Create an ideabook for your next remodeling project!
Browse more than 1,500,000 photos from top designers and save your favorites
Houzz Tour: Warmth Amid the Berkeley Fog
Designer Cheryl Burke introduces colors inspired by bay and woodland views from this 1939 hillside classic
An interior palette of foggy grays and rich blues complements the beautiful bay view outside this Berkeley, California, home. "I wanted to create a warm, organic, yet modern feeling in the home," says interior designer Cheryl Burke. "The trees outside, which are seen in almost every room, act as another texture."
The house, designed by noted San Francisco Bay Area architect Frederick Confer, was built in 1939. While the clients wanted to retain the original design as much as possible, they also needed updates for the 21st century. Burke's careful edits and additions created a home for today that stays true to its roots.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Berkeley, California
Size: 3,300 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Photography by Christopher Stark
The house, designed by noted San Francisco Bay Area architect Frederick Confer, was built in 1939. While the clients wanted to retain the original design as much as possible, they also needed updates for the 21st century. Burke's careful edits and additions created a home for today that stays true to its roots.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Berkeley, California
Size: 3,300 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms
Photography by Christopher Stark
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Burke played with a palette of soft mushrooms and grays for the main rooms and hallways, adding warmth and showcasing the owners' art collection. The stunning Ango chandelier, made from silkworm cocoons, is one of Burke's favorite pieces in the home. "It seemed to fill the space beautifully and be another almost piece of art as well as a lighting fixture," she says. Chairs: Vintage Thayer Coggin, upholstered in fabric from Urban Burp; chandelier: Ango, Studio Workshops; artwork: Rebecca Whipple |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The home's impeccable condition demanded a simple interior. Burke focused on under-designing the interior. "I think it is far more elegant to be subtle with color, pattern and texture," she says.
Table: B&B Athos Table; wall color: Benjamin Moore, #1535 Seattle Mist
Table: B&B Athos Table; wall color: Benjamin Moore, #1535 Seattle Mist
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
Occasional bursts of color — such as on this brilliant blue wall in the entryway — add current elements without introducing too many new pieces, keeping the layout clean and modern.
Wall color: Benjamin Moore, #2057-20 Galapagos Turquoise; rug: Ikat wool rug, Stark Carpet
Wall color: Benjamin Moore, #2057-20 Galapagos Turquoise; rug: Ikat wool rug, Stark Carpet
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The kitchen and bar nook got a coat of custom light mushroom — just a shade darker than white. The bar features simple white formica countertops, with playful undercabinet rope lighting for glam style. Undercabinet lighting: Rope Lighting, Policelli Lighting |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| Sunlight filters in through the south side of the home — each room was oriented toward this natural light. Burke took out the original floor-to-ceiling drapes and put in sunshades. Heavy window coverings aren't necessary for privacy in the main rooms because the house sits high on the hillside. Couch: Charles Sofa, B&B Italia |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| No major recessed lighting was installed — just chandeliers and sconces. "We wanted to keep it somewhat in the era of which it came from," says Burke. The mirror and candle sconces in the living room were lucky finds at the local Alameda flea market. Burke stripped off several layers of paint from the mirror and then restained it in a custom color. Armchairs: Vintage, Urban Home Berkeley; pillows: Custom, Osborne & Little; coffee table: Antiques du Monde/1st Dibs |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| "The fabrics we chose don't scream 'look at me.' Rather, they have subtle nuances and give off richness in their texture and feel," says Burke. Shades of blue upholstery in the living room play off the wall color in the entry and the view outdoors. Artwork: Deborah Paswaters, Caio Fonseca, Anne Wolf; tripod floor lamp: Vintage, Omega |
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The serene master bedroom is one of Burke's favorite spaces in the house. Low-VOC paints and all-natural fabrics make for a healthy and allergy-free space. The gray linen custom shades are black-out curtains to encourage a good night's sleep. "We were trying to create a warm, calm, soothing sleeping cave and room," says Burke. "It's so restful in there!" Rug: Stark Carpet; bedding: Bella Note; side table: Ironies |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
The wall color in the master bedroom is a shade lighter than the warm grays in the main living spaces. "It changes very dramatically all day long," says Burke. "It goes from a gray to a green."
Table lamp: Luna, Currey & Co; wall color: Hazy Skies, Benjamin Moore Aura
Table lamp: Luna, Currey & Co; wall color: Hazy Skies, Benjamin Moore Aura
| Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
|
| The stunning oak trees that inspired the color palette are visible from the bedroom window. The high position of the house on the hillside gives it a private, treehouse-like feel. |
Like it? Save it to your Ideabook »
A powder room off the entry gains character from an original sink and vintage Italian mirror. A classic sconce from Circa Lighting provides a finishing touch.
Ideabook updated on Sept. 4, 2012.
What are you working on?
News From Our Partners
Latest Ideabooks
People found the photos in this ideabook after searching for:
View over a million photos:
What is the trim color in the living and dining areas?