11dfvdfdfv

Page 1

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017


Photo: Michel Gibert, image for advertising purposes only. Special thanks: Stone Sculpture museum of the Kubach-Wilmsen Foundation.

Kenzo Takada dresses the Mah Jong

Free spirited and audacious designer Kenzo Takada, known as "the most Parisian of Japanese fashion designers", has designed an exceptional collection of fabrics and ceramics for Roche Bobois. To dress the Mah Jong sofa, he drew inspiration from traditional kimonos of the NĂ´ theater. He reinterpreted the motifs and colors, creating delicate and sophisticated harmonies that symbolize the three times of the day: Asa (morning), Hiru (noon), and Yoru (evening).


Mah Jong. Modular sofa system, design Hans Hopfer. Upholstered in NĂ´ Gaku fabrics, Yoru version, designed by Kenzo Takada for Roche Bobois.

French Art de Vivre

Manufactured in Europe.

www.roche-bobois.com


Interior Landscapes


Engineered to perfection by Midland Cabinet Company Fine custom cabinetry & millwork since 1965

For more than 50 years, Midland has built and designed the finest custom cabinets and casework for the finest homes in the San Francisco Bay Area. Get in touch today to learn what we can do for you.

www.midlandcabinet.com 719 Industrial Road, San Carlos, CA 94070 650.594.0890




CONTENTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

FEATURES

68

DESIGN EXCELLENCE AND DISTINCTION Admired for the elegance and exceptional style of her décor, San Francisco Interior Designer Suzanne Tucker is being honored this month by fellow designers and architects. Diane Dorrans Saeks reports.

74

IT’S ALL IN THE EYE David Kensington, one of the West Coast’s most sought-after designers, shares insights and inspirations with Heide Van Doren Betz.

82

THE MODERN FARMHOUSE An extraordinary new estate in Woodside comes to life with masterful precision. ON THE COVER Interior designer Tineke Triggs helps transform a mid-century Tiburon house into a family’s dream home.


1010 EL CAMINO REAL, SUITE 90, MENLO PARK, CA 94025 | 650.322.4500 WWW.PARKGATEHOME.COM


CONTENTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

DEPARTMENTS

14

EDITOR’S NOTE Of Legends & Flowers

18

INSPIRATIONS Runway trends inform today’s best furnishings and accessories. Emily Heitmann reports.

30

SINGULAR SENSATION Virtuoso furnishings, light fixtures, bath fittings, and accessories

40

DESIGN NOTES Bathing Beauties. Two different takes on fabulous powder rooms.

50

DESIGN INTERVIEW Fresh & Fun. San Francisco-based interior designer Tineke Triggs helps transform a mid-century Tiburon house into a family’s dream home.

56

DESTINATION DESIGN Venetian Bliss. Serene and ultraprivate, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani affords a luxurious summer escape with garden villas, a pool, and private residences in a sixteenthcentury palazzo.

90

HOURS WITH Kim Larzelere



Founder/Executive Editor ELSIE FLORIANI President/Editorial Director STEFANIE LINGLE BEASLEY Art Director LISA M. DURI Creative Services Manager MICHAEL KANEMURA Editorial/Communications Manager CORRY COOK Chief Photographer JACK HUTCHESON Senior Editors ROBIN HINDERY / JILL LAYMAN Associate Editors BRIAN DOUGLAS / AMALIA MCGIBBON Style Editor EMILY HEITMANN Contributing Photographers EDWARD ADDEO / ROGER DAVIES ERIC RORER / SCOTT LASKY / CAESAR RUBIO Contributing Writer HEIDE VAN DOREN BETZ / DIANE DORRANS SAEKS Interns HARTLEY BONHAM / NATALIA CORDON / HUNTER MACDONALD / MAYA SHYDLOWSKI Chief Revenue Officer/Senior Vice President Sales GISELLE PARRY Senior VP/Associate Publishers BRENDA BECK / SARA SHAW Vice President /National Accounts NORENE SHEEHAN Senior Account Executives TIFFANY BIRCH / COLLIER C. GRANBERRY Chief Financial Officer DOT JUBY Director of Operations LISA LEMUS Distribution Management CALIFORNIA DELIVERY Printing RR DONNELLEY

ABOUT Gentry Home enables homeowners from San Francisco to Silicon Valley to discover the latest trends in architecture and interior design.

ONLINE Visit us online at www.18media.com. You can read complete editions of Gentry Home as well as other 18 Media publications on our website.

EDITORIAL Please send written correspondence by mail to: Gentry Home, Editorial Department, 873 Santa Cruz Avenue #206, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Email correspondence can be directed to: edit@18media.com.

CIRCULATION Gentry Home is published bimonthly and is poly-bagged and distributed with Gentry Magazine to nearly 30,000 homes in San Francisco, the Peninsula, and Silicon Valley.

ADVERTISING For information about advertising or for a personal appointment with a sales associate, please call Lisa Lemus at 650.324.1818 x200.

CIRCULATION SERVICES For questions about delivery, please call Lisa Lemus at 650.324.1818 x200, or send written correspondence to: Circulation Services, 873 Santa Cruz Avenue #206, Menlo Park, CA 94025.

SUBSCRIPTIONS, GIFTS, AND SINGLE COPIES To purchase a one-year subscription of Gentry Home, please send a $24 check, along with the proper name and address, to: Circulation Services, 873 Santa Cruz Avenue #206, Menlo Park, CA 94025. Please add $25 per year for foreign addresses. To send a gift of Gentry Home, along with your payment, name and address, please list the recipient’s name and address and we will send the recipient a gift card. If you would like to purchase a single copy of Gentry Home, please list the issue and month and enclose $7 per copy ordered.

Editorial Advisory Board Lina Broydo, Barbara Campisi, Rebecca-Sen Chan, Marilyn Dorsa, Nanci Fredkin, Mary Gebhardt, Marie LoPresto, Sandy Mandel, Teresa Medearis, Brian Neel, Kelly Porter, Margo Ritter, John Thibault, Terri Tiffany, Bernard Vogel III, Tess Wallace, Jane Yates

GENTRY HOME IS PUBLISHED SIX TIMES A YEAR BY 18 MEDIA INC., A CALIFORNIA CORPORATION. ENTIRE CONTENTS ©2017 BY 18 MEDIA INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR USE OF CONTENT IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT PERMISSION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. GENTRY HOME IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR ARTWORK. 18 MEDIA OFFICES ARE LOCATED AT 873 SANTA CRUZ AVENUE #206, MENLO PARK, CALIFORNIA 94025. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.


Well-Versed in all Architectural & Design Styles

Expert Woodworking, Inc. 924 Broadway Street, Redwood City, CA 94063 650.364.6168 • btupper@expertwoodworking.net CA Lic. #916868

www.expertwoodworking.com


OF LEGENDS & FLOWERS When most people think of fall, flowers are low on the list. We’ve been trained to equate the season with falling leaves, but here in San Francisco and Silicon Valley we’re blessed with year ’round blooms. The idea of perennial blooms permeated a lot of our planning for this issue. Not only does Style Editor Emily Heitmann celebrate them in her rose-filled Inspirations department (page 18), but next month’s San Francisco Fall Antiques Show (SFFAS) will be brimming with blossoms from tapestries to porcelains and so much more. We caught up with SFFAS Honorary Chair, fashion designer Andrew Gn, to ask him a few questions.

Stefanie Lingle Beasley // Editorial Director // edit@18media.com

We are thrilled that you will be part of the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show. How did you come to participate in this event? ANDREW GN: I have a great passion for arts and antiques, and I’ve been collecting for most of my life, following in my parents’ steps. When I was approached to be the Honorary Chair for the SF Fall Antiques Show, I immediately said yes. What are you most looking forward to about the show? AG: World class antique shows with top-notch dealers are like ephemeral private museums. One sees art that might never appear again in a lifetime. I find this discovery so exciting. I can connect with dealers whom I do not know, and maybe add to my own collections. The theme of the event is Flower Power. You often use gorgeous floral and leaf motifs in your clothes. Why are these motifs so timeless? AG: Other than art, flowers are another great passion of mine. They often serve as a source of inspiration for my work. One gets so much joy living with flowers in all forms. You can’t get tired of them. Some of San Francisco’s best-dressed women are your clients. Do you think San Franciscans have their own style? AG: San Francisco is an extremely cosmopolitan yet unique city. There’s a lot of culture and refinement. San Franciscans have a taste for luxury and beauty, which is my motto when I design.

