Fontana Construction originally built this hillside home in 1995 and many years later was tasked with completely remodeling the entire house, which is perched over the bay in Sausalito, California. Collaborating with both the owners and the design firm, The Wiseman Group, they were able to bring their visions to life and create a spectacular showpiece.

This dwelling descends a steep hillside that provides plenty of privacy while boasting magnificent 180-degree views of the Bay. Expansive walls of curved glass windows throughout this home help to frame the vistas. The Bay can be viewed from every room in the home, creating the feeling of living on a boat, which is ideal since the owners love to sail.

DESIGN DETAILS: CONSTRUCTION Fontana Construction INTERIOR DESIGN The Wiseman Group

Crafted by the late influential architect Donald Olsen in the mid-90s, this dwelling was thoughtfully modernized, transforming it into an elegant family dwelling that respectfully preserves the distinct, original structure.

The remodel embraced the existing volume’s boat-like curves, customizing new elements to be in harmony with the form of the house. This can be seen in the custom curved sofa in the primary sitting room, which was made to fit perfectly with the room’s curved windows.

Throughout the home, textured fabrics and sculptural furnishings create a dialogue with the original form.

Most of this home’s character comes from its relationship with the water it sits on. To strengthen this connection and ‘bring in’ the water, the existing warmer color scheme was switched out for cooler tones.

This approach is seen throughout the space, with glimmering blue shower tiles in the bathroom, blue upholstery on the lower level, and in the central spiral staircase, which was updated to a beautiful dark gray instead of its original cherry.

Carefully selected textures further emphasize this sense of living on water. In particular, a 15-foot, white Tasmanian glass feature surrounds the living room sofa, designed by a renowned Berkeley workshop to mimic the appearance of water. Everything in this home flows and is harmonious.

What We Love: This house in Sausalito has been completely reimagined with a color palette inspired by the water to provide a tranquil living environment. With views offered from every room in this home, one always feels at peace in this special environment. We love so many details in this home, from the unique curved sofa in the living room to the curvaceous walls of glazing and the way this home was designed to feel like you are living on a boat.

Tell Us: What details in this remodel project do you find most intriguing? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of  California: An old sea captain’s house beautifully transformed in Sausalito and Cliff house features spectacular walls of glass in Sausalito.

PHOTOGRAPHER Roger Davies Photography