Today’s design inspiration comes from a pied-a-terre apartment located in San Francisco’s exclusive Pacific Heights neighborhood overlooking the Bay and Golden Gate Bridge.  This residence has been created to serve as a glamorous stage for entertaining with interiors completed in a metropolitan design by San Francisco-based interior designer Nicole Hollis.

The two-bedroom apartment spans an entire floor of a classic prewar building dating back to the 1920s.  The original millwork and trim have been maintained and restored to honor the history of the structure.  The designer prefers to layer texture and shapes in lieu of color and pattern which she has done here achieving a scene of high contrast with a neutral color palette to form an excellent backdrop for the homeowner’s enviable art collection.

Designed to serve as a glamorous stage for entertaining

Creamy white paint covers the walls throughout most of the apartment, while the wood floors are stained a rich, deep brown.  In the living room, the designer gathered the main seating area around fireplace.  A shimmery velvet-upholstered sofa and leather armchairs, all by Christian Liaigre, gather on a plush Moroccan rug from Tony Kitz gallery.  The side table is by Troscan Design, and the floor lamp is from Blackman Cruz.  The designer had the ottoman upholstered with a hair-on-hide which perfectly balances the space opposite the fireplace and adds to the worldly appeal.  Linen curtains dress the windows.

The dramatic fireplace surround is bespoke designed by Hollis, created with Nero Marquina black marble with white veining.  The artwork above it is by Antony Gormley, which is flanked by a pair of hand-blown glass sconces from John Pomp Studios.  More of the sconces are placed about the room to impart a warm glow.  A collection of books and decorative objects, including a wooden bowl by Philip Moulthrop, gather on the central coffee table creating a personal and inviting feel.

To create a counterpoint for the metropolitan design, the designer painted the study, located just beyond the living room, Pitch Black.  The main focal art in the space is the Secretive Three Graces, 2008 by Debbie Han.  The table in the center of the room is an Eero Saarinen-design from Knoll.  Above it, a Gino Sarfatti lighting fixture from Flos suspends.  The large metallic sculpture right outside the space is Artificial Rock #146, 2011 by Zhan Wang.

In the foyer, a Louis Poulsen PH Artichoke pendant hangs above a table from Atelier Gary Lee.  A poem by Robert Frost, Square Word Calligraphy: After Apple Picking 2003, drawn by Xu Bing to look like Chinese characters, displays on the wall. 

For the formal dining room, Hollis bespoke designed the large oak-and-bronze dining table.  A large modern-style bronze Lumiere Chandelier by Jean de Merry suspends above it.  Christian Liaigre linen dresses the windows.  Robert Rauschenberg’s Japanese Sky I hangs between the windows along with several pieces of art around the room. 

For the casual breakfast area, Hollis designed a comfy corner banquette upholstered in leather by Garrett.  She paired it with a custom wood table and Dzine side chairs.  The arrangement is complete with a honeycomb lighting pendant from Tim Clarke Interior Design.

The kitchen and master bath were the only spaces that needed a full structural renovation. Hollis designed new cabinetry and created a minimalist design aesthetic.  Here in the kitchen, the designer painted the cabinets pitch black.  She selected Waterworks subway tile for the back-splash and Calacatta Gold marble for the counter-tops.

A lighter, more relaxed mood defines the master bedroom. White bed linens dress the bed while cream-colored Romo draperies frame the windows.  Artist Liu Wei’s oil-on-wood paintings, which intentionally crack and change color over time, decorate the walls.

Calacatta Gold marble covers the master bathroom floors.  Hollis also used the marble to customize the vanity from Restoration Hardware.  The geometric lighting chandelier is by Tom Dixon.  The flowing architecture combined with the windows and glass doors demonstrate a nuanced play of light and shadow throughout the day.

Here we see the classic design details in the entrance of the apartment’s residential building.

That concludes our design inspiration for today, my friend.

For more metropolitan, art-filled residences, be sure to see:

Sao Paulo Artist’s Apartment Renovation

Brazilian Fashion Stylist Apartment: Diego Revollo

Nicole Hollis’ Metropolitan Design

Nicole Hollis imbues spaces with beauty and emotion through her multidisciplinary design practice grounded in artisanship, conceptual rigor and materials exploration.  A lush textural canvas, nuanced study of contrasts and emphasis on the Fine Arts characterize the firm’s strategic approach.

NICOLE HOLLIS conceives timeless interiors that elevate the human spirit. This award-winning collective of interior designers, interior architects, and furniture designers is led by creative director and principal Nicole Hollis in partnership with her husband, CEO Lewis Heathcote.  The group offers a holistic approach to the art of living through residential, hospitality, and product design. The studio’s portfolio of clients includes global leaders and notable innovators who appreciate the ability to create a home that supports and enhances their family’s chosen lifestyle.

Interior Design:  Nicole Hollis

Photography:  Laure Joliet

Thank you so much for reading along with me.  I hope you enjoyed today’s metropolitan design inspiration.  Let me hear from you in the comments. 

Have a great day!!