Japonesque: a Pacific Heights flat

A Japanese bent is no surprise in San Francisco, where Noguchi lanterns and Kanagawa waves abound. But how to bridge the conceptual space between a client’s subtle ‘Japonesque’ leanings and his new Edwardian home?

Forgoing a literal take, we wrapped simple shapes in contrasting natural materials – chilly minimalism avoided with warm woods and fabrics. A pair of oak credenzas frame the blue limestone fireplace, fronted by a chocolate wool lounge chair. Lightly honed black granite tiles in the kitchen reflect the inset walnut cabinets above.