San Francisco Soul

Located in the Richmond District, the Edwardian home was in need of a renovation that would bring it into the 21st century without compromising its history. To achieve this, VIF Studio have reconfigured the home, restored initial features of the building and integrated new elements to gently modernise the design.

As a central hub of the home, the kitchen was reconfigured to open up the space while creating additional storage (and providing places to hide away appliances like the washing machine and dryer). Custom Shaker cabinets and half-hex tiles characterise the light, bright space, while traditional soapstone counters have been left un-oiled to add a warm contrast to the modern white palette. The back sunroom was also restructured, becoming a master bathroom bathed in sunlight – although developing a double vanity to fit around a window called for some creative solutions! To this end, a custom wood vanity was designed to float below the window with pivot mirror medicine cabinets spaced in on either side, creating storage and symmetry.

Striking a balance between historic and contemporary sensibilities, VIF Studio have restored and preserved original elements of the home while introducing new modern features, including the client’s own enviable collection of mid-century pieces. Classic moulding is continued throughout the home, contrasted with the modern lighting fixtures and furniture. Against a backdrop of simple, cream walls and rich timber floors, it sets the scene for the soul of the home to develop and grow for many more years to come.