This uninspired, multi-level 1980's Palo Alto condominium needed a facelift and a definable sense of style. With minimal interior wall relocations, we were able to open up the floor plan, clear out the clutter, and maximize natural daylight by the use of smooth, light colored finish materials. A Zen theme emerged as we developed the design solution, translating the owner's desire for a clear, clutter-free environment in soothing pastels. This desire for sleekness even dictated a cabinet door to conceal the refrigerator in the kitchen, producing a clean bank of cabinet doors, anchored only by the wall oven.

The Zen theme continues throughout, with floors and a central fireplace tower faced in quite travertine. In the master bath, the Zen-effect is manifest in a deep soaking tub, complete with a ceiling-mounted waterfall spout. The operating handles, naturally, are right by the bather's side, where they should be.