DIANE DORRANS SAEKS Contributing Editor I’m so pleased we are featuring Suzanne Tucker in this issue. Her three-decade/plus career has been dazzling, and she has many years of design to come.

DONT’S MISS THESE MUST-ATTEND DESIGN EVENTS THIS FALL! September 18 THE LEGACY DINNER The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art will honor Suzanne Tucker at an inaugural event at the Green Room at the Veterans Building in San Francisco. Gentry Home is proud to be a media sponsor for this event. www.classicist-nocal.org October 25 – 29 THE SAN FRANCISCO FALL ANTIQUES SHOW This antiques show features approximately 60 dealers from across the United States and Europe, offering for sale an extraordinary range of fine and decorative arts from around the world representing all styles and periods. This year’s theme, Flower Power, is a nod the city’s 50th Anniversary of the Summer of Love. www.sffas.org

HEIDE VANDOREN BETZ Contributing Editor David Kensington is a passionate designer who enjoys the challenge of a large project where his main focus can be on organization and detail. His discerning taste for the best of everything—finishes, fabrics, carpets, furniture, and art— has earned him the reputation of a sought-after professional.

EMILY HEITMANN Style Editor Fall is here and that means there’s a whole new collection of trends just waiting to be transformed into home decor! From clasps to zippers, adornments were all over the runway. I decided to focus on buttons and found so many great accent pieces with the same circular theme. As for prints, roses were a big hit. And even though floral really blooms in spring, I welcome this print into fall with open arms.

14 | G E N T R Y H O M E


1500 Martin Avenue, Santa Clara, CA 800.681.0508 • universityelectric.com Hours: Tues., Wed. and Fri., 8:30am-5:30pm; Thurs., 8:30am-8:00pm; Sat., 9:00am-5:00pm; Closed Sunday and Monday




INSPIRATIONS TO DREAM F TO DISCOVER F TO LOVE

Prints Charming Mixing multiple prints in a single space can be a huge undertaking. One wrong move (or stripe) and it throws off the whole room. But never fear, William Yeoward is here. His Pellenport collection from Designers Guild takes inspiration from both his antique textiles influences and extensive travels around Europe. The collection includes diverse patterns, prints, and embroidery in deep ochres, red, and teal. Any of the prints can be mixed and matched to create a visually stunning space that begs to be the topic of any conversation.

BY EMILY HEITMANN 18 | G E N T R Y H O M E


ARCHITECTURAL FACADES IS CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE!


inspirations Kimberly Denman Cybelle Armchair, De Sousa Hughes Showroom, San Francisco Design Center, 415.626.6883.

Kevin O’Brien Studio Gradient Velvet Pillow in pink gray ($310). Nest, San Francisco, 415.292.6199.

Max Mara Fall 2017 Runway

VELVET

A fabric that’s just as cozy when stitched as a coat or a sofa. F

Varese II cotton velvets from Designers Guild available through Park Gate Home, Menlo Park, 650.322.4500.

Haute House Margo Banquette ($7,337). Neiman Marcus, Palo Alto, 650.329.3300.

Sarreid Manda Fabric Coffee Table in teal ($1,317). www.sarreid.com

Ironware Fleur bed. Sloan Miyasato, San Francisco Design Center, 415.431.1465.

20 | G E N T R Y H O M E


CELEBRATING OUR 60TH YEAR | SALE IN PROGRESS Eastern is proud to offer hundreds of the finest name brands from around the world in our huge design showroom. Come be inspired and discover our new “To The Trade” discount program for the discerning professional.

408.727.3772 | www.easternfurniture.com | Since 1957


inspirations Holly Hunt Helios Chandelier. Kneedler Fauchere, San Francisco Design Center, 415.487.6180.

Chista Black Hole Table 2. De Sousa Hughes Showroom, San Francisco Design Center, 415.626.6883.

Hélène Aumont Andromeda Cabinet. Hewn, San Francisco, 415.962.7833.

BUTTONS

This adornment added flash on the runway and can catch the eye in the home. F Jonathan Adler C. Jeré Raindrops Wall Sculpture in brass ($1,950). Jonathan Adler, San Francisco, 415.563.9500.

Century Furniture Grand Tour Accessories Table Lamp. Ruby Living, Menlo Park, 650.494.4495.

L’Objet Tao Vase (extra large, $595). Gump’s, San Francsico, 415.982.1616.

22 | G E N T R Y H O M E

Natasha Baradaran Necchi Sideboard. De Sousa Hughes Showroom, San Francisco Design Center, 415.626.6883.

Altuzarra Fall 2017 Runway


HEIRLOOM QUALITY DOWN COMFORTERS & PILLOWS

EUROPEAN BED & BATH LINENS

Scandia Home Palo Alto Town & Country Village 650-326-8583

scandiahome.com


inspirations Kate Spade New York Red Roses Painting ($195). Kate Spade New York, Stanford Shopping Center, 650.324.3813. Le Klint Swirl Ceiling Lamp in copper. www.leklint.com

Adam Selman Fall 2017 Runway

ROSES

No matter the season, florals are always in style. F Christopher Kane Fall 2017 Runway

Roses print on pillow by Robert John Thornton ($85). www.poeticpillow.com

Nanimarquina Rose rug. Dsegnare, San Francisco, 415.500.2731.

24 | G E N T R Y H O M E

Badgley Mischka Home Rosselle Sculpture. www.badgleymischkahome.com



CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Over 30 years ago, Mark De Mattei discovered his talent and passion for building dream homes and today, nearly 2,000 homes later, De Mattei Construction is the Bay Area’s premier custom home building and remodeling firm. De Mattei Construction was founded on the principle that building relationships is just as rewarding as building exquisite homes. The award-winning

De Mattei team, now over 75 strong, prides itself on a strong history of and dedication to uncompromising quality. Bolstered by core values of honesty, integrity, respect, and teamwork, De Mattei remains committed to serving Bay Area customers, building their dream homes and foremost, building long-lasting relationships.

PROMOTION

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

DE MATTEI CONSTRUCTION | MARK DE MATTEI




Screen Solutions

S

ince 1999, Screen Solutions has specialized in providing beautiful custom solutions for shade, screen, and automation applications. As the exclusive distributor in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties of Phantom Screens, they provide insect and solar control for doors and windows with manual and motorized retractable products. Expertly fitted to your doors and windows, Phantom Screens complement your unique décor with custom colors and unique wood-grain finishes. Screen Solutions is also an Oversize Screening Specialist, with products designed to provide protection for extra-large doors and movable wall systems. For UV protection for art and furnishings, light control, or privacy concerns, Screen Solutions offers Lutron’s quiet electronic-drive Roman and roller shades, drapes, and Venetian blinds. With the touch of a button, they raise or lower in virtual silence. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics, from sheer to complete blackout, to meet your light-control needs. Screen Solutions’ newest product is the Equinox—an operable louvered roof system. A flick of the switch allows you to control the amount of light, shade, and ventilation. At the first hint of rain, the automatic sensor closes the louvers to form a weather-proof shelter. Specialists in Screens, Shades, and Home Automation, whatever your challenge, call Screen Solutions today for a free consultation.

425 Salmar Avenue, Campbell 408.374.8156 • 888.742.6866 screensolutions@earthlink.net www.screensolutionsonline.com


singular sensation

Masterful Inspiration British designer Nina Campbell looked to one of the 20th Century’s great artists, Henri Matisse, for inspiration and color cues for her latest painterly collection of wallpapers, weaves, and printed fabrics for Osborne & Little. Notes Campbell, “Matisse’s work reflects a wonderful sense of color and love of pattern . . . an interior designer at heart.” Pictured here is Campbell’s “Portavo” wallpaper featuring a stylized knot motif presented in crisp colorways and the “Biron” fabric with a spot design in an ikat style. The name “Biron” comes from the Hotel Biron in Paris where Matisse established his home and studio from 1906 – 1917. www.osborneandlittle.com

30 | G E N T R Y H O M E


Designed by Karen Jacobs, ASID

Outdoors is Indoors And selection is here. We are the Bay Area’s premier provider of fine tile and stone slab. Our three locations showcase many installations for kitchen, bath and flooring, with the best selection from the latest designer brands. Our knowledgeable staff will help guide you through the endless possibilities. There is abundant beauty, history and diversity in what we carry from outdoors to indoors and it’s all here.

