This San Francisco home embraces color and texture, drawing inspiration from global influences. While deeply saturated tones like emerald, coral, and saffron stimulate the senses, rich wood tones and metals, along with the stunning beauty of natural stone, offer a quieter, more sophisticated counterpoint.
“The homeowners are an adventurous couple that considers traveling and cooking to be two of their favorite pastimes,” says interior designer Evgenia Merson. “They are both of Indian descent and have a collection of artwork and souvenirs that represent their shared heritage, as well as other special pieces they’ve brought home from their travels.” In designing their home, Evgenia aimed to bring modernity and natural light into the space, while also adding rich colors and textures that reflect their unique interests and heritage.
Transforming the home required a full gut renovation that took nearly two years. “At one point during the process, there was no roof over the entire main floor,” Evgenia recalls. “Early in construction, we decided to explore the possibility of adding a roof deck, which delayed the timeline and put portal construction on hold while we waited for permits. The clients were very involved throughout the entire process, living in the lower unit of the same building, which allowed them to closely supervise each step.”
As you enter the home, you’re greeted by a stairway that leads to the main level, where sweeping views of the bay and an abundance of daylight offer a welcome surprise. “We designed the stairs to feel minimal and modern, using a custom glass railing and white oak handrails,” Evgenia says. “The viewer’s eyes are drawn to the custom pendant and the antique sculpture that adorns the stairway, as well as the breathtaking views of the city.”
The dining room features walnut and brass wall-mounted shelves, found at Rejuvenation. “The shelves offer a lot of storage, but still feel airy and open,” the designer explains. “The modular configuration allowed us to create an asymmetrical design that follows the profile of the kitchen island and promotes balance.” The shelves become a focal point in the room, displaying the clients’ cherished collected items.
In the primary bedroom, Evgenia used Roman Clay on the walls. “The color is Patagonia by Portola Paints, a creamy beige that offers just the right amount of movement and texture and plays so beautifully with the natural daylight,” she says. “Combined with the wooden shutters, it gives off an old-world, slightly rustic feel.”
The lighting also plays a big role in the overall look and feel. “I’m really happy with the lighting we selected for the project,” the designer explains. “While they are all different and sourced from a number of vendors, they are complementary and relate to one another. Some lean more modern, some midcentury, while others are more rustic. Two favorites are the Ajedrez pendant from L’ Aviva Home, and the Utah ceiling light from Gallery 7.”
Like many major renovations, managing the budget proved to be the biggest challenge. “We wanted to create something authentic and unique while remaining mindful of overall costs,” Evgenia says. “It was important to carefully maneuver and allocate funds to the right areas, balancing aesthetics with the quality of materials.” The final result strikes a beautiful balance between timeless design and deeply personal expression.
