant of trends and focus on finding durable pieces and finishes that would transition with the family’s life stages. As an industry insider, she had seen firsthand the environmental toll of excessive renovations and was determined to avoid unnecessary waste. “She  really wanted to focus on maintaining the existing architecture and the inherent sustainability of the 100 year old home with a forward looking view,” Baker notes. “Through this lens, creating a  more minimal and neutral palette complete with smart design choices that could transition with time and weather the family’s lifestyle and changes in taste over time.”

In the family room, the drapery was made by Dawson Custom Workroom and the sofa is from Maiden Home.
Photos by Suzanna Scott.
A dark powder room features floor tile from Tile Bar, a mirror by Gubi and the paint is by Color Atelier Noir, Lime WashPhotos by Suzanna Scott.

This approach helped Mather guide the transformation of the house. A former formal dining room was opened up into a great room encompassing the family room, kids’ play area, dining space and kitchen—a modern solution to create connection and warmth. The team transformed a staircase in order to unify all three levels, and the third floor was redesigned as an expansive primary suite with soaring views and natural light. “When working with clients, we always listen to their vision and execute it,” Baker says. “Our philosophy was to embrace the more minimal approach to finishes and fixtures, and apply this vocabulary to the furnishings and accessories of the project. To provide interest as well as honor the existing architectural details, we worked with a more contemporary furniture palette, allowing the history and architecture to shine.”

In the primary bedroom, a large Armadillo rug spans the length of the room and a Paolo Ferrari accent chair in Nobilis white boucle from 1st Dibs introduces a sculptural shape. Photos by Suzanna Scott.
Arched mirrors with minimalist black frames echo the architectural curves of the primary bathroom’s ceilings and doorways while
linear brass pendants add a minimalist feel. Photos by Suzanna Scott.
The shower room inside the primary bathroom is a true oasis. The floor Tile is from Tile Bar, the wall tile is by Clé. Photos by Suzanna Scott.

And while minimal each space tells a dynamic story. The primary bathroom design was inspired by Turkish hammams, while, the formal living room, with its south-facing exposure and layered furnishings, is a place of joyful pause. As a surprise during the project, Mather’s husband collaborated with Regan Baker Design to gift her a piano, which now sits elegantly in the corner—pleasing her love of design and music. “Knowing they don’t love formal dining and wanted to prioritize spending quality time with their kids, they decided to open up the space and reimagine the formal dining room into more of a great room, encompassing a family room, kids play area, dining area and kitchen,” says Baker. “This space now functions as the hub of the home, creating a space for the family to cook, share meals, watch movies and even clean together.”

In the husband’s office, a DWR walnut desk and a beige Four Hands leather chair sit atop an Armadillo rug.
Photos by Suzanna Scott.

Throughout the entire process, the team focused on layering in textures and tones that would both complement the home’s architectural heritage and Mather’s forward-thinking style. From the entry and family room to the primary suite and outdoor patio, the result is a home that feels cohesive, inviting and elevated. “Having been through every step of the construction process, I had a strong sense of the house,” Mather proclaims. “After the Regan Baker Design team had their hand in finalizing the furnishing and styling it finally felt like home. To this day, every time we return from travel, there’s a sigh of relief to come home to this calm and beautiful place.”