San Jose

Burlingame

allnaturalstone.com

Dublin


singular sensation

Not a Wall Flower San Francisco-based interior designer Jay Jeffers has created a delicious collection of furnishings and accessories for Arteriors that embody his chic aesthetic. A true standout in the collection is the “George” sofa. This beauty features steel details on a charcoal wood frame reminiscent of extending tree branches and is upholstered in a crisp “thistle” suiting fabric. No one will ever put this sofa against the wall! www.arteriorshome.com

32 | G E N T R Y H O M E



singular sensation

Industrial Chic The “Marnie� collection of pendant lights from Mitzi (a new offshoot brand of Hudson Valley Lighting) demonstrates how simple shapes can produce delightful results. The metal shades are available in black or white and the rims are available in polished brass or nickel. These minimalist pieces mix beautifully in a variety of contemporary settings. www.hudsonvalleylighting.com

34 | G E N T R Y H O M E


singular sensation

Sexy Slingback McGuire’s new “Haybine Sling Lounge” chair adds an architectural statement to any space. Its distinguished masculine shape provides luxurious comfort and gallant strength. The Haybine comes standard in a solid blonde brass frame with leather sling, backrest pillow, and arm covers available in saddle, rustic, or bison. www.mcguire.com

G E N T R Y H O M E | 35


Experience the before and after

B E R K E LEY

CAR M E L

LAR KS P U R

LOS GATOS

R OS EVI LLE

LOS ALTOS

SAN F R AN C I S C O

B U R LI N GAM E - Coming Soon

WALN UT C R E E K


See more stories #CCBeforeAfter

californiaclosets.com 8 0 0 . 2 74 . 6 7 5 4


singular sensation

Network of Note A new take on architectural design, Troy Lighting’s “Network” chandelier features a random but calculated series of LED light globes to create an inviting visual. The surprising wood-like appearance of its framework is created through the crafting of textured iron with a forest bronze finish, lending the fixture an unusually warm feel for such a modern piece. The perfectly balanced arms and multiple frosted clear glass globes add a unique view from every vantage point. “Network” is the perfect connection to provide ample light in any space. Accents of polished chrome add a visual pop. “Network” is available in multiple pendant sizes, and as an island, a flush mount, and a double-light sconce. www.troy-lighting.com

38 | G E N T R Y H O M E


Milgard Ultra™ Series: A Fiberglass Frame Designed for Complete Peace of Mind. Beautiful to look at and low maintenance, Ultra™&%$#"$!& $# !!& " !& #$& " & & ! & # & & #$ & $!" & # $!! & " # & introduces a window more resistant to heat, " !$ !& & $#& $& & $ & " ! & $& #! $#&!" $!& & $#& #$ & " $&" & & & # $&$ $#" #& "! $! & " # & # & $ #$!& & & " $ " $& ## & " & !!& #$ $& $# $& #& $ $& $ $& & "

Call 800.Milgard or visit Milgard.com for more information Milgard Manufacturing, 6050 88th St, Sacramento, CA 95828

ULTRA™ SERIES


designnotes

LIFE IN THE

CLOUDS Legendary San Francisco-based designer Orlando Diaz-Azcuy unveils a dramatic $42 million penthouse atop 181 Fremont.

40 | G E N T R Y H O M E

S

panning an entire floor at the highly anticipated 181 Fremont in San Francisco, the tallest building west of the Mississippi, is a 6,941square-foot masterpiece by Orlando Diaz Azcuy. The Penthouse sits at an elevation of 700 feet, providing unprecedented 360-degree views of the city and beyond. This extraordinary private residence will be ready in 2018 and hit the real estate market in August. Upon stepping off the elevator, residents will be welcomed into a grand entry gallery via a private lobby that leads to an impressive foyer featuring checkered stone flooring. A look to the left through sliding pocket doors immediately spotlights dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Transamerica Building from the study. The neighboring living room sits at a corner overlooking Sausalito to the left and Treasure Island to the right; within, a stacked stone transparent fireplace connects to a den and wet bar with a wine tower. The formal dining room enjoys access to the wet bar as well as a secondary service kitchen ideal for entertaining. ÂŚ


Interior Glass Door Solutions STACKING ROOM DIVIDER

SPACE SAVING CLOSET DOORS

Inspiring. Space Saving. Sustainable. Room Dividers Office Partitions Barn Doors Privacy Walls Swing Doors Suspended Systems

COLLABORATIVE AND PRIVATE WORK SPACES

slidingdoorco.com

GET YOUR FREE CONSULTATION TODAY! San Francisco: 415-626-2622 • San Jose: 408-642-1571


designnotes

On the Penthouse’s east side, a great room caters to everyday needs and enjoyment with a family room, breakfast nook, and kitchen featuring a Sub-Zero full-tower refrigerator and freezer, two dishwashers, double ovens, and a kitchen island for cooking or casual dining. Residents will be rewarded with sunrise views over coffee and breakfast in the mornings from any area of the great room. The master bedroom on the northwestern side of the Penthouse features two oversized master baths, walk-in closets, a separate study, and stunning views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Pacific Ocean reaching the Farallon Islands and beyond. All bedrooms boast stunning sunset views and 10-foot-tall ceilings, a spacious private bath with stone, and individualized layouts. The fourth bedroom and bath are located separately for additional guests, neighboring the kitchen and laundry room within a wing that can be locked off to afford other areas of the home complete privacy. Diaz-Azcuy’s impeccable attention to detail extends well beyond the Penthouse’s impeccable layout. He traveled the globe to personally select the most exquisite materials, ensuring the Penthouse’s resplendent interiors represent the utmost in timeless, yet modern, luxury. The designer’s mastery can be found in his uniquely designed gold sconces in the entryway, a polished brass front-door handle customcrafted by Parisian artisan Série Rare that will connect to the front door encased in a sustainably sourced Paldao wood from New Guinea, polished Italian Calacatta marble selected for its distinct beauty, and Valcucine glass cabinets crafted in Italy and making their West Coast debut in the kitchen at the 181 Fremont Residences, among so many other extraordinary touches. www. residences.com N

42 | G E N T R Y H O M E


YOUR ROOM WILL LOOK AND FUNCTION BETTER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE!

HOME OFFICES WALL BEDS MEDIA CENTERS CLOSETS CRAFT ROOMS GARAGES & MORE

READ OUR 5-STAR REVIEWS ON YELP!

CAMPBELL 1190 Dell Avenue 408.370.1041 DANVILLE 602 Sycamore Valley Road W. 925.362.8838 VALETCUSTOM.COM

LICENSE #782217 • SINCE 1973

EXCEPTIONALLY DESIGNED • EXPERTLY CRAFTED • DELIVERED WITH 5-STAR EXECUTION


PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHER STARK

designnotes

BATHING BEAUTIES Two different takes on fabulous powder rooms There was a lot to love at this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase House this past spring, but our eyes were focused on two stunning bathroom designs. Napa Valley native Molie Malone of Molie Malone Interior Design crafted a space that speaks to her design mission: livable luxury. This elegant and inspired sanctuary featured not one, but two vanities and a glorious walk-in shower paired with a sculptural bathtub. A dramatic black and white wallpaper featuring Grecian figures from DeSousa Hughes plays against the spectacular marble slabs from Cambria and a bold tangerine-colored ceiling finished with a brilliant high gloss. Malone employed plumbing fixtures by Kohler in polished nickel throughout. The result is high glamour all the way. ➛

44 | G E N T R Y H O M E



Interior designers Benni Amadi and Courtney Springer joined forces to create a study in blue—a richly saturated powder room and vestibule on the Showcase home’s first level. Dark colors and architectural details set the tone and gave a nod to the home’s historic past, while super high-gloss black-paneled walls and a modern marble sink and brass accents furnished a contemporary elegance to this jewel box powder room. The dark walls are contrasted by the lapis-colored, herringbone-patterned floor tiles by Fireclay Tile. Amadi and Springer layered their design with exciting wallpapers from Eskayel used on the ceiling and in the bath and walls in the vestibule. The main light fixture is an oversized pendant by Ladies and Gentleman Studio for Roll & Hill that purposely bends the rules of scale and proportion. It hangs in the corner of the room and cascades down to eye level, creating a contemporary sculptural element. ◆

