Proof that the adage “the best perfumes come in small bottles…” is true is this two-bedroom apartment in downtown San Francisco. We collaborated with the owner, a retired designer recently settled in San Francisco, to transform this non-descript modern space in a high rise building into a setting of panache and style. The living room was transformed into a “salon” where linen banquettes face a wall of portraits purchased over the years. Above the banquettes, current artwork by the owner is framed in various frame styles. In the center of the room, a round table draped with a toile de jouy and a linen cloth hosts a collection of vases and artifacts from his travels. A collection of chairs completes the room, including a stone garden seat, a French bergère, and a primitive African chair. One of the bedrooms is now an elegant dining room with a round table surrounded by archaic Chinese pottery and metal ware. A large Flemish tapestry creates a counterpoint to the Chinese objects. On opposite corners of the room, cozy reading seating areas were created to add to the versatility of the space. In the master bedroom, pillows made from antique Flemish tapestry enliven a linen bedspread. A large early 20th century portrait by John de Costa creates a link to the portraits in the living room.

Proof that the adage “the best perfumes come in small bottles…” is true is this two-bedroom apartment in downtown San Francisco. We collaborated with the owner, a retired designer recently settled in San Francisco, to transform this non-descript modern space in a high rise building into a setting of panache and style. The living room was transformed into a “salon” where linen banquettes face a wall of portraits purchased over the years. Above the banquettes, current artwork by the owner is framed in various frame styles. In the center of the room, a round table draped with a toile de jouy and a linen cloth hosts a collection of vases and artifacts from his travels. A collection of chairs completes the room, including a stone garden seat, a French bergère, and a primitive African chair. One of the bedrooms is now an elegant dining room with a round table surrounded by archaic Chinese pottery and metal ware. A large Flemish tapestry creates a counterpoint to the Chinese objects. On opposite corners of the room, cozy reading seating areas were created to add to the versatility of the space. In the master bedroom, pillows made from antique Flemish tapestry enliven a linen bedspread. A large early 20th century portrait by John de Costa creates a link to the portraits in the living room.

Proof that the adage “the best perfumes come in small bottles…” is true is this two-bedroom apartment in downtown San Francisco. We collaborated with the owner, a retired designer recently settled in San Francisco, to transform this non-descript modern space in a high rise building into a setting of panache and style. The living room was transformed into a “salon” where linen banquettes face a wall of portraits purchased over the years. Above the banquettes, current artwork by the owner is framed in various frame styles. In the center of the room, a round table draped with a toile de jouy and a linen cloth hosts a collection of vases and artifacts from his travels. A collection of chairs completes the room, including a stone garden seat, a French bergère, and a primitive African chair. One of the bedrooms is now an elegant dining room with a round table surrounded by archaic Chinese pottery and metal ware. A large Flemish tapestry creates a counterpoint to the Chinese objects. On opposite corners of the room, cozy reading seating areas were created to add to the versatility of the space. In the master bedroom, pillows made from antique Flemish tapestry enliven a linen bedspread. A large early 20th century portrait by John de Costa creates a link to the portraits in the living room.

Proof that the adage “the best perfumes come in small bottles…” is true is this two-bedroom apartment in downtown San Francisco. We collaborated with the owner, a retired designer recently settled in San Francisco, to transform this non-descript modern space in a high rise building into a setting of panache and style. The living room was transformed into a “salon” where linen banquettes face a wall of portraits purchased over the years. Above the banquettes, current artwork by the owner is framed in various frame styles. In the center of the room, a round table draped with a toile de jouy and a linen cloth hosts a collection of vases and artifacts from his travels. A collection of chairs completes the room, including a stone garden seat, a French bergère, and a primitive African chair. One of the bedrooms is now an elegant dining room with a round table surrounded by archaic Chinese pottery and metal ware. A large Flemish tapestry creates a counterpoint to the Chinese objects. On opposite corners of the room, cozy reading seating areas were created to add to the versatility of the space. In the master bedroom, pillows made from antique Flemish tapestry enliven a linen bedspread. A large early 20th century portrait by John de Costa creates a link to the portraits in the living room.

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.

Antonio martins posted 2 images to Hayes Valley Residence


Antonio martins posted 2 images to Hayes Valley Residence


Antonio martins posted 2 images to Hayes Valley Residence


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.

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