Modern cable railing to keep the soaring view open. Redwood trees exaggerate the vertical, and emphasize the breathtaking view.
Example of a small minimalist home design design in San Francisco

An existing 70’s brick home nestled streets away from the beach, is in dire need of a transformation. The existing home had the bones to accommodate a substantial renovation, some modifications to the layout, adding an extension and exaggerating the existing raked ceilings in the main living area impacts the new home. The home itself is a relatively disjointed 70’s home, so cleaver planning was imperative to make the most of the interior space. Large open plan living areas with adjoining outdoor entertaining was important. The owners are a young family who enjoy family and entertaining so interaction with the outdoor alfresco was essential not only for quality of living but to appear as a continuation of the main living area to increase the zone visually. My client’s fresh approach; introduction of modern materials with a hint of Scandinavian and industrial, an improved working area and a functional space for cooking and preparing meals.

My clients love of the Art Deco design period was the inspiration behind this formal, yet approachable, dining room design. In order for this room to look "complete" we had to add many elements including chair rail, wallpaper, and custom window treatments to add a feeling of luxury and style. If we kept things too "plan" we would not have been able to achieve this glamorous end result! Grand host and hostess chairs with exaggerated backs mixed with a fun geometric pattern on the side chairs, plays wistfully with the damask pattern on the wallpaper, as well as the silk drapes. A shiny centerpiece on the dining table ads a bit of glamour to the tabletop.

THE SHADOW HOUSE IS A PRODUCT OF THE CONTEXT IT SITS WITHIN, YET IT SUBVERTS IT AT THE SAME TIME. IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE IT UP CLOSE, YET FROM AFAR IT DISAPPEARS INTO THE ETHER. A TINY LOT, A LARGE PROGRAM, RESTRICTIVE ZONING REGULATIONS AND AN INVOLVED NEIGHBORHOOD INTEREST GROUP WERE THE CONSTANT AND UNRELENTING PRESSURES THAT CREATED THIS HOUSE — AND THE RESULT IS BETTER OFF FOR IT. THE SCALLOPED SHINGLES ARE A COMMON ELEMENT ACROSS THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT ARE OFTEN RESERVED FOR DETAIL AREAS UNDER EAVES, AS THE MATERIAL WAS VERY EXPENSIVE ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO. WE TOOK THAT HIGHLY-SPECIALIZED, VERY EXCLUSIVE MATERIAL AND APPLIED IT AS A BROAD, MASS-PRODUCED TEXTURE ACROSS THE ENTIRE RESIDENCE — TAKING SOMETHING FROM HIGHLIGHT TO BACKGROUND TEXTURE. THE SILHOUETTE DIRECTLY ECHOES THE ITALIANATE HOMES IN THE LARGER NEIGHBORHOOD — BUT WE STRIPPED THE TYPICAL ORNATE, DECORATED FAÇADE BACK TO UTTER MINIMALISM. WE ENLARGED THE TYPICAL WINDOW SIZE TO EXAGGERATE THE RIGID SYMMETRY OF THE STYLE, AND BROUGHT THEM TO THE FLOOR AND THE CEILING TO PROVIDE AS MUCH LIGHT AS POSSIBLE — AND THEN RECESSED THEM DEEP INTO THE FAÇADE TO MIMIC THE HEAVY BRICK AND STONE LINTELS OF THE PAST. THE HOUSE IS BLACK — THE ONLY COLOR IT COULD BE. IF WE’D PAINTED IT UP LIKE ITS VICTORIAN SISTERS, IT WOULD’VE COMPETED FOR ATTENTION. BLACK CAUSES THE HOUSE TO SIMULTANEOUSLY DISAPPEAR AND STAND OUT — IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE WHILE YOU’RE WALKING PAST, BUT A FEW BLOCKS AWAY IT BECOMES IMPOSSIBLE TO DISCERN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND. TWO BEDROOMS WITH EN-SUITE BATHS, FLOOR-TO-CEILING WINDOWS, AN AIRY AND OPEN STAIRCASE AND A MASSIVE GLASS ROOF DOOR MAKE THE SHADOW HOUSE IMPOSSIBLY LIGHT AND OPEN — YET IT’S ONLY 1,400 SQUARE FEET ON A 30’ X 50’ LOT.

