Creation: Hayes Valley Residence

Description: My first house in San Francisco was built in 1891 and had been well maintained for decades by the original owner, a lover of all things Victorian. The challenge was to decorate the space in an eclectic style to balance the heavy Victorian detailing. When entering the space, one is greeted by a pair of Shan Burmese monks purchased in Bangkok in the early 90s. The Asian theme continues in the main living room with a large pair of compound chests, a red life-size Burmese seated Buddha and a papier-mâché Shan dynasty Buddha head. The square dining room was transformed into a family photo galley where the black & white images were placed symmetrically around the room. Two 10th century Champa stone lions were placed in front of windows and an “85 Lamps” chandelier by Droog, hung from the original ceiling medallion gives a contemporary touch. The kitchen was designed in a style consistent with the original Victorian detailing. Just off the kitchen is an open-air living room with a pair of Safari Chairs by Kaare Klint, purchased in Sweden. My favorite room was the dressing room/master bathroom, which I designed after returning from a trip to Africa. I was inspired by the legendary Mombo Camp. The shower is placed in the middle of the room and floor to ceiling draperies are used to control the water. The closet was constructed around four doors salvage from a mansion in Palo Alto.