This San Francisco Edwardian had been primed for resale—which, in today’s terms, often means its original character had been stripped away. “The client had just bought the home in Bernal Heights, but unfortunately it was a victim of the minimalist trend that prioritizes resale over historical integrity,” says Chitra Kashyap of Revival Interior Design Studio. “The original moldings were all gone and the character had been bleached out. One of the main goals for this renovation was to give this home back its character and history.”
The house is a “forever home” for a mother, her two teenagers, and their dog. “The client has an amazing eye for design and a deep appreciation for Edwardian architecture and quality materials,” Chitra tells us. “Her top request was to move away from the generic white kitchen and restore the lost character of the home.”
This request set the tone for the entire remodel, and the client had a clear vision from the start. “One look at the client’s Pinterest board and I knew exactly the look she wanted for her kitchen,” Chitra recalls. “Her board was full of inspiration images from deVOL kitchens, featuring their signature painted cupboards, shaker cabinetry, and natural materials like stone worktops and unlacquered brass hardware.” The team removed the builder-grade cabinets and replaced them with custom inset cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Duck Green.
“Green almost acts as a neutral in this home,” the designer shares. “It feels organic and grounded.” A built-in plate rack and fluted-glass cabinets framing the hood offer visual relief from the solid cabinetry while adding a dose of English charm. “We splurged on the stunning deVOL Heirloom gaselier above the island,” Chitra continues. “It seemed a fitting choice because it’s inspired by historical pieces seen in old Victorian homes.” To ensure the space didn’t feel too new, the team selected unlacquered brass hardware, which will develop a beautiful patina over time.
Since space was limited in the dining area, they opted for banquette-style seating paired with a walnut trestle table from Loewen Design Studios. “The trestle base is a total game-changer for banquettes because it means nobody is knocking their knees when they slide in and out,” Chitra says.
“For the windows, I wanted something that felt raw and organic, so we went with traditional Indian chik blinds,” she notes. “The bamboo brings so much warmth and texture, and we added a block-print lining for a bit of privacy and some pattern.” A mid-century brass shield chandelier hangs above, and sconces came from Soho Home.
The living room balances historic details with modern furnishings. The team installed ornate acanthus crown molding and a handmade plaster ceiling medallion crafted by local artisan Lorna Kollmeyer. The home had a modern electric fireplace that did not fit the style, so they designed a custom Edwardian-style mantel just 5 inches deep to maintain good flow in the compact living room.
“The centerpiece of the living room is a striking Williams Sonoma cobalt blue sofa—a bold color choice that the client was really drawn to,” Chitra says. “To balance the high-saturation piece, we introduced earthy brown tones in the chairs and custom drapery. The chairs are family heirloom pieces that we reupholstered in Misia Paris-Vienne fabric. The custom pinch-pleat drapery features Casamance’s Herbes Folles fabric, adding texture and weight with its stunning embroidery.”
Perhaps the most transformative change is found in the stairway. Previously a builder-grade afterthought, the designer says it stood out like a sore thumb and did not reflect the style of an Edwardian home. “After several rounds of brainstorming, we decided to replace the drywall staircase with walnut-stained wooden balusters and install wall paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue,” she says. “It’s a reminder that restoration isn’t just about the main rooms—connecting spaces like hallways and staircases can become meaningful design moments that tie an entire home together.”
In the slideshow ahead, Chitra shares more details on the renovation—including the thoughtfully designed private spaces—along with sources that bring this restored Edwardian to life.