46 | G E N T R Y H O M E

PHOTOS: CHRISTOPHER STARK

designnotes


Create an Experience on Your Land

“We had high expectations... the trail turned out way better than we ever imagined!� 530.852.5155 Randy@trailscape.net

inc.com Estate Trailbuilder Since 2007


CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS

Done Right Home Remodeling is a leading name in the home remodeling industry and renowned for its commitment to quality. Our team of experts at Done Right Home Remodeling provide complete home remodeling services throughout the entire Bay Area, and are experienced Custom Home Builders well-versed in the luxury home market. Our company is a certified kitchen and bathroom remodeling contractor, dedicated to meeting (and exceeding) all of your expectations. We pay strict attention to a project’s details to minimize costs and to avoid unnecessary

delays, thereby ensuring the utmost customer satisfaction at all times. We are proud of our 100% satisfaction rating from our customers, as well as our exemplary record with such reference resources as the Better Business Bureau, online consumer opinion giant Yelp, as well as Angies List, Home Advisor, Houzz, Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook. You can rest assured that your home remodel is in good hands with Done Right Home Remodeling. We offer customized services to make sure that even the most difficult demands are met at all PROMOTION

times, while remaining within budget. You can expect us to inspect all of the products that we will be installing into your house. Our outstanding project managers will keep you involved in the entire remodeling process from conceptual design through the completion of your project. If you are looking to completely remodel your home, let the team at Done Right Home Remodeling help you create a space that’s comfortable for relaxing or entertaining and that you’ll be proud to call home. Give us a call today for a free in-home consultation.

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

DONE RIGHT HOME REMODELING


LET US BUILD YOUR PERFECT SPACE

TOP-RATED KITCHEN & BATHROOM REMODELING CONTRACTORS Serving Santa Clara, San Mateo, and Alameda County Kitchen & Bathroom Remodeling • Additions • Roofing • Hardscape • Patio/Decks • Flooring • Painting

1.800.816.0000 • www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com


designinterview

FRESH &FUN San Francisco-based interior designer Tineke Triggs helps transform a mid-century Tiburon house into a family’s dream home.

50 | G E N T R Y H O M E

“My clients discovered this incredible property with Bay views and knew they had to have it,� recalls Tineke Triggs. “But it needed a lot of updating and reconfiguring to really work for them.� The clients were expecting their third child and had a tight window for the home to be redone. “They wanted to be settled in time for the beginning of school and the baby’s arrival,� says Triggs. To that end, Triggs and her team set to work analyzing the home’s spaces and flow and creating a design that would maximize space and functionality. Like so many older homes, the kitchen, dining room, and family rooms were all blocked off from one another. “We poured a lot of attention into squeezing every possible inch out of the new kitchen/family room design, opening the wall to an existing hallway and rethinking the flow,� notes Triggs. The result is a light and airy space that serves as the heart of this home. Triggs took her color cues throughout from the view and soft beachy-inspired tones. “My clients love the water (he loves to surf),� she says. “So we kept the tones young and fresh. The background palette is soft and muted punctuated with pops of sea green, aqua, citrus, and California poppy.� Triggs wanted the colors to set the tone from the


designinterview

A casual beach-inspired palette lends a delightfully youthful touch to this family home. Interior designer Tineke Triggs worked to maximize the home’s functionality while keeping the design fresh.


designinterview

“My clients love the water (he loves to surf),” she says.“So we kept the tones young and fresh. The background pale e is so and muted punctuated with pops of sea green, aqua, citrus and California poppy.” moment you arrive, so she painted the front door a bold citrus green. “It’s unexpected and welcoming,” she relates. Once inside the front door, guests are treated to stunning views of the San Francisco Bay. “I used a lot of textural elements like lacquer, linen, and ceramics to keep the cream and taupe background palette interesting,” adds the designer. A stunning custom light fixture in the dining room doubles as a sculptural element and a marvelous wall of reclaimed driftwood in sea glass colors makes a dramatic statement in the master bedroom. For the delightful long narrow bath that the children share, Triggs painted horizontal stripes of pale blue and chocolate brown in wide bands hung with round mirrors held by thick ropes. “It lends a playful nautical feel,” she says. When asked how her clients feel about the finished project, Triggs relates: “They’ve told me that it really represents them. That it’s welcoming and easy to use. You just can’t get a better compliment than that.” N

Triggs opened up a former hallway to add space to the kitchen for this busy family of five. Special touches like a herringbone tile backsplash and chic, modern carriage lanterns over the island add to the room’s sophistication while practical elements like easyto-clean lime green bar stools keep it kid-friendly.

52 | G E N T R Y H O M E


Helping Create Lasting, Beautiful Homes Your local source for Architectural Stone, Paving, Landscape Stone & more.

MASONRY SHOWROOM 2490 Charleston Road Mountain View, CA 94043

(877) 282-0522 www.pbm1923.com

Yard Locations: Redwood City Sunnyvale San Martin Livermore


the art of organization


Enhance Your Home with a Wine Cellar #"! ! " " ! " !" " " " ! " ! ! " " " " " " " " ! ! " ! # " ! " " " " " " " !

888.678.6789

Call for free design consultation or visit us online at closetfactory.com Showroom: 1000B Commercial Street, San Carlos, CA 94070 Š2016 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.CA Lic. #931740


destinationdesign

STORY BY DIANE DORRANS SAEKS

VENETIAN BLISS

Serene and ultra-private, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani affords a luxurious summer escape with garden villas, a pool, and private residences in a 16th-century palazzo.

J

ust a scenic 10-minute ride in a private launch from the throngs in San Marco Square, and close to the historyrich heart of Venice, the Belmond Hotel Cipriani offers secluded luxury amongst 10 acres of gardens on the island of Giudecca. A well-kept secret for over six decades among its loyal guests, the Cipriani is accessible only by the hotel’s private boat that arrives at one closely guarded landing. Security was no doubt in mind when George and Amal Clooney chose the Cipriani for their guests’ stay during their wedding celebrations. Stars of the annual Venice Film Festival like Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, and Uma Thurman hide out in sunny suites among its fragrant gardens. The hotel’s history dates back to 1958 when Giuseppe Cipriani, founder of Harry’s Bar in Venice and inventor of the Bellini cocktail, partnered with three English noblewomen to create a club-like hotel. Every summer, guests would reside for a week, a month, or longer either in residences created from 16th-century palazzi

.

56 | G E N T R Y H O M E

or in the comfort of their favorite Venetian-style villa, all decorated individually with glittering Murano glass chandeliers and romantic Venetian antiques. Suites are light-filled and airy, and created with the subtle color palette necessary when afternoon temperatures may reach into the nineties. The 95 rooms and suites, many with balconies or terraces and magnificent views over the gardens, offer a true taste of classic Venetian style. Elaborate antique Venetian mirrors, tapestries, marble floors, Rubelli silks and jacquards, and gold-printed Fortuny fabrics embellish the harmonious interiors—all masterfully selected by Parisian architect Gérard Gallet, who is also responsible for the décor of hotels and trains of the Belmond collection. Many guests don’t leave the jasmine-scented property, only taking an afternoon excursion to follow the Oro restaurant chef as he gathers fresh lettuces and ripe tomatoes in the synergistic garden just through a locked gate from the romantic Casanova Garden and the hotel’s vineyard.


