Mountain style patio photo in Sacramento

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 veranda (opposite) overlooking Long Island Sound is a lovely spot to enjoy the design details of the rear grounds. The three-dimensional knot garden showcases a variety of dwarf boxwoods that are seasonally hand-pruned. The shrubs create the illusion of effortless entanglement, creating beautiful "knots". This feature is a juxtaposition to the adjacent cross-patterned courtyard.

Inspiration for a rustic dining room remodel in Sacramento

In this contemporary family room, design is not just about what fills the space — it’s about how it flows. The environment embraces curved lines, tactile balance, and natural materials to create a warm yet refined atmosphere, ideal for fall and winter living. At the heart of the room lies “River”, Kaymanta’s round rug handwoven in twisted Bamboo Silk. Its organic shape and dense texture anchor the layout without overpowering it, adding a grounded sense of calm beneath the furniture ensemble. The sculptural silhouette of the rug echoes the softness of the surrounding architecture and the quiet elegance of the selected furnishings. Neutral tones dominate the palette, enhanced by subtle layering and thoughtful material choices: soft upholstery, wood finishes, and muted lighting create a space that feels both lived-in and intentionally composed. Every detail serves to slow down time — to invite rest, presence, and contemplation. Designed to celebrate the beauty of imperfection and the strength of simplicity, this space exemplifies the spirit of Kaymanta’s Materia Viva collection: living materials, crafted by hand, made to connect.

Inspiration for a rustic exterior home remodel in Sacramento

A wall of soft green subway tile brings fresh color and texture to the main bath. Floating light wood cabinets topped with white marble add warmth and elegance, complemented by sleek black fixtures. Black rimmed mirrors are framed by elongated glass pendant lights, balancing modern design with a touch of sophistication.

Add patterns in unexpected places... Modern/Contemporary
Minimalist living room photo in Portland Maine

This space opens to a terrace overlooking the gardens and the pool in a continuous succession of spaces, fulfilling the entertaining requirements of the client.

Andreas Kunert
Photo of a contemporary landscaping in Vancouver.

Inspiration for a bathroom remodel in Boston

1960s bathroom photo in Tampa

Improve the quality of life with this modern creative wall clock. It is made of iron, acrylic bead, and optic, and painted by hand, which provides a strong texture of the metal. The blue dial comes with white scales and pointers, displaying the beauty of concise and light luxury. The mute movement of the clock makes it run silently and the clock informs you of the accurate time. Creating a unique landscape for your wall decor with this elegant art piece.

Pool - contemporary pool idea in Las Vegas

Huge transitional dark wood floor and brown floor kitchen photo in Other with an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, quartz countertops, gray backsplash, marble backsplash, stainless steel appliances and an island

1960s bathroom photo in Tampa

Simple lines and geometric patterns were utilized by our team in the design for this 1-bedroom unit. Cool colors in the materials were placed in contrast to the natural daylight coming outside and the warm lights used inside. These were all laid out to achieve a sense of formality and sophistication in their home.