Collection by Pamela
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Roberta Gordon’s two story hillside home in San Francisco’s Westwood Highlands neighborhood, built by her father, has been adjusted by architect David Gast and interior designer David Bjorngaard for her to age in place. A staircase from the street below leads into the former basement, now reconfigured as an additional dwelling unit for a future caretaker.
In years gone by, the street was lined with Milkwood trees, some of which still remain. The angled bay window was specifically designed to frame two ancient Milkwoods, which were sadly removed by neighbours despite many objections. It does, however, remain a cosy, sun-filled nook with 180-degree views.
New custom walnut cabinetry syncs with the rest of the built-ins throughout the home, to create a pleasing rhythm in the open plan. The backsplash is Heath Ceramics tile, and the counter is Pental Quartz. Open shelves at the rear overlook a cozy den, and allow sightlines out the new windows at the front of the home.
In the living room, the team raised the firebox, cladded the hearth in a tactile plaster finish, and installed a floating limestone bench that wraps the column. On the left (unseen) is integrated firewood storage, and a cozy reading nook sits on the right. "The bench was designed to be used as a social space/lounge, and is well-used," says Coffey. The wood beams and red brick were scraped and stripped many times to remove the silver paint and reclaim a natural state.
By removing the raised platform that originally had no use, the team was able to double the size of the kitchen and add in a new bathroom on the main floor. The pendants over the peninsula were sourced by the homeowner from AY Lighting, and now echo the dark tones of the white oak cabinetry, which sport walnut interiors.
The cabinets are topped with stone—Calacatta Borghini from ABC Stone—which waterfalls to the floor and sheaths the backsplash for a seamless look. "We worked alongside the fabricator to align the veins of the stone to create a fluid move," explains Coffey. Appliances include a Gaggenau range top, steam and convection oven, as well as a walk-in pantry with two drawer refrigerators and a wine fridge.
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