Victorian Style

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Designer Jihan Spearman embraces her home’s roots while customizing it for her young family

In the dining room a black dining table from Blu Dot is surrounded by assorted and dining chairs. Photos by Michael Clifford.

“My design philosophy is rooted in creating spaces that are deeply functional and thoughtfully laid out, how people live and move through a home is always my starting point,” says designer Jihan Spearman. “I have a strong respect for the period and architecture of a space, and I love finding ways to honor those original details while still making the home feel fresh and current.” Her passion for celebrating original details of a space are evident in this recent project she and her team completed inside this 100-year-old Victorian home in San Francisco that she purchased to create a beautiful city escape for her family.

The kitchen features Ellison Studios Pierre counter-height stools and the marble countertops were found at Pietra Fina. Custom white oak cabinetry (stain grade) hold WOLF appliances and unlauquered brass hardware from Newport Brass and from House of Antique Hardware. Photos by Michael Clifford.
The powder room features Sherwin Williams’ Mahogany covered walls, a vintage mirror, sconce and chandelier. The Wall mounted sink and fixtures are by Watermark. Photos by Michael Clifford.

In the beginning of the project Spearmen spent time researching the 3,000-square-foot home’s first inhabitants so that she could fuse a real connection between past and present. “It’s not typically like me to say this, I’m not the woo-woo, clairvoyant type, but I’ve felt a strong and unexpected connection to the woman who once lived here,” she notes. “While I can’t say with total certainty, it appears the house may have belonged to a young German couple who immigrated to the U.S. in 1885. It’s the wife and mother of that family I keep thinking about. I’ve imagined her life in this house, raising her children and making a home in San Francisco at the turn of the century. That sense of connection has guided the way I approach the design, wanting to restore soul and authenticity to the space, and in some way, honor the life that was once lived here.”

The color-soaked laundry room is covered in Ash Violet by Sherwin William and the marble countertop tiles are by cle.
Photos by Michael Clifford.

For years, Spearman has worked with Compass agent Jamie Lawrence on real estate acquisitions, who has educated her on how to identify the perfect purchase. “Jamie taught me everything I know about San Franisco real estate: how to properly estimate a home’s sale price to make a competitive offer, how to assess value beyond surface details, and how to account for the quirks that come with San Francisco’s older homes, from layout to structural issues and everything in between,” she proclaims. “Navigating the San Francisco market can be incredibly tricky, and you need to be sharp about knowing when—and where—to make your move. So when I saw this house, I just knew. It checked all the boxes: enough square footage for our family of four, and a layout that was nearly impeccable.”

Photos by Michael Clifford.
Photos by Michael Clifford.
The kids’ playroom Paint color houses built-in desks and window seat made by California Closets. Photos by Michael Clifford.

Her main goal when rethinking the home’s flow and function was to form a deeper connection between the main spaces so that family time would flourish. “One of my top priorities was removing the wall between the kitchen, living, and dining rooms. I wanted to be able to chat with friends when they’re over, keep an eye on the kids while they’re doing homework at the table, and just be in the mix—even if I’m doing something as mundane as unloading the dishwasher,” Spearman says.

The secondary goal was to thoughtfully modernize the outdated kitchens and bathrooms while reintroducing Victorian elements in the decor that celebrate the home’s historic charm. “I was committed to letting the Victorian bones of the house guide me, but also wanted it to function for modern life—after all, when this home was built, things like refrigerators didn’t even exist,” she notes. “The challenge was in applying 19th-century design principles in a way that still felt fresh, livable, and a little bit funky. And despite all my experience, I struggled with even the most basic decisions. It’s funny—I’m often able to clearly interpret a client’s style and make quick, confident choices for their spaces, but when it came to my own, I felt unsure.”

The primary bedroom features vintage Auffray & Co. Walnut French Louis XVI-style nightstands. The rug is by Arvin Olano x Rugs USA and the bed is by Crate and Barrel. Photos by Michael Clifford.
Photos by Michael Clifford.
The primary bathroom paint color is Sherwin Williams’ Steamed Milk 50%. The custom rattan mirror is made by famous artist Peeta Tinay, the brass hardware is from House of Antique Hardware and the unlaquered brass faucet is by Newport Brass.
Photos by Michael Clifford.

Spearman’s biggest challenge was being the decision maker, versus working with clients who are guiding the design direction. “That old saying—’know thyself’—kept echoing in my head. Who was I, design-wise, when no one else was giving input? I tried to reference my fashion instincts—structured denim, sculptural white tops, pops of color in shoes and bags. Well-shaped basics with personality. I kept coming back to that as a framework, but translating it into interiors wasn’t as intuitive as I expected. The process forced me to dig deep and define my own aesthetic voice in a way I never had to before.” Her commitment to honoring the Victorian roots with a fresh perspective was blissfully achieved. From the traditional elements juxtaposed with current decor, concealed storage within sculptural millwork and vibrant hues, Spearman struck the perfect balance.

A kid’s room is doused in Sherwin Williams’ Nautilus ○, the bed is covered in Ventoux Print aby BRUNSCHWIG & FILS, the bedding is by Society of Wanderers and Piglet. Photos by Michael Clifford.
Another guest suite features a custom bed made by Scout Design Studio and the fabric by Trend and the fringe is by Fabricut.
Photos by Michael Clifford.