Commune Design is responsible for reimagining the interiors of this 4,700-square-foot historic craftsman home, located in Berkeley Hills, a neighborhood in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. This incredibly beautiful three-story redwood house was originally constructed in 1915 and later renovated by architect Studio Geiger.
The family of four wanted interiors that were “beautiful but practical at the same time” for themselves and their two young daughters to enjoy on a daily basis for many years to come. The project team brought in natural light and layers of pattern and color, as well as a mix of American handcrafted furniture and early 20th-century Scandinavian, Brazilian, and Austrian furnishings.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Studio Geiger INTERIOR DESIGN Commune Design LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Elysian Landscapes
After decades of living in New York, what the family valued most would be a strong connection to nature. The bond with nature became a guiding design principle. When the Structural Engineer advised re-building the foundation to better withstand future earthquakes, it was an invitation to open the entire floor to the landscape – a Garden Room, Wine Cellar, Library, and crafts Studio.
The focus on nature would also include modernizing for environmental efficiency – a living roof on the Garage, on-demand hot water, and solar hot water systems, a zinc roof that allows pure rainwater run off into the gardens, and sustainable materials such as wood, stone, ceramic, steel and natural rubber.
Wherever possible, the architects selected artisan-made or handmade items in keeping with a reinvented modern spirit of the Arts and Crafts movement an idea which translated into hand-painted tiles in the Kitchen, handmade Heath tiles in the Bathrooms, hand-blocked wallpapers, and all cabinetry made by a local cabinetmaker or manufacturers whose products embody attention to craft.
The deep redwood tones inside and out provided a rich backdrop against which all other color and material selections followed.
ACCOLADES: This design received an Honor from the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.
What We Love: This historic craftsman home provides beautifully renovated interior living spaces that offer timeless appeal. Exquisite craftsmanship can be found throughout with comfortable yet stylish furnishings for daily living and hosting gatherings with family and friends. We are especially loving the sustainable design features integrated into this historic home and its wonderful connection with nature.
Tell Us: What elements in the design of this dwelling do you find most inspiring and why in the Comments below!
Note: Have a look at a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of California: Mid-century modern remodel in California with a central courtyard and Craftsman-inspired farmhouse provides dreamy seaside home in California.
PHOTOGRAPHER Richard Powers
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