Applegate Tran gets swanky in San Fran

Swanky in San Fran

ESCHEWING EXPECTATION, APPLEGATE TRAN BOLDLY PERSONALIZES A RESIDENCE FOR LUXE LIVING

BY JANE DAGMI PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER STARK

When their clients bought this newly constructed Pacifi c Heights four-level fi ve-bedroom house, all parties thought the project would strictly entail decorating … albeit lots of it. Feeling their way around the dwelling, however, it became clear that to truly make the home theirs, they would need to do some remodeling as well as update some of the fi nishes — to replace the overused and trendy espresso-builder-brown of the day. The project lasted a year and a half. Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran, principals of Applegate Tran Interiors, had worked with the woman previously. “We know her personality, where she travels, how she entertains,” Tran says, noting that he led that fi rst project, and Applegate would spearhead the second. Tran, who considers himself more streamlined and risk-averse than Applegate, says his partner was the better fi t – his intuitive approach to making bold statements with materials was more simpatico with her taste for glamour, shiny things and butterfl ies.

Opposite: While the woman of the house has a very adventurous style, the man’s taste steers traditional and structured. In his saff ron-hued study, for example, the designers gave the space oomph using texture instead of pronounced pattern. Tran says, “We wanted it to be bold but not busy. Rug: Kyle Bunting.

This page top left then clockwise: The entrance’s restrained palette is enlivened by an array of refl ective surfaces and objects, from the marble fl oors to the infi nity mirror with butterfl ies, and “Cascade,” a 9’x9’ commissioned artwork by Tran who took inspiration from Klimt; The rooftop terrace maintains the colorful groove with furniture by Paola Lenti sourced at DZine in San Francisco; The butterfl y installation that inspired the color direction; The kitchen remodel included refacing the cabinets in a white lacquer and redefi ning the wet bar cabinet in a high gloss wood veneer with inlaid brass.

We love that the client was willing to take risks with artwork, lighting, fabrics and materials. There is such a mix and it all works harmoniously together.” – Gioi Tran

An installation of gem-toned butterfl ies, in fact, informed Applegate’s color direction as he dosed out saturated hues and grayed-down shades, juxtaposed with brass and chrome, along with exotic woods and agate. Tran was commissioned to make several large abstract paintings that also incorporated the butterfl y palette.

Applegate relished the pursuit of fi nding furnishings and art that refl ected his client’s sassy and elegant demeanor. “I have a passion for color, texture and pattern and when I fi nd a client that has the same passion, I enjoy pushing the envelope and bringing their personality into the design,” he says.

With roughly 10,000 square feet of space, multiple sitting rooms and two dining areas, there was plenty of opportunity to exercise a rich and jubilant aesthetic, including the wraparound terrace which off ers comfortable lounging and panoramic views of San Francisco’s most coveted sites.