Guest Suite Design Team: Laura Clayton Baker and Annica Howard http://lauraclaytonbaker.com/index.html Photo: Carolyn Reyes © 2016 Houzz

Inspiration for a large open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Albuquerque with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

Neutrals of warm beiges, tans, and gray are contrasted by the black marble in the fireplace. Photo Credit: Nick Glimenakis
Mid-sized trendy open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with a bar, beige walls, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

photo Benjamin Benschneider
Inspiration for a mid-sized modern open concept light wood floor living room remodel in Seattle with a standard fireplace and a media wall

Polished interior contrasts the raw downtown skyline Book matched onyx floors Solid parson's style stone vanity Herringbone stitched leather tunnel Bronze glass dividers reflect the downtown skyline throughout the unit Custom modernist style light fixtures Hand waxed and polished artisan plaster Double sided central fireplace State of the art custom kitchen with leather finished waterfall countertops Raw concrete columns Polished black nickel tv wall panels capture the recessed TV Custom silk area rugs throughout eclectic mix of antique and custom furniture succulent-scattered wrap-around terrace with dj set-up, outdoor tv viewing area and bar photo credit: evan duning

Laundry facility incorporated in the kitchen
Inspiration for a mid-sized cottage galley ceramic tile laundry room remodel in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

This 2nd bathroom is on the top floor of this townhouse. The cabinetry is suspended but featuring large drawers for plenty of storage. Melamine decor door is in a grey teak textured finish giving the otherwise white space warmth and contrast. A solid block white sink basin has a chrome deck mount faucet. Mirror and lights are from Scavolini. The side bar accessory with towel bar is also from Scavolini and perfect for storing small items off the counter top. Photo by Martin Vecchio.

Pattern, contrasting metals, and soft fabric compliment this large open living space. Photo Credit: Nick Glimenakis
Mid-sized trendy open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room photo in New York with a bar, beige walls, a hanging fireplace, a stone fireplace and a wall-mounted tv

Polished interior contrasts the raw downtown skyline Book matched onyx floors Solid parson's style stone vanity Herringbone stitched leather tunnel Bronze glass dividers reflect the downtown skyline throughout the unit Custom modernist style light fixtures Hand waxed and polished artisan plaster Double sided central fireplace State of the art custom kitchen with leather finished waterfall countertops Raw concrete columns Polished black nickel tv wall panels capture the recessed TV Custom silk area rugs throughout eclectic mix of antique and custom furniture succulent-scattered wrap-around terrace with dj set-up, outdoor tv viewing area and bar photo credit: evan duning

White kitchen with mixture of industrial design.
Mid-sized country galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen photo in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

This Denver kitchen remodel features Medallion Cabinetry on both the perimeter cabinets and the island, offering a nice contrast of tones, warm and cool. Perimeter: Lancaster door style, Sangria stain on hickory. Island: Lancaster door style, Smoke stain on maple. Cabinet pulls: Somerset Collection by Top Knobs in pewter. Design by: Heather Smith, in partnership with Peak Construction.

Polished interior contrasts the raw downtown skyline Book matched onyx floors Solid parson's style stone vanity Herringbone stitched leather tunnel Bronze glass dividers reflect the downtown skyline throughout the unit Custom modernist style light fixtures Hand waxed and polished artisan plaster Double sided central fireplace State of the art custom kitchen with leather finished waterfall countertops Raw concrete columns Polished black nickel tv wall panels capture the recessed TV Custom silk area rugs throughout eclectic mix of antique and custom furniture succulent-scattered wrap-around terrace with dj set-up, outdoor tv viewing area and bar photo credit: evan duning

custom pull out cabinets
Example of a mid-sized cottage galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen design in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, an island, white backsplash and mosaic tile backsplash

