John Lum Architecture has reimagined this gorgeous midcentury modern home perched atop Golden Gate Heights, a neighborhood in San Francisco, California. The existing dwelling needed a major overhaul with its compartmentalized floor plan and fixtures and finishes that were original to the home.

The architects combined the owner’s love for Eastern European modernism with a touch of Japanese wabi-sabi, resulting in a stunning transformation. They started by replacing the deteriorated painted siding with a mix of natural cedar and cement plaster on the exterior. A striking shou sugi ban screen was added to conceal the garage doors, with the only visible entrance being a vibrant orange glass gate.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT John Lum Architecture CONTRACTOR Floyd Construction LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT The Garden Route STYLIST Yedda Morrison

The main level underwent a full-scale gut renovation to create a spacious entertainment area. One end of the room features a raised platform, functioning as both a stage for performances and a cozy inglenook. This focal point is highlighted by a folded brass sheet chimney breast and adorned with shou sugi ban cladding.

What We Love: The craftsmanship in this remodeled midcentury home in San Francisco is truly exceptional. The design successfully integrates an eclectic blend of eras into a comprehensive whole, reflecting the ability to reimagine a house into a showplace while working within a constrained floor plan. Overall, the project team did a fantastic job of creating a beautifully inviting home that exudes both sophistication and warmth.

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Note: Take a look at a couple of other incredible home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of California: A warehouse loft offers an industrial chic live/work home in San Francisco and A 1920s Spanish Revival home gets a dreamy refresh in San Francisco.

Above: A fabulous open-concept kitchen boasts an illuminated ceiling, live teak edge countertops, and a luxe marble island. A floor-to-ceiling wine cabinet distinguishes the dining space, concealing the original staircase.

The lounge area features a striking backlit wet bar, while a folding window wall visually connects this space to a zen entry garden, where stairs lead up to a hillside guest house.

The second floor was remodeled into the owner’s living quarters. One bedroom was converted into a sitting room for the bedroom suite, with a teak box separating the two that conceals a walk-in closet. Another bedroom is used as a home office, while the fourth bedroom was converted into a home gym and guest room.

An ode to Japanese bath culture, the primary bathroom’s white penny tiles recall river stones that define the Ofuro wooden-soaking tub and walk-in shower. Switchable smart glass windows deliver privacy without sacrificing natural light.

PHOTOGRAPHER Paul Dyer