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 ‘Japonesque’ leanings and his new Edwardian home?

Forgoing a literal take, we introduced clean simple shapes wrapped in contrasting natural materials – chilly minimalism held at bay with warm woods and fabrics. A pair of oak credenzas frame the blue limestone fireplace in the living room, fronted by a chocolate wool lounge chair. Lightly honed black granite floor tiles in the kitchen reflect the inset walnut cabinets above. And throughout, gray walls mirror the fog that regularly rolls over the hills and into view.