The design journey of a Hillsborough, California residence, spanning nearly 8,000 square feet, illustrates how a stark, new construction can evolve into a deeply personalized and inviting abode. Initially a minimalist structure with clean lines and expansive views of the San Francisco Bay, the house was, in the words of creative director Jenni Witt, “basically a white box.” The homeowner sought to infuse the space with warmth and individuality, leading to a collaboration with Los Angeles-based designer Luke Foss.Crafting a Soulful Residence: An Unconventional Design Evolution
Phased Transformation: An Adaptive Approach to Interior Design
To breathe life into the expansive property, Witt and the homeowner enlisted Luke Foss, known for his flexible design sensibilities. The homeowner desired active involvement in the design process and, already residing in the house with his two children, necessitated a phased renovation strategy. Foss's team meticulously transformed one section at a time, primarily during the family's summer absences. Witt noted, “Because the client was used to creating things iteratively in his own career, he asked us to take a similar approach. He did not mind living in a work-in-progress, because he understood it would get better and better over time.” This iterative method allowed for continuous refinement, ensuring the home progressively aligned with the family's evolving needs and aesthetic preferences.
Prioritizing Spaces: A Strategic Renovation Plan
Foss initiated the project by establishing a clear hierarchy of spaces, addressing the most critical areas first. The primary living spaces downstairs were completed during the inaugural summer. Subsequent summers saw the revitalization of the upper living room, the kitchen, and the homeowner's office. The final phase focused on integrating accessories and renovating the bathrooms, demonstrating a structured yet adaptable approach to the extensive remodel. This systematic progression ensured that each area received dedicated attention while minimizing disruption to the family's life.
Cultivating Character: Blending Functionality with Personal Expression
The house's transformation also mirrored a new chapter in the homeowner's life, recently single and seeking an environment that facilitated entertainment, artistic exploration, and comfort for his children. A key request was an analog aesthetic, with an emphasis on optimizing the home's flow and functionality. Collaborating with Witt, art consultant Nicolás Colón, and Pete Moffatt Construction, the team embraced a “loose, comfortable, casual” style, characteristic of Northern California design. This meant avoiding overly formal elements, creating spaces where guests could comfortably relax on floors or cushions, fostering intimate conversations and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Art of Entry: A Thoughtful Welcome
The entry area was conceived as a pivotal space, setting the mood for the entire home. Foss and Witt meticulously crafted a composition of evocative art, organic forms, and expressive elements. Rough-edged bluestone tile flooring provides a tactile foundation, complementing a George Nakashima table crafted from walnut and rosewood, seemingly defying gravity on a single leg. This table hosts a polka-dot ceramic vessel by Addison Woolsey, while an eight-foot schefflera bonsai extends from a cement pedestal, forming a "beautifully asymmetrical composition" from what was once an oversized rock pit. This attention to detail ensured a striking and harmonious first impression.
Dynamic Living: Adapting to Diverse Needs
In the living room, a modular, chocolate-brown suede sofa by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani serves as a versatile centerpiece. It can be arranged for intimate discussions or pushed aside to create an open space for dancing on the gold mohair rug. A vintage Noguchi lamp, featuring a color-changing bulb, provides adaptable lighting, transitioning seamlessly from ambient to festive. Foss noted that this feature allows for “party lights without it feeling, you know, too on the nose,” enabling the space to shift “from day to night and still feel tasteful.” This adaptability underscores the home's design philosophy, catering to both quiet family moments and lively gatherings.
Sanctuary and Sound: The Primary Bedroom's Innovations
The primary bedroom was designed as a sanctuary, incorporating bespoke elements for comfort and creative expression. A custom cork bed by Doug McCollough integrates a sound system with custom aluminum speakers, meticulously synced with the rest of the house by a sound engineer. Foss envisioned it as akin to a “’70s Elvis bed that had the weird switches and toggles,” allowing for manual control of playlists without needing a phone. Art by Suki SeoYoung Kang further enhances the room's unique character, contributing to an environment that is both technologically advanced and intimately personal.
Kids' Realms and Artistic Expressions: Personalized Spaces
Color and comfort were paramount in the children's rooms. Each child had the autonomy to choose their room's color scheme, fostering a sense of ownership and personalization. The spaces feature playful elements like a panda sculpture by Jasmin Anoschkin and a multimedia painting by Strauss Bourque-LaFrance. Foss emphasized that “The artists in the collection range from international blue-chip to local and emerging,” reflecting a deliberate choice to integrate art that inspires and stands the test of time, rather than chasing fleeting trends. Witt observed that this thoughtful approach ensured the client and his children were genuinely happy with their customized spaces.
Harmonizing Function and Aesthetics: Thoughtful Touches
Throughout the house, every detail contributes to a cohesive yet eclectic aesthetic. In the bathroom, art and objects soften crisp lines and neutral tones, creating a tranquil retreat. A vibrant stool by Reinaldo Sanguino from The Future Perfect contrasts with a vintage Beni rug, while vintage '60s sconces by Vico Magistretti complement glass objects by Jonah Takagi. Witt praised Foss's ability to infuse the Northern California sensibility with the area’s rich craft history, adding “funny twists to appeal to our client's sense of humor.” This harmonious blend of elements ensures every corner of the home feels thoughtfully curated.
The Staircase: A Metaphorical Ascent
One of the most striking features is the staircase, which underwent a series of creative adjustments. Foss and Witt observed the shifting light from cool green on the lower floor to warm golden hues on the upper level, envisioning the stairwell as a journey from a forest floor to the treetops. The original glass railing, deemed too impersonal by Foss, was replaced with a custom aluminum rail. To allow light penetration, Foss commissioned John Hogan to create glass inserts, which were meticulously placed to capture the changing mood of the light. The resulting effect, described by Foss as “little melted pieces of candy,” creates a unique and enchanting transitional space.
Curated Collections: The Soul of the Home
The home's character is profoundly shaped by its curated art collection and selection of vintage furnishings. Art consultant Colón highlighted that the artwork “reflected the wisdom of a life well lived,” with pieces like Shannon Rogers’s Myriad and Robert Rauschenberg’s Seminole Host / ROCI USA (Wax Fire Works). Foss, with his background in furniture, relished the process of sourcing pieces like a bright orange Flos Snoopy table lamp and a space-age vintage armchair by Ettore Sottsass. These pieces, chosen for their provenance and craftsmanship, imbue the space with a sense of history and soul, creating a home that is not just aesthetically pleasing but also deeply meaningful.
Outdoor Living: An Extension of Entertainment
The outdoor area mirrors the interior's emphasis on comfort and entertaining. A staggered arrangement of Cassina Sail outdoor sofas, interspersed with vintage planters, creates an inviting setting for socializing. Foss designed these spaces with both adults and children in mind, stating, “A lot of it was built around entertaining and socializing. And also for the kids. [The homeowner] wanted them to feel comfortable.” Patinated copper sconces illuminate James Perse chairs, further enhancing the warm and welcoming outdoor ambiance. This seamless integration of indoor and outdoor living areas ensures that the entire property serves as a cohesive and enjoyable retreat.
