A home’s timeless appeal lies not just in its sturdy structure but in its adaptability to the changing needs and styles of its owners. Such is the case with a 1920s Mediterranean Revival house nestled in San Francisco’s Presidio Heights. Under the skilled guidance of Palmer Weiss, founder of Palmer Weiss Interior Design, this 4,500-square-foot residence has been transformed over 15 years. Weiss’s phased approach allowed the home to evolve seamlessly with its inhabitants’ lifestyles—from accommodating a bustling family with small children to serving the versatile needs of a maturing household.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Charlie Barnett and Associates
Interior Designer: Palmer Weiss
Location: Presidio Heights, San Francisco
Home Style: Mediterranean Revival
Renovation Duration: 15 years
Palmer Weiss began her project by addressing the practical needs of a busy family, transforming a dark dining room into a welcoming adults-only living area and creating a family-friendly room within the kitchen. As the children grew and became less rowdy, new needs emerged. Weiss, in collaboration with architects from Charlie Barnett and Associates, reimagined the flow of the home’s spaces by integrating the dining area with the family room. Now, the dining table not only hosts meals but also serves as a homework hub. Meanwhile, the living room remains a cozy spot for family gatherings and sophisticated entertaining, featuring cobalt blue walls that add a bold yet elegant touch.
Maintaining a cohesive design was paramount as the renovation progressed in stages. Weiss embraced the use of hues like blue, mauve, and lilac throughout the home, colors chosen during the initial renovation that continue to resonate. This deliberate choice of a unified palette creates a harmonious environment as fewer colors compete for attention, ensuring a sense of continuity across all rooms. The thoughtful integration of these hues makes each space feel fresh yet consistent, effectively linking each renovation phase to its predecessor.
Each room has been meticulously designed to balance style and functionality. The entryway sets a playful tone with side-by-side Jasper chairs upholstered in vibrant fabric that mirrors the colors found throughout the home. In the living room, south-facing windows usher in natural light, illuminating high-gloss cobalt walls—a daring yet sophisticated design choice. In contrast, the kitchen is transformed with a striking green high-gloss paint, described by Weiss as the “ultimate lever to pull,” adding vibrancy and a sense of modernity.
In the dining area, the combination of cerused cabinetry and a dark table achieves a sophisticated yet family-friendly ambiance. This space shows how functionality can coexist with style, providing a practical yet elegant environment for family meals and gatherings. Similarly, the primary bedroom offers a unique blend of masculine and feminine elements with plaid drapes and a corduroy settee, complemented by an elegant color palette and exquisite furnishings, reflecting a seamless balance of opposing design themes.
The home is rounded out with personalized spaces like a girl’s room and a study with walls bearing a gray faux-bois finish, providing a contemporary twist on traditional wood paneling. Art and furnishings are carefully curated, adding layers of interest and comfort. This thoughtful design approach ensures that each area of the home is uniquely tailored to its occupants, offering spaces that are both inviting and versatile. Under Palmer Weiss’s vision, this Mediterranean Revival home stands as a testament to the lasting power of thoughtful and adaptive design.
