Perched atop a historic pre-war building in Russian Hill, this San Francisco apartment is accessed by nearly 75 private stairs leading up to the front door. The location allows for a 360-degree view, including a direct sightline to the Golden Gate Bridge from the dining room. “The elevated setting creates a unique sense of quiet, almost like a hidden retreat above the city,” says Holly Bossung, principal designer at Good Surroundings. “There’s even a subtle city soundtrack: the occasional ding of the nearby cable car. It offers the full San Francisco experience—textured, historic, and alive. The natural light and the rhythm of the neighborhood made it the perfect canvas for a peaceful, layered interior.”
When Holly moved into the home, she aimed to blend her own design sensibilities with that of her fiancé, merging their shared worldly perspectives into a singular, calming environment. “Our vision was clear: we wanted a space that felt grounded, expressive, and restorative,” she says. “Something that could hold our daily rituals while also inspiring creativity.”
Since the home is a rental, they were intentional about making it feel personal and complete for the next few years—a space that would feel like home while they look ahead to eventually buying. They already owned a few special pieces, like the Eames LCW chair, the Noguchi Akari 1N lamp, and a few unique large-scale art pieces. “Working around those existing elements helped anchor the design and brought a personal rhythm to the overall process,” Holly explains. “Natural light, sculptural forms, and thoughtful restraint were all essential from the start.”
In the dining room, a Williams Sonoma Home dining table and Noguchi-style pendant keep the material palette soft and organic, while a Hein Studio vase and solid wood chairs add sculptural warmth. The large-scale artwork is leaned against the wall, instead of hung. “That small choice made the space feel more like an artist’s studio, adding a relaxed tension to a traditionally formal room,” Holly says.
In the living room, a low bookshelf under the window offers storage for their ample book collection. A modular sofa from Rove Concepts was selected not only for its clean shape and comfort, but because it could be brought up the 75-step staircase piece by piece. A vintage Eames LCW chair adds warmth and iconic presence, while subtle pops of color—like fresh florals, unique pillows, and collected objects—bring quiet energy to the otherwise restrained palette.
There’s a well-appointed guest room, with a bold lacquered side table by The Lacquer Company and an Noguchi Akari 1N lantern, and the bathroom snagged extra storage with an acrylic shelving unit.
The project unfolded over six months. “The process was intentionally paced,” the designer says. “We took our time sourcing pieces that truly suited the space and reflected our values and taste. When the final layers came together, the space felt warm, welcoming. It’s a soft, grounding retreat in the middle of a vibrant city.”