A popular chair form since the 4th Century, our version of the esteemed Klismos design includes a lower profile seat and exaggerated back panel. Finished in Tuxedo Black with custom designed Nickel metal accents, the seat is covered in rich cognac leather. A beautifully designed statement piece. Dimensions: 27.75W x 23.75D x 29.5H Seat Height: 18 Features: Nickel-Plated Metal Ferrule and Back Support Contains 2 Chairs Per Carton Construction: Plush Poly Foam Tight Seat

The homeowners wanted a sleek, contemporary kitchen that didn't feel cold, and still worked with the style of their classic, red brick colonial home. The design team, consisting of Bilotta senior designer, RitaLuisa Garcés and Billy Ceglia of Billy Ceglia Designs, opted for the warmth of traditional walnut cabinetry done in an exaggerated shaker style with ultra-thin stiles and rails and light textured laminate cabinets with distinct horizontal graining. The cabinetry they selected is Bilotta’s contemporary Artcraft line – European style cabinets manufactured in Canada. This combination of colors and textures helped solve another design issue: a long narrow space that opened directly into the family room. Cabinet colors and finishes helped to create the illusion of width in the space by situating the light cabinetry in an “L” across the rear wall and window wall of the space and “bookending” it with the full height walnut units that read more as paneling than cabinetry when viewed from the adjoining family room. The large simple island outfitted with Donghia counter stools, allows for an uninterrupted work space, storage of tabletop items, and also houses a “snack zone” for the client’s children with cabinetry and roll-outs for snacks, a microwave, and a beverage center all within easy reach, but outside of the main work area. The custom stainless steel exhaust hood and handcrafted tile backsplash also add subtle visual interest to the space, reinforcing the idea that the back walls of the kitchen recede into the background creating the illusion of more space. The centerpiece of the breakfast room is the multi light, hand blown chandelier from Niche Modern hanging above a blue lacquered breakfast table with stainless steel detailing and vintage Saarinen dining chairs. Together the components create a comfortable spot to dine, or just hang out. Designers: RitaLuisa Garcés in collaboration with Billy Ceglia of Billy Ceglia Designs; Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Stacked cabinets and slightly exaggerated crown molding make the most of high ceilings in this airy kitchen. The Graphite Black range hood matches the island, trimmed with white oak to match shelving in the pantry.

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come.

The Oak Street renovation has completely transformed the 70’s era split level home into a sophisticated modern oasis! By extending the kitchen into the existing dining room space, we’re able to maximize functionality and flow between the kitchen and new dining room area. By opening up the wall to create a large pass-through between kitchen and dining, we’ve created the perfect solution to visibly combine all areas and make an ideal design solution for entertaining while providing plenty of seating around the peninsula. High vaulted ceilings exaggerate the ceiling height and work beautifully with the tall cabinetry which brings the down the human scale of vertical space. Slick black Cambria Black quartz countertops and dark metal finishes provide high contrast against the white cabinets and create a high end look. A warm gray stained oak hardwood flooring adds warmth to the space keeping the overall look light and soft. It’s easy to see why this beautiful kitchen transformation has become the heart of the home with a new functional, modern design for the whole family.

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come.

Dimensional pyramid shaping draws all eyes to the Aventura entertainment credenza. The textured aluminum base offers tapered legs in a Frosted Nickel finish. Behind the doors are adjustable and removable shelves, vents and covered grommet holes. A Marcona wood finish adds a chic but rustic look as the perfect final touch. Inspired by relaxed California style, Aventura transforms traditional silhouettes with the restraint of a minimalist approach and the warmth of a rustic finish. Dramatic variations in wood grain add depth and texture to exaggerated molding, cameo door fronts and the clean lines of simple forms. Signature pieces feature carved statement legs and posts or prominent metal detailing. Bold hardware and the shine of textured metal highlights subtle geometric surface dimension, while pale cast stone lends an airy lightness. The collection builds on familiar forms with a fresh, modern update for a look with bright, casual sophistication.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

