San Francisco’s historic townhomes are cherished for their unique charm, yet they present a set of distinct design challenges. These homes, often planted snuggly between neighboring structures, feature narrow facades, quirky layouts, giant blank walls, and intricate bay windows, all of which can complicate interior design efforts. When Brit Epperson, founder of Studio Plow architecture and interior design firm, was asked to transform a classic 1920 townhouse in Pacific Heights for a pair of tech entrepreneurs and their newborn, she embraced the challenge, balancing a tight deadline with retaining the home’s beautiful traditional materials.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Brit Epperson
Design Firm: Studio Plow
Location: Pacific Heights, San Francisco
Home Style: Historic Townhouse
Design Focus: Modern Aesthetic with Traditional Elements
Epperson’s clients sought a modern dream home that still preserved elements of the townhouse’s former traditional charm. The existing design boasted quality materials like espresso-stained red oak floors and Calacatta marble countertops, making it necessary to selectively update rather than completely overhaul the interiors. Understanding the clients’ need for a quick transformation, Epperson focused her efforts on refinishing the home’s foundational elements. This included sanding and bleaching the floors, applying fresh paint throughout, and swapping the chrome fixtures for minimalist black ones while preserving classic features such as Shaker-style kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities.
The blend of traditional and contemporary elements turned out to be an advantage. The retained traditional features provided layers and textures, offering an ideal backdrop for the couple’s growing collection of original art and modern furniture. The mix consisted of renowned designer pieces—including Togo, Tacchini, and Mario Bellini sofas—and custom creations from Studio Plow. Additionally, wall hangings from Mexico, the wife’s home country, added personal and cultural significance to the decor. Epperson made sure that despite the aesthetic upgrades, the home remained toddler-proof, ensuring durability alongside elegance.
The design’s overarching theme was to create a haven, a retreat from the bustling urban life of San Francisco. Epperson wanted the house to feel like a calm, grounded space that stimulated creativity. She played with rich hues, tactile materials, and intricate shapes to achieve an elegant yet approachable aesthetic. The home is constructed with the future in mind, designed to easily adapt to the family’s changing needs, providing an environment that is both serene and dynamic, ready to evolve as the family grows.
Each room served a specific purpose while maintaining a coherent style. The foyer was transformed into a striking space by painting the staircase railing black to give it a graphic edge. The family room preserved stunning Calacatta stone around the fireplace, tying in new furniture elements like Hem chairs and a Sera Helsinki rug. For the drawing room, a monochromatic color scheme introduced drama and highlighted carefully curated pieces like the Tacchini sofa and Haus of Plow coffee tables. A playful tone-on-tone nook allowed bursts of color in a refined manner.
In other areas, Epperson meticulously curated design features to blend functionality with visual appeal. The playroom was crafted to be as enjoyable for adults as for children, with design elements that embraced fun and practicality. The kitchen showcased pre-existing Calacatta marble, complemented by updated fixtures, while the dining room featured an oil painting by Vonn Cummings Sumner, which harmonized with the marble dining table and sophisticated lighting. In the powder room, Epperson used a custom hand-painted wallcovering to create a visual focal point in a windowless space, beautifully punctuated by select hardware and lighting pieces. Throughout, the aim was to infuse each space with personality and style, never sacrificing the calming, inviting atmosphere.
