Japonesque: a Pacific Heights home

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 ‘Japonesque’ leanings and his new Edwardian home?

Forgoing a literal take, we introduced clean simple shapes wrapped in contrasting natural materials – holding chilly minimalism at bay with a mix of wood, stone and tactile fabrics. White oak credenzas frame the blue limestone fireplace in the living room, fronted by a chocolate wool lounge chair. Honed black granite floors in the kitchen reflect the walnut cabinets above. Throughout, gray walls mirror the fog that rolls over the hills and into view.