The Missing Piece

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A spec home in the Berkeley Hills is now complete thanks to Jeffrey Neve Interior Design’s passion for a playful palette

In the kitchen, the custom island fixture is by The Urban Electric Co. and the Nathan Anthony counter stools are upholstered in Kravet fabric. Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.
A breakfast nook features a table by Woodbridge Furniture and chairs covered in Kravet fabric.
Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Designer Jeffrey Neve has never shied away from being bold. From his recent work inside the San Francisco Decorator Showcase to his soulful interiors across the Bay Area, he has proved he is masterful at mixing colors, prints and eras. “I often describe myself as a design chameleon because I approach each project through the lens of the client rather than imposing a predetermined look,” says Neve.
My goal is to create homes that feel personal, functional and imaginative.”

In the dining room, the dining table is by Theodore Alexander, the custom dining chairs are upholstered in Manuel Canovas fabric and the chandelier is from Soho Home. Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.
The powder room is covered in wallpaper by Kravet and the pendant is by The Urban Electric Co.
Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Luckily, Neve has worked with clients who embrace his radiant approach to design—including a couple who purchased this 4,000-square-foot spec home in the Berkeley Hills. “The home was built by Mark One Development, a builder with whom I work regularly,” he notes. “I developed the initial finish specifications when the property was conceived as a spec home. After the client purchased it, the builder introduced us, and I was brought back to furnish the home and give it a stronger sense of personality.”

In the office, the desk is by Soho Home, the wallpaper is by Nobilis wallpaper and the custom doors are from Antigua Doors. Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.

The client was a fan of design icon Kit Kemp’s use of color and pattern, which fully aligned with Neve’s aesthetic. “I interpreted that approach through my own more tailored and masculine lens, with moments of whimsy,” Neve says. “We introduced wallpaper, custom upholstery, decorative lighting and an eclectic mix of furnishings without compromising the modern architecture.”

The primary bedroom walls are covered in Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, the custom bed is upholstered in JAB fabric, available through De Sousa Hughes and the lamps are by Visual Comfort lamps with custom shades. Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.

The extraordinary setting with sweeping views of the Bay, Golden Gate and Bay Bridges also inspired Neve to incorporate a mix of wallpaper and textiles that embrace architectural detailing and natural elements, while carving out unique moments throughout. “The great room presented the largest challenge because of its unusual shape and open relationship to the dining area,” he recalls. “The J-shaped Soho Home sofa responds to the room’s geometry while creating a comfortable gathering area.”

In the guest room a pair of lamps by Visual Comfort are topped with custom shades. The wallcovering is by Phillip Jeffries and the bedding was found at Anthropolgie. Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.
Photos by Jose Manuel Alorda, styling by Rachel Forslund.

Neve’s fearless ability to effortlessly blend bold colors and prints infused the once white-walled structure with an energy felt from afar. When asked how the owner responded to his curation he remarked, “the client is very happy with the finished home. The architecture remains clean and modern, but the layers of color, pattern and custom details have given it the warmth and personality that were initially missing.”