SAN ANSELMO: One Of My Most Eclectic Transformations To Date!
Photography: Jessica Burke
This project was a significant milestone for my firm in several ways. My client had already worked with another designer, but unfortunately, the project was mismanaged, and as a result, she was feeling frustrated and had no tangible results to show for the investment. This scenario is quite common in the industry, but it presented us with an opportunity for my firm to shine. Additionally, this project was unique in that it was done entirely remotely. I was not able to visit the physical space until the photoshoot at the end. Despite these challenges, I was excited to take on this project, and I'm delighted to share my journey with you.
The Challenges
Taking over a project where a client has already invested time, energy, and money can be quite challenging, particularly when you feel frustrated and let down at the beginning. My main goal was to earn my client's trust right from the start. We had to start from scratch and work closely with her to understand her vision, ensuring that it was brought to life. Although working remotely can be a challenge in some ways, working closely with the client and the team and being overly precise in communication makes it no different than being able to walk the space.
Before
The home had a beautiful layout, but some issues needed to be addressed. The darker walls and hardwood made the ceilings appear low, making the rooms feel small and enclosed. The formal living and dining room had potential but were not being utilized to their fullest extent. The kitchen and master bedroom had similar issues—the foundations were there, but they needed to be taken to the next level.
The Solution
The first step was to ensure that my client felt heard and that her vision was being brought to life. We worked closely to understand her style and preferences. Although my portfolio had a more traditional aesthetic, we found common ground as she sought a more unique and eclectic design. We wanted to make the space feel brighter and more open, so we used a lighter paint color on all the walls. To fix the issue of the dark hardwood floors, we chose lighter area rugs. We combined some of the pieces my client already owned with custom furnishings to bring in color and textures.
My client discovered a perfect rug that matched her design aesthetic at a vintage store in San Anselmo. I wanted to mention this to emphasize the fact that vintage stores have many hidden treasures waiting to be found. Additionally, we incorporated some stunning mid-century wooden chairs with olive green upholstery from Soho Home, which beautifully anchored the room.
We also ensured that the rooms were not overdesigned, leaving space for future growth and pieces to be incorporated into the home. The result was an eclectic design that perfectly reflected my client's style and vision.
The HIGHLIGHT
One of the most memorable aspects of this project was the office space. We transformed a previously underutilized and dark area into a beautiful office/guest room. Despite the limited space, I was able to create two distinct areas that blended seamlessly together. One side of the room had a more formal office feel, with built-in shelves painted in Benjamin Moore's DragonFly color, which served as the focal point of the room. On the other side, I designed a built-in day bed that could be used to accommodate guests or as a cozy reading nook. To create a relaxing ambiance, I opted for a softer color palette.
My client had some fabric from her work in Africa that she wanted to incorporate into the design, so I had custom pillow coverings made. The artwork, finishes, and overall outcome of the project brought me so much joy.
“Stylish and sophisticated but inviting and practical. Unique and slightly eclectic, but with design intention behind it. It feels like me!”
The End
This project became one of my favorites and was a true win for my firm. Hearing my client say that working with us was a breath of fresh air made me truly happy. While aesthetics play a crucial role, we understand that project management and finding optimal solutions for our clients are equally important. Every scenario is unique, and we approach each project with a fresh perspective.
If you are considering renovating or at a standstill on a current interior design project, my team would love to hear from you, please reach out to me.
Cheers!
Julie