Project Details
Interior Design: Jenny Magdol and Steffie Oehm of Alter Interiors
Location: San Francisco, California
Client Review: This home is for a family of four who just moved from London to San Francisco and wanted to settle down on a quiet street near the city’s Buena Vista Park. They obviously wanted to consider the home’s existing Spanish Revival architecture, which was also a requirement for us. We wouldn’t design a home that doesn’t speak to its architecture. However, the client is really into botany and florals. They were brave and went for a lot of color, which was cool in this project. The space also needed to function well: the couple has two children, and they love to host, so nothing could be too precious.
Design Aims: Covering an entire room in a floral wasn’t really an option for the clients, but we strategically applied pattern on more modern pieces. We also tried to show that in subtle and not-so-subtle ways with the accessories. You’ll see there are these “Blumenspiel” tin flowers by RaR, plus ceramic pieces with floral elements. We added those elements as much as we could without overwhelming the space.
From the Designer
One of our favorite spaces is definitely the reading nook. Our clients wanted to have a formal hosting space that could also be multipurpose for the whole family. Before, they had a little chair and run-of-the-mill storage — and it was kind of an afterthought. We thought that if we could make this space solve many of their functionality requirements, it would draw people into that room. Formal living rooms are often untouched, and [the clients] really didn’t want it to feel like an unused room. We added the nook so the kids could participate in that room as they do arts and crafts.
The nook really helped the kids have a quiet space without a television. We have a lot of storage that hides the art supplies below, bookshelves above, and a folding desk that comes down. You can also use the custom bench — which is upholstered in a botanical fabric from S. Harris via Fabricut — to lounge or read a book. The bench is at a good height: You can sit down with your laptop and do some work. Or, if you have a party, you can bring over a little drink table and [create] a loungey area to enjoy a cocktail before dinner.
Photography by Suzanna Scott.
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