destinationdesign

Guests entertain visiting friends at Cip’s Club, the resort’s outdoor restaurant on a pontoon in the lagoon. Diners enjoy views of the Doge’s Palace and the legendary Punta della Dogana, and the striking baroque silhouette of the 17th-century Santa Maria della Salute Basilica. The Palladio Suite contains antique and one-of-a-kind pieces acquired throughout the years from antique shops in Venice, including an 18th-century Chinoiserie chest of drawers. This opulent suite features 180-degree views of the Venetian lagoon through floor-to-ceiling windows. Guests enjoy an airy living room with a private balcony, an elegant dining area (perfect for hosting small dinner parties served by a personal butler), and a large terrace with an outdoor heated plunge pool with a Jacuzzi whirlpool. Guests arriving by boat can land directly at the suite’s private dock. The Dogaressa Suite has breathtaking views over St. Mark’s Square and the Doge’s Palace. The sitting room—the largest in the Palazzo—is decorated with original 18th-century Coromandel screens and a collection of antiques enriched by priceless Rubelli fabrics. Guests enjoy an airy living room with a private balcony and a similar elegant dining area as the Palladio Suite. At the hotel’s center (and one of the reasons many guests return year after year) is the largest swimming pool in Venice. Its buoyant salt-water, treated and heated to a constant 28o Celsius, is very popular with young guests as well as athletes who devotedly

swim laps. Parents of youngsters know that during siesta, 2PM – 4PM, a hush descends on the resort and children play at the kid’s club, hidden in the garden. After a quiet repose, guests bask in the sun attended by pool staff offering cold drinks. Late lunch of salads and lobster is enjoyed on the terrace. Fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruit are picked in the hotel’s ‘farm’ garden. This is an enchanted world, suspended in time, where edible flowers and herbs are harvested daily (nasturtium, fennel, parsley) to supply Chef Davide Bisetto’s Oro restaurant. It’s truly from farm to table, as Chef Bisetto takes time to harvest, then walks back to his kitchen to start creating his light cuisine. And, befitting the Venetian tradition of supporting artists, this year the Cipriani is once more participating in the international Art Biennale Venice with a dramatic art work, Art-lantis, beneath the waters of the resort’s pool. Visible most clearly by swimmers, six large-scale, aluminummounted photographs depicting dramatic photography of Venice landmarks mythically underwater are secured at the bottom of the pool, taking artistic expressions to places where people would not expect to find them. The art project is the Cipriani’s tribute to a much-loved city and a delight for fortunate guests. No wonder guests throughout the years eagerly return each summer to once more experience a truly magical place. www.belmond.com N

G E N T R Y H O M E | 57



GREAT INTERIOR DESIGNERS

GENTRYPROMOTION

A wonderful home starts with a masterful designer who can understand and execute your dreams and ideas. Here are some of the most respected designers in our midst, all of whom can help make your home your own special place.


GREATINTERIORDESIGNERS

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

CHELSEA COURT DESIGNS Marie Christine Peterson & Sascha Lale Principal Interior Designer and owner Marie Christine Peterson has developed a proven reputation for creating highly sophisticated, yet wonderfully comfortable interiors. With over 30 years of professional experience, her design firm Chelsea Court Designs has provided a comprehensive interior architectural design and decorative service, encompassing residential and commercial projects throughout America, Europe and Asia. Marie’s dedicated team of talented designers, including Senior Designer Sascha Lale, assists in developing projects from luxurious private homes to beachside villas. Chelsea

Court Designs’ aim is for client lifestyles and aesthetics to fuse seamlessly, resulting in distinctive and stylish interiors that fully reflect clients’ personalities. Whether refurbishments or new build construction, all services are built upon sound experience, first-class qualifications, and a perfect balance of relaxed elegance. Ultimately, Chelsea Court Designs strives to nurture every client relationship, offering a friendly, service-oriented approach ensuring the entire design process is both enjoyable and rewarding, resulting in clients who return again and again. I



GREATINTERIORDESIGNERS

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

FLEGEL’S INTERIOR DESIGN & DISTINCTIVE FURNISHINGS From top left: Dina Ishibashi, Jeff Thompson, Robin Jurovich, Clara Volpe, Scarlett Urtecho Not pictured: David Westrup With six of California’s most established interior designers on staff and access to the world’s best fabric, window treatments, furnishings, and accessories, Flegel’s offers its clients, whether new or long-standing homeowners; the option of designing

their own pieces. Flegel’s creates a living space that becomes a reflection and continuation of a client’s life and understanding of art. We are committed to service and long-lasting, meaningful relationships with our clients. I


Interior Design by Flegels

Flegels Showroom

Flegels Interior Design & Distinctive Furnishings

Menlo Park 870 Santa Cruz Ave. 650.326.9661 www.flegels.com


GREATINTERIORDESIGNERS

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

LBF INTERIORS Dominique Stenzel & Natalie Simpson Dominique Stenzel and Natalie Simpson of LBF Interiors are a mother-daughter interior design team partnering to bring clients timeless, functional, and inspiring design. Their unique approach to design projects is through a collaborative design process with their clients. Together, they enhance and transform a space with carefully chosen elements that will fulfill a client’s everyday needs and express their unique sense of style. They encourage clients to incorporate favorite pieces from their collection while introducing

fresh colors, patterns, textures, and furnishings. “We believe in timeless designs that balance beauty and practicality,” says Dominique. Tiered services are available to accommodate clients in all life stages and budget ranges. As a full-service interior design firm, they specialize in layout and space planning, remodels, renovations, consulting, accessorizing, styling, custom furniture, custom upholstery, and custom window coverings. Consultations are complimentary. I



Risë Krag, Nicole Chacon & Liberty Nuris Your Style. Our Expertise. Our Services Include: Custom Homes and Remodels Color Composition Executive Turnkey Residences Hotels, Yachts, and Home Theaters Inspired Furnishings, Lighting, Rugs, and Window Coverings Art – Contemporary or Traditional, Antiques and Accessory Consultation

I

GREATINTERIORDESIGNERS

PHOTO SCOTT LASKY

RKI INTERIOR DESIGN


PHOTO: RUSSELL ABRAHAM

RKI Interior Design is a full service firm with the resources to manage any project. We provide creative design solutions tailored to the needs and tastes of our clients, both residential and commercial, and suited to PHOTO: DEAN BIRINYI

a wide range of styles. Our clients are supported through every phase of new construction, remodel, decorating, and specialty projects.

Risë Krag, ALLIED ASID, LEED AP

RKI INTERIOR DESIGN INTERIOR

DESIGN

SERVICES

650.854.9090 | rki@rkiinteriordesign.com | www.RKIInteriorDesign.com


DESIGN EXCELLENCE AND DISTINCTION

Admired for the elegance and style of her dĂŠcor, San Francisco interior designer Suzanne Tucker is being honored this month by fellow designers and architects.


PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: EDWARD ADDEO

A living room (opposite) designed by Tucker in a French Normandy-style house in Marin by architect Henrik Bull features an antique Persian Serapi rug, circa 1880, a Giacometti-style floor lamp, and a sofa upholstered in a caramel linen velvet. An untitled abstract oil by Tom Lieber dominates the space. Tucker utilized a Chinese incense burner (above) as a planter atop the Louis XV-style mantel.



Suzanne Tucker and Timothy Marks’ retreat in Montecito is awash in blue and white. The guest bedroom (opposite page) features bed hangings in Corsica linen from the Suzanne Tucker Home Collection. The table setting includes vintage Chinese export plates, a lantern from William Laman in Montecito, and Delft blue-and-white hand-marbled plates by Christopher Spitzmiller. A zebra rug from Forsyth in Saint Louis in the living room is juxtaposed with an antique Southeast Asian Rain Drum from Michael Haskell Antiques in Montecito, an 18th-century Louis XVI pier glass giltwood mirror from the estate of Michael Taylor, and a pair of white Archytas lamps in composite stone from Gregorius Pineo. The outdoor dining area is highlighted with a woven vine basket light fixture from Hollyhock in Los Angeles. Tucker found the tablecloth at Upstairs at Pierre Lafond in Montecito, and surrounded the table with “Monterey” chairs from Murray’s Iron Works. The kitchen (this page) features an antique Chinese elm stool, a vintage table runner from Maison K in Montecito, a custom lantern from Paul Ferrante, and a threeshelf étagère by Suzanne Kasler for Hickory Chair.

S .

PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: ROGER DAVIES

an Francisco interior designer Suzanne Tucker has been lauded for the exceptional style and intelligence of her work since she launched her internationally acclaimed firm, Tucker & Marks, over three decades ago. Tucker is an iconic member of the international design community. On September 18, at the San Francisco Veteran’s Memorial neo-classical Green Room, the Northern California Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) will honor Suzanne Tucker during its inaugural Legacy Dinner in tribute to her devotion to the design world, her philanthropy, and her leadership. Announcing the September award, the Northern California ICAA chapter noted that Tucker is responsible for building the group into an outstanding organization with educational programs to fulfill the Institute’s goals of design and architecture preservation. The legacy evening saluting Tucker will benefit the ICAA’s programs for continuing education. A visionary design advocate, Tucker founded the ICAA Northern California Julia Morgan Awards. She launched a prestigious design lecture series at the annual San Francisco Fall Art & Antiques Show. And for over a decade, Tucker has sponsored design and architecture student scholarships for the group. “Design education is my obsession because students coming out of school simply do not have the classical training that is such

a crucial foundation for any design discipline, with architecture and interior design chief among them,” said Tucker. “The ICAA has grown to be part of my beloved design family and I feel so fortunate to be continually learning from the educational and travel programs as well as from the architects and craftsmen/ craftswomen with whom I have the pleasure of working on extraordinary projects.” Since she founded Tucker & Marks in 1986 with her husband Tim Marks, Tucker has been in demand with Northern California clients and praised for her timeless style and her in-depth knowledge and understanding of architecture and the decorative arts. Tucker worked closely with the legendary Michael Taylor in the early 1980s, and she is often referenced as his protégée. Along with her design practice, Suzanne Tucker Home was launched in 2010 with her textile, tabletop, and home furnishings line. “My work has remained grounded in classic design,” says Tucker. “Perhaps it was the mentoring I had from Michael Taylor,

G E N T R Y H O M E | 71


PHOTOS THIS PAGE AND OPPOSITE: EDWARD ADDEO

but scale and proportion will always be paramount to style. “I don’t believe in design trends—that’s for the ever-changing fashion world. Good design transcends all of that. Color and style are subjective, but today, educated collectors buy very good art, seek out the best furniture whether new or antique, and search for timeless design.” Suzanne Tucker Home recently introduced a stunning new collection of fine decorative textiles. Tucker celebrated its launch with a glittering party in Paris. “I based many of the designs on historical documents and rare antique textiles, as well as historical gardens and art,” relates Tucker. “The concept is a rich range of silk and cotton damasks, linens, velvets, and simple cottons that can be very versatile in today’s interiors.” Standouts include “Giverny” in her new Jardin collection, which features a loosely drawn floral pattern woven into a softly washed linen ground; “Fleur de Plume,” which features a dramatic multi-textured brocade displaying majestic fan-

“The design world is thrilling now on so many levels whether one is a novice or a pro, a do-it-yourselfer or the billionaire multi-homeowner,” says Tucker. “For the average person, it can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time with zillions of options to which we all have access.”

72 | G E N T R Y H O M E

tasies of fronds and peacock feathers, and “Grenade,” a luxurious silk brocade woven with pomegranates and leaves. Future Suzanne Tucker Home collections will include wallpapers, tabletops, lighting, and furniture. Suzanne and her husband divide their busy life between a Bay-view Mediterranean-style house in Sausalito, their downtown San Francisco office (with a design staff of 30), and a charming cottage hidden on a quiet hillside in Montecito. Tucker grew up immersed in Santa Barbara, and she watched as Montecito became surrounded by fruit groves, historic man-


sions, and lavish estates. In 1992, she acquired a former farm storage shed that had been remodeled into a weekend cottage with a pool, sheltered garden, and terrace. As Tucker and Marks established their design firm in San Francisco, the bungalow became their family gathering place—chic but relaxed. “The house is incredibly simple, humble really, but it is all we need to be very happy,” notes Tucker. “It’s an open-plan layout—just a living room/dining area opening onto the kitchen, and only two bedrooms—a master and guest.” Tucker, admired for superbly detailed rooms with lavish custom curtains, decorative painted walls, and handsomely proportioned sofas, is also an expert at creating comfortable simplicity. In the Montecito living room, custom upholstered chairs with white cotton denim slipcovers and a matching ottoman were given a shot of color with indigo Shibori pillows and a vintage batik textile throw. Tucker’s collection of heirloom blue-and-white Chinese porcelain urns adds complexity to the mix. “The design world is thrilling now on so many levels, whether one is a novice or a pro, a do-it-yourselfer or the billionaire multi-homeowner,” says Tucker. “For the average person, it can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time with zillions of options to which we all have access.” Tucker has created an in-depth resource list of exceptionally talented artisans. “Because of the Internet, artists and craftsmen from around the world are accessible and able to be contacted and supported globally,” says Tucker. “These craftspeople are key to the dying arts—the ones that must be passed on to future generations; otherwise, they will disappear. I believe in supporting craftsmanship and employing these artisans whenever possible. I love to see the eye and the hand of the artist. Ever the dreamer and always the romantic am I.” N

PHOTO: ROGER DAVIES

Tucker placed a John Chamberlain sculpture in the dining room of a San Francisco townhouse (opposite), and “Tesa” by Thomas Scheibitz hangs above an 18th-century Danish walnut commode. The dramatic sculpture Untitled Standing Figure #5 by Manuel Neri graces the stairwell (this page) of the same San Francisco townhouse. Tucker installed a custom-made bronze railing by Michael Bondi, Venetian plaster walls, and vanilla stone floors. The designer (below) with her business partner, husband Tim Marks.



IT’S ALL IN THE EYE

David Kensington, one of the West Coast’s most sought-after designers, shares insights and inspirations with Gentry Home.

David Kensington designed the interiors of his own Healdsburg ranch to be a relaxed take on a traditional country-style home with a 21st-century aesthetic. His custom-designed furnishings—rugs, upholstery, locally sourced artworks, and the mix of European and American antiques—create a modern country compound.


D .

avid Kensington spent 20 years cultivating his interests in design, architecture, and art prior to establishing his own firm in 2005. From his offices in historic Jackson Square, David and his team work closely with clients to create first-class refined environments by juxtaposing modern and traditional interiors to fit the lifestyle of the individual or family.

Gentry: What inspired you to become an interior designer? David Kensington: My inspiration goes back to my childhood when my crazy parents introduced me to the idea of fine living. My grandparents had wealth through their lumber and printing companies, which allowed my family to purchase very fine homes, remodel, and restore them. My mother preferred modern and

76 | G E N T R Y H O M E

my father, traditional design. During the restoration of a 25,000 sq. ft. mansion on Lake of Isles, Minneapolis, I was old enough to stay by Billy Baldwin’s (my mother’s designer) side as he created paneling, hand-painted wallpapers, and pewter ceilings. I remember how taken I was by how beautiful everything looked when finished and how it all sparkled. The idea of my becoming a designer was part of growing up in that environment. G: Did you study architecture or interior design? DK: Not at first. My father wanted me to become a dentist, so I went to the University of Minnesota Dental School. I was dating a young woman in the architecture department and admired the scale models she was working on, while all I had were old cadavers. I eventually threw out my medical books and announced to my family that I was going to architecture school at UC Berkeley.


Kensington’s own study in San Francisco (far left) features custom chairs in flamed Honduran mahogany and upholstered in mohair by Ayung Jin. A refined Russian burl wood guardian table with bronze mounts contrasts with rugged zebra ottomans. For the interior of Kensington's guest house barn in Healdsburg (center) he drew on his passion for aviation in the the 1940s. The found decorations such as an airplane model, vintage French pedal car and Union Jack flags adorn the great room and play rooms. The color palette was inspired by the Spanish moss hanging from the ancient oaks on the property. Kensington’s San Francisco dining (above) features a white painting by Eric Maxwell Johnson and a table set with china from Hermes and glasses by Baccarat with an Italian Art Deco vase.

G: What were your major influences? DK: Traveling throughout Europe with my parents and seeing many museums, styles of architecture, and elegant homes was a great influence. I was exposed to fine works of art and antiques right from the start. I developed a good eye. During college I continued my travels, especially with the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which further exposed me to great collections and collectors. G: How did your independent career as a designer begin? DK: Around 2000, I did an internship at Gensler, a modern, global design firm in San Francisco. I was put into a cubicle, like dozens of other designers in the firm, designing parking garages. Needless to say, it was very boring. But the firm began to realize that I knew a lot more about architecture and design than most. I was included in an interiors design competition for W Hotels in

Chicago. I won the competition but the client could not afford to build what I designed. That didn’t matter to me—I won. I realized, as did everyone else, that my focus excelled at interior architecture and design (not garages). I was then introduced to Paul Wiseman, who hired me. It was for a $10-an-hour position to organize the materials library. All this schooling and that’s what I was offered! I jumped at the chance and never looked back. With Paul Wiseman’s firm I moved from the materials library to junior designer to senior designer. I then worked with Suzanne Tucker for about a year. G: And your first project was . . . ? DK: I bought a house on Buena Vista Park built in the ’50s. Andy Skurman and I worked together on remodeling the house, combining art deco and modern. Before long, I received a call from

G E N T R Y H O M E | 77


This spectacular villa, inspired by Anrea Palladio’s 16th c. Villa Rotonda in Northern Italy, sits among mature oak, redwood and fruit trees. Kensington worked with architect Sandy Walker of Walker Moody Architects, landscape designer Stephen Suzman of Suzman Cole, and Lencioni Construction to create this extraordinary 25,0000-square-foot home complete with a central rotunda and spiral staircase reaching all three floors.