This remodel took a dated and cramped bathroom and transformed it into a classy oasis for our Lowry clients. The clients had a limited budget and wanted to leave the space as in-place as possible. However, the large drop in tub ate valuable floor space and a half wall between the shower and tub had become a holding place for random items without a home. The thick frame on the shower glass made the shower feel extremely small, and the dated lighting and fixtures further depressed the space. We proposed a traditional and elegant design that consider the client's budgetary and spatial constraints. We removed the existing drop-in tub and replaced it with a lovely free-standing soaker. The length of this tub is short, but the depth is exaggerated, making it an ideal replacement in this tiny footprint. The shower glass was swapped for framless glass that boldly expands space. We tore out the existing carpet and installed gorgeous wood-look tile that adds depth and warmth to the room. The clients opted to keep their existing vanity to save cost, so a new top was added to bring the aesthetic up to the level of the new additions. The wall paint was taken from a buttery yellow to a soft gray-green, accented by a darker version of this same color on the siding barn door and toilet room door. New vanity lights, faucets, and storage shelves were installed to help our clients organize and keep things off the counter tops. Finally, new custom up-down window shades were curated for the bathroom to add to the final touch. This space is a simple scope with a dramatic transformation that introduces a timeless look for years to come.

A bar area which boasts beautiful quartz countertops, an exaggerated quartz backsplash, floating shelves and plenty of storage is ready and waiting for late night card games and cocktails alike.

The Aventura door chest has a bright, casual sophistication thanks to a statement-making metal overlay. Showcasing geometric cutouts, the overlay allows a mirrored back to show through on two push-to-open, soft-close doors. The doors each conceal one adjustable shelf. Inspired by relaxed California style, Aventura transforms traditional silhouettes with the restraint of a minimalist approach and the warmth of a rustic finish. Dramatic variations in wood grain add depth and texture to exaggerated molding, cameo door fronts and the clean lines of simple forms. Signature pieces feature carved statement legs and posts or prominent metal detailing. Bold hardware and the shine of textured metal highlights subtle geometric surface dimension, while pale cast stone lends an airy lightness. The collection builds on familiar forms with a fresh, modern update for a look with bright, casual sophistication.

The clients for this project wanted a home with a traditional feel that fit the local aesthetic, but with a contemporary flare. The gabled forms and materials call back, while the exaggerated knee-braces and large banks of windows lend a little modernity. With a northerly exposure towards the lake the design opens up to the view without having concerns about excessive solar gain. A personal touch was added by the client fabricating the brackets for the post and beam connections.

This project is an incredible transformation and the perfect example of successful style mixing! This client, and now a good friend of TVL (as they all become), is a wonderfully eclectic and adventurous one with immense interest in texture play, pops of color, and unique applications. Our scope in this home included a full kitchen renovation, main level powder room renovation, and a master bathroom overhaul. Taking just over a year to complete from the first design phases to final photos, this project was so insanely fun and packs an amazing amount of fun details and lively surprises. The original kitchen was large and fairly functional. However, the cabinetry was dated, the lighting was inefficient and frankly ugly, and the space was lacking personality in general. Our client desired maximized storage and a more personalized aesthetic. The existing cabinets were short and left the nice height of the space under-utilized. We integrated new gray shaker cabinets from Waypoint Living Spaces and ran them to the ceiling to really exaggerate the height of the space and to maximize usable storage as much as possible. The upper cabinets are glass and lit from within, offering display space or functional storage as the client needs. The central feature of this space is the large cobalt blue range from Viking as well as the custom made reclaimed wood range hood floating above. The backsplash along this entire wall is vertical slab of marble look quartz from Pental Surfaces. This matches the expanse of the same countertop that wraps the room. Flanking the range, we installed cobalt blue lantern penny tile from Merola Tile for a playful texture that adds visual interest and class to the entire room. We upgraded the lighting in the ceiling, under the cabinets, and within cabinets--we also installed accent sconces over each window on the sink wall to create cozy and functional illumination. The deep, textured front Whitehaven apron sink is a dramatic nod to the farmhouse aesthetic from KOHLER, and it's paired with the bold and industrial inspired Tournant faucet, also from Kohler. We finalized this space with other gorgeous appliances, a super sexy dining table and chair set from Room & Board, the Paxton dining light from Pottery Barn and a small bar area and pantry on the far end of the space. In the small powder room on the main level, we converted a drab builder-grade space into a super cute, rustic-inspired washroom. We utilized the Bonner vanity from Signature Hardware and paired this with the cute Ashfield faucet from Pfister. The most unique statements in this room include the water-drop light over the vanity from Shades Of Light, the copper-look porcelain floor tile from Pental Surfaces and the gorgeous Cashmere colored Tresham toilet from Kohler. Up in the master bathroom, elegance abounds. Using the same footprint, we upgraded everything in this space to reflect the client's desire for a more bright, patterned and pretty space. Starting at the entry, we installed a custom reclaimed plank barn door with bold large format hardware from Rustica Hardware. In the bathroom, the custom slate blue vanity from Tharp Cabinet Company is an eye catching statement piece. This is paired with gorgeous hardware from Amerock, vessel sinks from Kohler, and Purist faucets also from Kohler. We replaced the old built-in bathtub with a new freestanding soaker from Signature Hardware. The floor tile is a bold, graphic porcelain tile with a classic color scheme. The shower was upgraded with new tile and fixtures throughout: new clear glass, gorgeous distressed subway tile from the Castle line from TileBar, and a sophisticated shower panel from Vigo. We finalized the space with a small crystal chandelier and soft gray paint. This project is a stunning conversion and we are so thrilled that our client can enjoy these personalized spaces for years to come. Special thanks to the amazing Ian Burks of Burks Wurks Construction for bringing this to life!

