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My Houzz: Iconic San Francisco Victorian Remodel
A neglected 1890 home in California is restored with respect for tradition and updates for modern convenience
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After surviving two major earthquakes — including the devastating one in 1906 — and several homeowners, this 1890 Victorian in San Francisco was in need of some TLC. Homeowner John Clarke Mills bought the house with the intention of restoring and modernizing it with sustainable materials and high-tech features. With four years of hard work, he has transformed the home into a beautiful blend of old and new.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John Clarke Mills and housemate Brian Harris
Location: San Francisco
Size: 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
That's interesting: After the 1906 earthquake and fire, almost all of the home's records were destroyed.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: John Clarke Mills and housemate Brian Harris
Location: San Francisco
Size: 2,500 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
That's interesting: After the 1906 earthquake and fire, almost all of the home's records were destroyed.
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| Mills knocked down a wall between the library and the front parlor to let light flow through the front of the house. White columns help to visually define these two spaces. The house is part of a set of five similar Victorians on the block. "I love that the neighbors compare notes and help each other in sharing character details for renovations," says Mills. Wallpaper: Dhongia; chandelier and sconces: Victorian Lighting Works; columns: Pacific Columns; couch: Craigslist |
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| During the remodel, some of the original crown molding in the front parlor was damaged. Mills was able to fix the sections by hand using clay from an art supply store. This front parlor is still a work in progress. Mills is having new Victorian-style windows made for the room and plans to finish the decor after. Wallpaper: Dhongia |
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| The traditional Victorian library is decorated with a combination of antiques and Craigslist finds. "The history of the pieces I find are incredible," says Mills. "Some of the things I own are even older than my house." The roll top desk in the library is one of Mills' favorite finds. Purchased from a local estate sale, it still had its original receipt inside. Wallpaper: Dhongia; chandelier and sconces: Victorian Lighting Works; couch: Craigslist |
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| Custom oak shelving was stained by Mills (with help from his friends and family) to match the oak banister in the entry and the fireplace in the front parlor. A projection screen retracts into the ceiling so it doesn't interrupt the home's traditional decor. Wallpaper: Dhongia; chandelier and sconces: Victorian Lighting Works; ladder: Putnam Rolling Ladder; wood moldings: San Francisco Victoriana |
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Initially the home was split into two separate units — an upstairs and a downstairs, divided by a wall in the tiny entryway. Mills opened up the entry and restored the original banister with the help of San Francisco Victoriana.
Banister and woodwork: San Francisco Victoriana; newel post: The Woodworks Company
Banister and woodwork: San Francisco Victoriana; newel post: The Woodworks Company
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| Although Mills would have preferred natural wood in the dining room, the walls were made of a glazed plywood that couldn't be refinished. The only option was to use several coats of paint. A bold red was chosen as a crisp contrast to white molding. Wall paint: Old Flame, Behr |
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| Mills tore out the brick fireplace in this top parlor and added a new Carrara marble unit to better fit the home's original style. Although he almost tossed the chandelier, a friend suggested giving it a new coat of paint. The bright orange and custom shades gave the piece a fresh look. Fireplace: Valor Fireplaces; chandelier lampshades: Lamps Plus; wall paint: Garden Path, Behr; Weston Flax, Benjamin Moore |
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Mills used clean-lined, midcentury-inspired pieces in the parlor as a bright and colorful contrast to the traditional first-floor parlor.
Art: The Other Shop
Art: The Other Shop
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| The kitchen had been moved up to the second floor during one of the home's many renovations. "The previous owner wanted the kitchen near his bedroom for some strange reason," says Mills. "One day I'll have to move it back downstairs." |
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| The recently completed backyard was designed by Adam Wooley Landscape Design and Construction. Blue slate pavers run diagonally to break up the square space. Floating benches and clean horizontal fencing are made with warm and durable ipe. Low-maintenance grasses, vines, succulents and a tree fern were planted for color, height and privacy. |
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Mills shares his answers to some popular questions:
Your ultimate dream-home item? I have everything I have ever wanted and more. That said, I am looking forward to building a roof deck.
Four famous people you'd like to have over for dinner? George Nelson, Ray Eames, Charles Eames and Buckminster Fuller.
And what would be on your soundtrack? Stan Getz.
Your proudest moment? Correcting my father's math when he makes mistakes helping on my projects. That doesn't happen often.
Your ultimate dream-home item? I have everything I have ever wanted and more. That said, I am looking forward to building a roof deck.
Four famous people you'd like to have over for dinner? George Nelson, Ray Eames, Charles Eames and Buckminster Fuller.
And what would be on your soundtrack? Stan Getz.
Your proudest moment? Correcting my father's math when he makes mistakes helping on my projects. That doesn't happen often.
Comments
franki7 A "labor of LOVE!" franki
12 months ago · Like
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megangbush That front room library/parlor combo is killing me. Normally I'm not so big into knocking down walls in older homes, but this is gorgeous! Nicely done!
12 months ago · Like
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Bartlett Home Improvement Beautiful home! But I'm not sure how I feel about the liberties the photographer took. I had to spend a few minutes with the first two pics to figure out that a photo had some kind of special effect to make the front parlor look long. In the first pic, it looks average sized with the rug left to right. In the second pic, it appears very long with the rug running towards the windows.
12 months ago · Like
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guyfieri I mainly know about diners, drive-ins, and dives that do up all the classics but I also know about Victorian homes and can assure you nothing cool has ever happened in this place. It looks as enjoyable and fun as being diagnosed with cancer after a near fatal car crash.
12 months ago · Like
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bighawk311 All I can say is WOW !!!!!!
12 months ago · Like
ebea Gotta agree with Guyfieri. Have a relative in SF who renovated an old "survivor of 1906" and his is REALLY well done.
12 months ago · Like
pamrey The structure itself is beautiful. I really love Victorians. However, all the heavy dark furniture feels like a wasted opportunity design-wise. It would be nice to see a Victorian that takes a few more risks.
12 months ago · Like
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Midcentury Minx You had me up until I saw the back yard. Maybe its just me, but I can't see the connection between Zen Garden & Victorian. Also the front parlor - if you are going to put only one piece of furniture in the room, make it count. That one piece needs to be so spectacular that it needs to have a room of its own. That poor little white couch looks lonely.
12 months ago · Like
patscats2 I don't think they did this Victorian any justice.
12 months ago · Like
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tsingtaomama Though 'midcentury' paired with 'Victorian' seems strange and terrible in theory, that yellow and green parlor room looks cool as hell. Takes a lot of guts and a great eye to pull that off. What a wonderful effect to come up the stairs and think, now here's where the party is! With Stan Getz on the wifi natch!
12 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on May 16, 2012.
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