It’s not about me being comfortable but about being in sync with the creative process and the client’s understanding of that process. A project falls into place when you and your client are speaking the same creative language. When you know what the other person is thinking about the design to the point of almost finishing each other’s sentences, then all falls into place.

Paul Wiseman’s office asking me to take over a project. I happily accepted the challenge to remodel one of the most prestigious penthouses in San Francisco in a building designed by C.A. Meussdorffer in 1924. I then established my own firm, David Kensington, in 2005. G: What’s your perfect project and how does it all fall into place? DK: Does anything ever really fall into place? It’s not about me being comfortable but about being in sync with the creative process and the client’s understanding of that process. A project falls into place when you and your client are speaking the same creative language. When you know what the other person is thinking about the design to the point of almost finishing each other’s sentences, then all falls into place. That was the case with Mr. Abdullah and his projects. I strive for similar relationships with other clients, all of whom are powerful executives with families for whom I am creating a dream house. The big dream homes for these clients expresses who they are, what they have accomplished, and how they want to be perceived. For my perfect project, I make this dream come true. G: Describe a project that made a dream come true. DK: The Atherton Villa for the Abdullah family is a dream come true. This 25,000-square-foot villa was under construction for five years. The client wanted to live with Greek- and Romaninspired architecture. He was particularly interested in Andrea Palladio’s interpretation of those styles, most specifically Villa Rotonda, a Renaissance villa in northern Italy. Equally inspired by Palladio’s Villa Rotonda, I worked on all aspects of the project’s design in conjunction with Sandy Walker of Walker and Moody Architects, with Lencioni Construction, as well as with Suzman Cole landscape architects, whose lush landscaping is situated

78 | G E N T R Y H O M E

among mature oak and fruit trees, accented by new gardens. The essence of a true Italian villa is seen throughout the construction. I gathered and directed the many artisans involved, with particular attention to craftsmanship, symmetry, and clarity of design. The neutral color palette of the villa provides a backdrop for the client’s art collection. An eclectic mix of 17th- and 18th-century French and Italian antiques is paired with contemporary pieces I designed. I think this Atherton Villa is a masterpiece of quality—quality of architecture, construction, and design, and it accommodates the lifestyle of the 21st-century family living within it. G: Describe your ideal client? DK: Money is no object! Then, let’s have fun and together create the most interesting house possible. Or, different houses. Several of my clients have multiple homes with different designs. An ideal client can change his concept from traditional to modern, depending on the venue, and isn’t stuck on one style but can move fluidly through concepts of city, country, mountain, and beach. G: Comfort or Styled—what comes first? DK: Stylish Comfort G: What about today’s lack of interest in fine antiques? Antiques have been sought after for decades because of their beauty, exquisite design, and craftsmanship. Today, many great dealers are closing shop because they can barely give them away. DK: I know fine antiques will be back. They have to. It’s a cycle. Just because someone has money does not mean they have taste. People should agree to be educated in the areas they are not familiar with—architecture, design, art, antiques. They should hire someone to advise them. Otherwise, they end up in a soulless environment. If an object does not have a soul—why bother?



80 | G E N T R Y H O M E


G: What is you favorite part of a project? DK: Everyone thinks it’s shopping, but I love the actual design process. Organizing the many elements of a project and then processing and scheduling everything are my favorite parts of a project—engaging with builders, architects and suppliers, knowing the thickness of floors and depth of walls, paints, fabrics, textures, materials—all of which has to be coordinated. G: What is the first thing you do when you start a project? DK: A project starts with listening to the client and learning what is important to him. I almost always say: Let me explain what I think will make this a great house and let’s see where we agree. G: What do you consider your major strength? DK: My eye—I trust it. I trust my gut. I have been educating these eyes since I was a child. I have been all over the world, seen and studied much, so I trust my eye. G: Do you have a weakness? DK: I am not good at staging. I’m a big-picture designer. My staff has to put all the little things into place. G: What would you do if you retired tomorrow? DK: I would move to Santa Barbara and the Big Island of Hawaii. I would travel, travel, and travel. I would also continue to design.

PHOTO: JACK HUTCHESON

G: So basically what you are doing now. DK: Yes! G: How do you want to be remembered? DK: Being acerbic, bullheaded, and controlling (he says with a broad smile). Also, for bringing people together and working as a team. Knowing how to get a project done. And, I would like people to remember that the project would not have gotten done without me. N

AND NOW FOR A FEW OF DAVID’S FAVORITES FAVORITE PAINTING Graphic Block Paintings by Mark Rothko ANTIQUE FURNITURE Coffer on stand by Andre Charles Boule BACKGROUND COLOR Dove Grey LOCAL DESIGN SOURCES Claudio Mariani Antiques, Dolby Chadwick Gallery FABRIC Fortuny INTERNATIONAL ANTIQUE SOURCE Benjamin Steinitz Antiques, Paris HOTELS/VILLAS THAT INSPIRED YOU Vaux-le-Vicomte, Villa d’Este, Italy

Kensington added an antique Sultanbad carpet and book-matched flamed mahogany paneling in the study of this Atherton Villa. He selected Lucien Rollin armchairs, Italian Calcutta Viola marble plinths, and vintage Italian rock crystal table lamps with lacquered parchment shades.

COUNTRIES THAT INSPIRE YOU France and Italy MOST IMPORTANT DESIGN ELEMENT IN A ROOM Scale and proportion ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS FOR INSPIRATION Axel Vervoordt, Christian Liaigre, John Saladino, and Sir Edwin Lutyens PERIOD IN HISTORY Late 18th-century and early 19th-century

G E N T R Y H O M E | 81


This stunning new residence is located on one of central Woodside’s most exclusive private roads. The property was built and custom designed by Triton Custom Builders with a focus on relaxed sophistication.

MODERN FARMHOUSE An extraordinary new estate in Woodside comes to life with masterful precision. 82 | G E N T R Y H O M E


G E N T R Y H O M E | 83


A

s you enter the drive to this four-acre park-like estate in Woodside, you see a beautiful grove of olive trees surrounded by heritage oaks. The drive curves gently and reveals a home at one with its surroundings—a gracious contemporary farmhouse wrought with elegant simplicity. The goal in building the house, relates architect Adam Bittle of the San Francisco-based firm Architectural Allure, “was to create a multi-story, modern yet rustic home within tight site parameters.” For the design, the 9,000-square-foot home needed to retain the farmhouse style typical to the area while incorporating clean, warm, modern touches. “Given the nature of the site—nestled into a hillside and framed by two large oaks,” notes Bittle, “we also sought to create a variety of outdoor living spaces that rooted the house in its environment.” To that end, Bittle and his team studied the topography of the site and ultimately crafted a design that hugged the land. “Viewed from the front, the house looks like a partial two-story home,” he explains. “From the back, it reveals a larger, multi-story home with a walkout basement leading to a pool terrace. The existing slope allowed for a series of outdoor terraces that offer a cascade of spectacular views.” Indeed, the home and its additional buildings (a two-bedroom, two-bath guest house, detached office, detached three-car garage, and three-stall barn) now occupy an organic footprint that feels as if they have always been there. But this brand new estate is brimming with state-of-the-art conveniences.

.

84 | G E N T R Y H O M E


Clean lines and chic custom finishes abound in this modern take on the farmhouse. Massive sliding glass doors in multiple rooms provide for quintessential California indoor/outdoor living. With such a spare design, architect Adam Bittle made sure to add plenty of texture with warm wood surfaces, hand-forged iron pieces, and spectacular slabs of marble.