The homeowners wanted a sleek, contemporary kitchen that didn't feel cold, and still worked with the style of their classic, red brick colonial home. The design team, consisting of Bilotta senior designer, RitaLuisa Garcés and Billy Ceglia of Billy Ceglia Designs, opted for the warmth of traditional walnut cabinetry done in an exaggerated shaker style with ultra-thin stiles and rails and light textured laminate cabinets with distinct horizontal graining. The cabinetry they selected is Bilotta’s contemporary Artcraft line – European style cabinets manufactured in Canada. This combination of colors and textures helped solve another design issue: a long narrow space that opened directly into the family room. Cabinet colors and finishes helped to create the illusion of width in the space by situating the light cabinetry in an “L” across the rear wall and window wall of the space and “bookending” it with the full height walnut units that read more as paneling than cabinetry when viewed from the adjoining family room. The large simple island outfitted with Donghia counter stools, allows for an uninterrupted work space, storage of tabletop items, and also houses a “snack zone” for the client’s children with cabinetry and roll-outs for snacks, a microwave, and a beverage center all within easy reach, but outside of the main work area. The custom stainless steel exhaust hood and handcrafted tile backsplash also add subtle visual interest to the space, reinforcing the idea that the back walls of the kitchen recede into the background creating the illusion of more space. The centerpiece of the breakfast room is the multi light, hand blown chandelier from Niche Modern hanging above a blue lacquered breakfast table with stainless steel detailing and vintage Saarinen dining chairs. Together the components create a comfortable spot to dine, or just hang out. Designers: RitaLuisa Garcés in collaboration with Billy Ceglia of Billy Ceglia Designs; Photo Credit: Peter Krupenye

Built in 1930, the home, a magnificent reproduction of the Georgian architectural style, was situated on a large property with mature landscaping, pool, and river views. The clients commissioned JRML to design a screened porch, requesting that the design harmonize with the existing architecture. The existing home featured a flat-roofed sun porch on its left side. For contrast, we decided on a gabled roof to enhance the effect of perspective from the oblique driveway approach, and natural lighting using skylights. Two wood-clad steel beams enabled the roof to span the entire length without interior support. For harmony, we painted the plywood white to match the existing sun porch, and for cost, limited the masonry to a skirt with exaggerated pilasters. For rhythm and variety, we introduced the arches into the linear composition of the false window band. The interior featured complementary millwork details. Removable screened panels with false meeting rails mimic windows. The beaded paneling expresses the ceiling’s linearity. Stamped concrete was specified for the floor for easy cleaning. The white interior of the screened porch allows the landscaping, pool, and water views to support the outdoor experience.