This lovely Regency building is in a magnificent setting with fabulous sea views. The Regents were influenced by Classical Greece as well as cultures from further afield including China, India and Egypt. Our brief was to preserve and cherish the original elements of the building, while making a feature of our client’s impressive art collection. Where items are fixed (such as the kitchen and bathrooms) we used traditional styles that are sympathetic to the Regency era. Where items are freestanding or easy to move, then we used contemporary furniture & fittings that complemented the artwork. The colours from the artwork inspired us to create a flow from one room to the next and each room was carefully considered for its’ use and it’s aspect. We commissioned some incredibly talented artisans to create bespoke mosaics, furniture and ceramic features which all made an amazing contribution to the building’s narrative. Brett Charles Photography

The design of this remodel of a small two-level residence in Noe Valley reflects the owner’s passion for Japanese architecture. Having decided to completely gut the interior partitions, we devised a better arranged floor plan with traditional Japanese features, including a sunken floor pit for dining and a vocabulary of natural wood trim and casework. Vertical grain Douglas Fir takes the place of Hinoki wood traditionally used in Japan. Natural wood flooring, soft green granite and green glass backsplashes in the kitchen further develop the desired Zen aesthetic. A wall to wall window above the sunken bath/shower creates a connection to the outdoors. Privacy is provided through the use of switchable glass, which goes from opaque to clear with a flick of a switch. We used in-floor heating to eliminate the noise associated with forced-air systems.

Mert Carpenter