86 | G E N T R Y H O M E


Taking advantage of the property’s natural views was key to the home’s design. The stage is set as guests arrive at the front door. Your eye immediately passes through the living room with its stunning vaulted ceiling to a wall of sliding windows overlooking the terrace, pool, and countryside beyond. A subtle palette of whites, grays, and taupes was used throughout so as not to distract from the views. Each space is punctuated with strong architectural elements. In the living room, a soaring metal-clad fireplace reaches up to the peaked ceiling and a single reclaimed wood beam. The metal cladding is repeated in the kitchen as a vent hood over the Wolf stove. Wide-plank hardwood floors run throughout, and expert attention to detail is reflected in the finish choices on all three levels. The home boasts five-bedrooms, including the main-floor master suite with a detached office for privacy and convenience. Bittle and builder/developer Derek Gaffney of Triton Custom Builders poured a lot of planning into just how this residence’s potential owners would live and entertain. To that end, they incorporated incredibly thoughtful elements like an elevator, a full caterer’s kitchen immediately adjacent to the main kitchen, a temperature-controlled wine room with a 2000+ bottle capacity, a sound-proofed movie theater, and a heated outdoor living room overlooking the pool, spa, barbeque station, and patio. Facing the back of the main residence, an additional three-car detached garage with patio can be utilized for multiple functions such as an art or music studio, or a play or party room. For utmost privacy, the guesthouse features its own separate driveway and gate. The home’s exterior is, perhaps, the finishing touch of the extraordinary property. Bittle relates, “Finally, we incorporated stained vertical board siding, stone, and a standing seam metal roof to give the exterior of the home a rustic charm.” N

All three stories of the home may be viewed from the pool terrace. The property’s builder and developer, Triton Custom Builders, consider themselves a true design-build company, taking projects from design conception through building completion, creating unique custom homes of the highest quality and attention to detail. In addition to Triton’s Derek Gaffney and Architectural Allure’s Adam Bittle, the team is comprised of real estate agent Linda Hymes of Intero Real Estate Services to find the right properties, partner Leslie Naify, who helps design and meticulously stages all projects, and partner Michael Limosana, reformed accountant and project manager, insuring projects are built to exact specifications.

G E N T R Y H O M E | 87


connections PLEASE ENJOY CONNECTING WITH THESE GENTRY HOME CLIENTS All Natural Stone

Integrity Windows & Doors

408.544.9600 www.allnaturalstone.com

408.225.2600 www.408windows.com

Alno – San Francisco

LBF Interiors

Peninsula Building Materials

415.541.0754 www.europeankitchendesign.com

650.773.1350 www.lbfinteriors.com

877.282.0522 www.pbm1923.com

Architectural Facades

Magge i Construction

RKI Interior Design

408.846.5350 www.architecturalfacades.com

408.559.3429 www.maggetticonstruction.com

650.854.9090 www.risekraginc.com

California Closets – San Francisco

Masterpiece Gardens

Roche Bobois

510.763.2033 www.californiaclosets.com

650.361.1414 www.masterpiecegarden.com

415 626 8613 www.roche-bobois.com

California Closets – San Jose

McCutcheon Construction, Inc.

San Francisco Fall Antiques Show

408.392.0400 www.californiaclosets.com

415.861.8108 www.mcbuild.com

415.392.7600 www.ssfas.org

Chelsea Court Designs

Medallion Rug Gallery

Scandia Home

408.399.7720 www.chelseacourtdesigns.com

650.329.9020 www.medallionrug.com

650.326.8583 www.scandiahome.com

Closet Factory

Midland Cabinet Company

Screen Solutions

650.595.9999 www.closetfactory.com

650.594.0890 www.midlandcabinet.com

408.374.8156 www.screensolutionsonline.com

De Ma ei Construction

Milgard

The Sliding Door

408.350.4200 www.demattei.com

800.milgard www.milgard.com

415.626.2622 www.slidingdoorco.com

Done Right Home Remodeling

Murray Windows & Doors, Inc

Tile Fantastic

800.816.0000 www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com

408.871.6990 www.murraywindow.com

408.371.6247 www.tilefantastic.com

Eastern Furniture

Nido Living

Trailscape, Inc.

408.727.3772 www.easternfurniture.com

415.329.5808 www.nidosf.com

530.852.5155 www.trailscapeinc.com

Expert Woodworking

Officine Gullo USA

University Electric

650.364.6168 www.expertwoodworking.net

800.781.7125 www.OfficineGullo.com

408.496.0500 www.universityelectric.com

Flegel's Interior Design & Distinctive Furnishings

Parkgate Home

Valet Custom Cabinets and Closets

650.326.9661 www.flegels.com

88 | G E N T R Y H O M E

650 322 4500 www.parkgatehome.com

408.370.1041 www.valetcustom.com


INTEGRITY IS THE ESSENCE OF EVERYTHING SUCCESSFUL Offering the Very Best Names in Windows & Doors Albert and Lana Correia are the proud owners of Integrity Windows and Doors, and have been in the industry since 1999. With a proud staff of dedicated, and knowledgable employees, Integrity provides their customers with quality control for their home window installations by not hiring outside contractors – seeing your projects through from concept and design, to installation. Their attention to detail, and excellent customer service has been the cornerstones to their success. Integrity Window & Doors is certified by the American Architectural Manufactures Association (AAMA) as a professional installer. We’re also an accredited member of the Better Business Association with an A+ rating!

Contractors Lic. #842013

4238 Monterey Highway, Suite B • San Jose, CA 95111 • 408.225.2600 • e.lana@408windows.com • www.408windows.com

Masterpiece is an award-winning Bay Area Garden Landscape design-build firm that provides a wide range of superior services for the more discerning clientele in the San Francisco Bay Area. WE GO BEYOND THE LAWN providing the expertise of proper pruning, fertilization, watering, mulching, landscape design, flower/bulb planting, and garden consultation. We service communities throughout the Bay Area including: • Atherton Los Altos Hills • Hillsborough Monte Sereno • Portola Valley • Woodside Los Altos • Palo Alto • Burlingame Menlo Park • Los Gatos • San Mateo San Francisco • Berkeley • Kensington Corte Madera • Tiburon • Mill Valley

WE ALSO OFFER WEEKLY, MONTHLY, AND QUARTERLY MAINTENANCE PROGRAMS. 650.361.1414 | www.masterpiecegarden.com | info@masterpiecegarden.com | CA Lic. #696959


24 hourswith . . .

BEAUTY IN PRACTICE There’s a reason that Kim Larzelere has become a go-to designer for young San Francisco and Silicon Valley families. Her interiors are not just chic, they are functional—able to keep up with fast-paced lives with ease. Gentry Home caught up with Larzelere to find out how she does it.

AM Before I do anything else, I head to my espresso machine for a hand-pulled double shot. While I’m sipping my espresso, I like to take advantage of the rare quiet time to browse and respond to emails before the day officially begins. AM Da Vinci Marble is my first stop. The purpose of today’s trip is to select tile and concrete slab for a client’s powder room, which will feature classic blackand-white detail with a modern edge. AM Off to Peet’s for a mid-morning latte (can you tell that I’m a coffee person?) before heading to my next meeting. AM I drive to one of my residential projects in the Los Altos Hills for a jobsite walk-through. The contractor brings up a few flooring layout challenges, but we’re able to work through them pretty quickly before moving on to door casing and baseboard detail. This project will be stunning—I’m very happy with the way it’s unfolding! PM I meet a long-term client for lunch at Evvia Estiatorio (if you go, try their Classic Greek salad!) to catch up and talk through an upcoming remodel. PM On my way to the San Francisco Design Center to shop for fabric, I listen to a chapter or two of the audible book Year of Yes. Audio books are a great way to fit some “reading” time in an otherwise busy day.

PM Fabric success! I find a gorgeous Jane Churchill print at Cowtan & Tout that I’ll use for a client’s window treatment, and a perfect ombré accent fabric from Shears & Window. PM I meet a new client at the Design Center. We search for furniture and find just what we’re looking for at Hewn: the perfect Marcali table. PM Back at my office, I catch up on paperwork and emails, and finalize plans for an upcoming trip to Argentina and Peru. I love to travel, and I’ve found that one of the best ways to experience a new place is to take a cooking class during my trip; it allows for a unique sensory experience, and a deeper understanding of the culture. I also get to expand my recipe collection and enjoy new dishes at home! PM My favorite way to end the day is with a run on the beach—it’s my way of shaking out the tensions of the day and blowing off a little steam. I don’t know if it’s the endorphins kicking in or the salty sea air, but I find that I have some of my best creative ideas while I’m running and watching the sun setting over the water. N

Clockwise from top right: Interior designer Kim Larzelere. A Jane Churchill fabric from Cowtan & Tout. “Pembroke” tile from DaVinci Marble in San Carlos. A ombré fabric from Shears & Window.

90 | G E N T R Y H O M E


NOW AND THEN

|

A RT A N D A N T IQUE S

— Benefiting Enterprise for Youth —

OCTOBER 26-29, 2017

|

S F FA S . O R G



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.