Home tour: A playful Mexican-inspired home in San Francisco

Studio Plow adds an eclectic twist to this classic 1920s residence in San Francisco’s Pacific Heights

Hidden amongst a large collection of restored historic homes, French chateaus, and Spanish-style mansions, this 5-bedroom, 4,142 sq ft three-storey and five-bedroom home in the vibrant neighbourhood of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights is the main residence of a young couple in their 30s and their baby girl.

First built in 1920, its exterior is reminiscent of a classic San Francisco home. Having been two separate flats that have now been combined into a single-family home and renovated in the early 2000s, its sterile interior left much to be desired until Studio Plow stepped in.

Above Spot the playful pieces and elements peeking out in this family room

Above Softer pieces and furniture grace the playroom

“The couple are long-time clients of ours that we’ve connected with after we completed two San Francisco headquarter office spaces for the company he co-founded,” recalls Brit Epperson, founder and chief creative of Studio Plow.

“The couple welcomed their first child in 2021 at the time and realised they desperately needed a larger space and fast, so we practically jumped head first into this new project.”

Textures and accent pieces showcase the house’s personality

This Toga chair placed right beside the window is the perfect lounging space

The mirror works to enhance the living room space

Photo 1 of 4 Textures and accent pieces showcase the house’s personality

Photo 2 of 4 This Toga chair placed right beside the window is the perfect lounging space

Photo 3 of 4 The mirror works to enhance the living room space

Photo 4 of 4 Living room

“To honour our client’s roots in Mexico, we made sure to choose pieces that would foster a strong cultural connection with her so that she would feel right at home,” comments Epperson.

“Additionally, as a fashion enthusiast and art lover, her fashion-forward perspective was a key inspiration for some of our more whimsical choices.”

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Playful elements are carefully chosen and placed to create a fun dining space

Delightful textures from this Puffy Lounge Chair by Faye Toogood

Colours and patterns add a sense of whimsy to even the simplest of spaces

Photo 1 of 3 Playful elements are carefully chosen and placed to create a fun dining space

Photo 2 of 3 Delightful textures from this Puffy Lounge Chair by Faye Toogood

Photo 3 of 3 Colours and patterns add a sense of whimsy to even the simplest of spaces

As the interior was worked on while the family was moving in, Studio Plow aimed to utilise many of the space’s existing framework, refinishing or working with them as is to create a modern interior that would align with the client’s vision.

“We focused on natural materials that promoted a healthy environment while still being luxurious and resilient, such as wool rugs, marble and solid wood surfaces, and recycled fabrics,” notes Epperson.

Above The statement light piece by Trueing and custom cushions by Kvadrat/Raf Simmons truly adds character to the kitchen

“Since we were aiming for a classy vibe, we leaned for the overall themes and colours of each space to border on monochromatic,” explains Epperson. “To balance all the quirky individual elements we introduced to the space, we incorporated earthy, warm tones like mauve and burgundy. Not only does this help to warm up and soften the space, but they give a very clean and timeless look.”

“It was important that nothing felt too ‘precious’ as we wanted to strike a balance between luxury and feeling lived in, intentionally blending high-end artisan crafted pieces with well-designed, mass-market type pieces. We also sourced a selection of vintage pieces, such as the velvet Togo chairs in the drawing room, to help bring in a sense of lived-in cosiness to the space,” adds Epperson.

A play of pattern and textures give character to this simple bedroom

A cosy lounge/reading nook in the main bedroom

Photo 1 of 3 A play of pattern and textures give character to this simple bedroom

Photo 2 of 3 A cosy lounge/reading nook in the main bedroom

Photo 3 of 3 Bedside table

“To date, this has been our most art-intensive project,” highlights Epperson.

“The collaborations we developed with artists and artisans were key to the success of the project since we wanted the art pieces and furniture selected to have a story related to the homeowners. For instance, downstairs in the playroom, the raw cotton threaded tapestry is made in Queretaro, Mexico, which is close to our client’s childhood home.”

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Above Main bathroom

Above Porter Teleo wallpaper and the squiggly mirror by 9 & 19 provide a fun and grungy look to the powder room

“We wanted the home to feel spacious, warm, and inviting in contrast to what can sometimes feel like living in a foggy and dense city,” remarks Epperson.

“The design for this home is truly centred around the house being an urban respite, with lots of meaningful pieces that would carry a sense of familiarity for the family while reflecting their unique personalities.”

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Credits

Photography

Nicole Franzen

Topics

Home Tour San Francisco Mexican Inspired Interior Design California

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