This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This room was an interior redesign meaning all the elements were here but pretty much thrown in by the movers. Overwhelmed by the move itself, the client called me to arrange several rooms in the house. I took the photo from the upstairs balcony outside the master bedroom. Notice the piano in the lower part of the photo? Well it wasn't there when I started. One thing I frequently say is, "I never have met a piano that doesn't need to be moved". Remember to play to your audience, not with your back to the audience. Big mistake, common mistake.

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

Mark Tepe - Arranged Elements

This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

As a recently purchased home, our clients quickly decided they needed to make some major adjustments. The home was pretty outdated and didn’t speak to the young family’s unique style, but we wanted to keep the welcoming character of this Mediterranean bungalow in tact. The classic white kitchen with a new layout is the perfect backdrop for the family. Brass accents add a touch of luster throughout and modernizes the fixtures and hardware. While the main common areas feature neutral color palettes, we quickly gave each room a burst of energy through bright accent colors and patterned textiles. The kids’ rooms are the most playful, showcasing bold wallcoverings, bright tones, and even a teepee tent reading nook. Designed by Joy Street Design serving Oakland, Berkeley, San Francisco, and the whole of the East Bay. For more about Joy Street Design, click here: https://www.joystreetdesign.com/ To learn more about this project, click here: https://www.joystreetdesign.com/portfolio/gower-street

Photography by Peter Vanderwarker This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This Second Empire house is a narrative woven about its circulation. At the street, a quietly fanciful stoop reaches to greet one's arrival. Inside and out, Victorian details are playfully reinterpreted and celebrated in fabulous and whimsical spaces for a growing family - Double story kitchen with open cylindrical breakfast room Parents' and Children's libraries Secret playspaces Top floor sky-lit courtyard Writing room and hidden library Basement parking Media Room Landscape of exterior rooms: The site is conceived as a string of rooms: a landscaped drive-way court, a lawn for play, a sunken court, a serene shade garden, a New England flower garden. The stair grows out of the garden level ordering the surrounding rooms as it rises to a light filled courtyard at the Master suite on the top floor. On each level the rooms are arranged in a circuit around the stair core, making a series of distinct suites for the children, for the parents, and for their common activities.

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Pressure Treated Deck

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

Unique in design and structure, this building is a combination customized 3-bedroom home with a temperature-controlled, insulated high ceiling workspace. This home was designed for my clients need to live, work and play. He was interested in spending as much time in his shop as he was in his living room. The main level contains the master suite, a second bedroom and bath, living room and an open kitchen. A key design feature for the second level is a full width mezzanine. The mezzanine adds visual interest as well as valuable functionality. This upper level contains a bedroom, a full bathroom, an office space and a large common area.

Photography Mariko Reed
Family room - mid-century modern family room idea in San Francisco

This lower-level space was designed with a “Zen” vibe per the client style and request. We included a meditation area, doggy bed space near the sofa in the common area. In this common area space, we provided an elegant yet playful compilation of grains and textures. The grey variations create a calming atmosphere warmed by the fireplace, while the inclusion of the living wall brings light and life to the space creating the perfect balance for meditation and relaxation. Across from the lounge space is a small area for Yoga, light working out, and meditation. In the shower & sauna space, we outfitted with elegant engraved marble tile as well as deep charcoal accent tile that ties in with the dark metal features selected for the room. The sauna space has dimmable lighting, and speakers made the space a relaxing oasis. The laundry area includes an Energy Star, smart technology washer and dryer set. The addition of cabinets topped with a granite top creates a gorgeous, but functional space.

From KUBE Architecture: "They [owners] wanted a house of openness and light, where their children could be free to explore and play independently, still within view of their parents. The solution was to create a courtyard house, with large sliding glass doors to bring the inside out and outside in." Greg Powers Photography Contractor: Housecraft

Homegrown Decor, Interior Design; Angie Seckinger, Photography
Example of a classic entryway design in DC Metro