Favorites

The couple has a luminous top-floor “movement room” that includes many of Wu’s products.

Designed by Fredrick Liebhardt, the Clark Residence is a perfectly preserved time capsule in San Diego.

The entry hallway doubles as a library, filled with books related to Chris's vocational life. A kitchenette with a two-burner stovetop and small refrigerator offers a place to prepare simple meals.

The triangular shower, Julia's favorite part of the cottage, features a large window that gives the sense of showering outside. The clay zellige tiles "follow the ethos of the building,

Partially hidden from the main driveway, the cottage is accessed by a meandering stone path—you can't drive a car up to it. "It's not conventionally convenient,

BEFORE: The roof, walls and porch were all falling apart.

“You can’t help but relax being in the country,” says Nigel. Jane laughs and jumps in: “Though it’s hard work. We’re always doing something.”

The addition is clad in vertical black panels, a refracted reference to the horizontal white panels on the restored original building.

Blue tile in the bathroom adds a small pop of color to the otherwise minimalist space.

Nigel and Jane loved the views to the West of the property, and requested some big openings to be able to enjoy that view. With a sliding wall that opens up onto the patio, the interior and exterior spaces easily flow together. “Even if it’s raining, we can sit and see the big garden and the sunset,” says Nigel.

The interiors were kept quite simple, with white oak floors, crisp white walls and black frames on the window.

After living for years in an ornate, restored Victorian home, Nigel and Jane opted for minimal details. “For the windows, we wanted something clean, no trim… just a plaster-work finish,” says Nigel.

Wood cabinetry from Merit Kitchens has a vertical, plank-like finish. Black iron handles tie in with the window frames. “We didn’t need fancy details,” says Nigel.