Terrific Tension

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Designer Jaclyn Christensen creates a custom home for a young family by masterfully blending Victorian architecture with an eclectic mix of mid-century modern furnishings

In the living room, a pair of Milo Baughman chairs sit top a custom Atelier Fevrier rug. Photos by Christopher Stark.

“I’m always a big fan of mixing and matching design styles while having it work with the existing architecture seamlessly. I believe that all interiors should work cohesively with the existing architecture for a consistent design language and cohesive vibe,” says designer Jaclyn Christensen Design on how she approaches each project. However, she faced a challenge when designing the interiors of a traditional S.F. Victorian home for a couple that loved mid-century design. “I infused mid-century pieces alongside more traditional pieces to marry the two aesthetics for an overall chic space that is also quite warm and family friendly,” she notes.

In the kitchen, Exquisite Surfaces Soho Gray and White Marble checkered floors complement the Waterworks plumbing.
Photos by Christopher Stark.
In the powder room, a custom carved Carrara marble sink by Sticks N Stones holds a faucet by Sanicanada. The wallpaper is by William Morris Co. Photos by Christopher Stark.

Located in S.F.’s notable Mission District, the 1,200-square-foot home has a small footprint so Christensen focused on reworking the layout of each room and devising multi-function moments throughout. “There isn’t a distinct living room or dining room, yet multi-uses for each space to maximize functionality and provide options for their busy family,” she notes. “The living room in the front of the house is also the homeowners home office as he works from home, and the dining room also has a living space for many options to live and relax.”

In the primary bedroom, the bed by Amber Interiors, the nightstands are by McGee and Co. and the lamps are from Anthropologie.
Photos by Christopher Stark.
In the primary bathroom, a vintage dresser was converted into a custom vanity made by Vermont Vanities and the plumbing fixtures are from Waterwork. Photos by Christopher Stark.

Luckily the clients were in love with the traditional Victorian architectural details found throughout and wanted to complement with the new additions. “The home has so many beautiful molding details throughout, amazing door hardware—even the hinges are beautiful and original to the home,” says Christensen. “I loved that the clients really wanted to keep as much of this original charm as possible while adding to it and upgrading it all to fit their family life better.”

A sofa by Schoolhouse and wallpaper by Lulu & Georgia make a splash in the son’s room. Photos by Christopher Stark.

Completed in the winter of 2021, the overhaul resulted in a home that is beautifully tailored to the young family’s personality and everyday routine. “They love it and so do I,” she notes. “I believe the design has really exceeded their expectations in terms of what is possible and how lovely everything came together in the end and really serves their family perfectly.”