On a quiet street just steps from San Francisco’s beloved Dolores Park, a formerly modest urban structure has been transformed into a luminous vertical residence that quietly redefines contemporary city living. Through a comprehensive remodel and both vertical and horizontal expansion, the project turns a constrained urban footprint into a sequence of serene, art-forward living spaces that unfold upward toward expansive city views. The architecture balances restraint and warmth: crisp contemporary geometry softened by natural materials, artful lighting, and carefully curated interiors. The result is a home that feels simultaneously grounded and elevated—deeply connected to its neighborhood yet remarkably private. Reimagining the Urban Envelope The original building has been almost entirely reconceived. The facade now reads as a disciplined composition of plaster volumes and precisely detailed window openings framed by subtle projecting bands. The geometry references San Francisco’s classic rhythm of bayed facades while stripping the language down to a refined modern expression. Behind this quiet exterior lies a dramatically expanded interior volume. The redesign adds both additional floor area and new vertical circulation, transforming what was once a conventional city house into a multi-level architectural sequence organized around light, art, and views. At the roofline, planted terraces soften the building’s silhouette and create a green crown visible from surrounding hillsides. Interiors as a Sequence of Galleries Inside, the home unfolds as a series of spatial moments connected by a sculptural stair and gallery-like corridors. Wide plank oak floors run throughout, providing continuity and warmth against a palette of plaster walls, dark steel detailing, and natural stone. The hallways function almost as curated galleries, with layered artworks suspended in front of mesh panels that create depth and subtle shadow. Light filters through carefully placed windows and stair openings, transforming circulation spaces into contemplative transitions rather than mere passageways. A Living Room Anchored by Stone and Light The primary living room occupies one of the home’s central floors, where a quiet interplay of texture and geometry defines the space. A monumental fireplace wrapped in dark stone forms the room’s anchor, its mass contrasting with a recessed ceiling plane that seems to float above the seating area. Integrated perimeter lighting creates a soft architectural glow that washes the ceiling and walls. Furniture is sculptural yet understated—rounded lounge chairs in warm ochre velvet, tailored sofas, and a striking marble cocktail table whose expressive veining becomes a focal artwork in itself. Deep blue carpeting grounds the seating arrangement and subtly absorbs light, enhancing the calm atmosphere. Above the fireplace, a delicate projection artwork introduces a moment of visual poetry—an unexpected cinematic gesture that transforms the wall into a quietly animated canvas. Kitchen as Architectural Furniture The kitchen expresses a different register: crisp, tactile, and materially rich. Custom walnut cabinetry spans the wall in a continuous plane, punctuated only by the sculpted hood and integrated appliances. The wood’s depth and warmth are balanced by expanses of pale marble that flow seamlessly from countertop to backsplash. Three dome pendants hover above the island like industrial sculptures, casting pools of warm light onto the stone surface. A row of vivid red stools introduces a controlled burst of color, a small but confident departure from the otherwise restrained palette. Dining With a Living Backdrop Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room opens toward a glass wall overlooking a vertical garden of climbing ivy. The greenery becomes a constantly changing backdrop—lush and shadowy during the day, atmospheric and cinematic after sunset. A dark wood table anchors the room, surrounded by pale oak chairs whose understated forms echo Scandinavian design traditions. The simplicity of the furniture allows the view and natural light to become the dominant experience. Intimate Spaces and Material Contrast Throughout the home, smaller rooms offer moments of intimacy and material experimentation. The powder room pairs textured wall coverings with a dramatic black marble vanity whose bold veining feels almost geological. A suspended mirror and slender pendant create a sculptural composition against the tactile backdrop. The primary bedroom, by contrast, feels serene and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping views of the city, while soft textiles and warm wood paneling create a cocooning effect. Slender black columns subtly define a sitting area without interrupting the openness of the space. Bathing Above the City In the primary bathroom, a sculptural freestanding tub sits beside a panoramic window overlooking San Francisco’s hills and rooftops. The room’s palette—light oak, grey stone, and matte metals—reinforces the spa-like atmosphere. Floating cabinetry and integrated lighting maintain a sense of visual lightness despite the richness of the materials. Entertaining Above the Park Higher in the house, a lounge and bar area becomes the social heart of the home. Here, dark stone slabs with dramatic veining wrap the bar wall like a piece of monumental art. Open shelving displays glassware and spirits, while integrated wine storage hints at the home’s entertaining ambitions. A soft leather sectional and low glass table create a relaxed setting for conversation, framed by expansive views of the city skyline. Cinema and Retreat The lower level introduces yet another atmosphere: a dedicated media room designed for immersive viewing. Dark walls, plush seating, and soft lighting create a cinematic environment that contrasts intentionally with the airy upper floors. It’s a retreat within the home—intimate, quiet, and removed from the brightness above. Architecture That Balances Discipline and Warmth What makes the project particularly compelling is its balance between architectural discipline and lived warmth. Every element—from the carefully framed views to the restrained material palette—contributes to a cohesive spatial narrative. Yet the home never feels austere. Natural materials, curated art, and layered lighting create a sense of comfort and depth. The result is a house that feels both architecturally rigorous and deeply human. A Contemporary Interpretation of San Francisco Living In a neighborhood defined by historic homes and iconic park views, this transformation offers a contemporary interpretation of San Francisco living. It respects the city’s urban density while embracing openness, light, and vertical living. The home rises quietly above its surroundings, culminating in panoramic vistas that stretch across rooftops, hills, and sky. What began as a conventional structure has become something far more nuanced: a modern urban sanctuary—part gallery, part retreat, and wholly connected to the vibrant city just beyond its walls.

The crisp white walls, minimal floor tile, and suspended chandelier set a bright and modern tone as you enter the home. We swapped out the ornate stair rails for a modern, simplified baluster. However, we opted to keep the crown molding, trim, and door frames throughout the entire home. We decided to play off of the dramatic detailing by painting them a deep charcoal grey. It creates a bold contrast against the white walls in a modern and elevated way. Finally, we selected a modern, black leather sofa and sleek console table to complete the foyer, and painted the frame of the existing oversized mirror black.

Chic Farm house sink
Eat-in kitchen - mid-sized farmhouse galley ceramic tile eat-in kitchen idea in Houston with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, light wood cabinets, granite countertops, white backsplash, mosaic tile backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

Inspiration for a large open concept dark wood floor and brown floor living room remodel in Albuquerque with white walls, a standard fireplace, a stone fireplace and no tv

New granite counters, silver and mirrored backsplash, added glass to cabinet doors, plus new contrasting paint and lighting give this kitchen a makeover with an absolute WOW factor!