In the heart of San Francisco’s Pacific Heights, a historic Victorian home undergoes a meticulous renovation led by Kelly Hohla, principal of Kelly Hohla Interiors. Discovering an old photograph of the residence, Hohla was inspired to respect its storied legacy as the first house built on its street in 1880. Collaborating with senior designer Celeste Barnes-Bremer and architect Dale Sessions, the team redefined the layout, weaving modern luxuries with traditional architectural elements to honor the home’s remarkable heritage.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Architect: Dale Sessions
Designer: Kelly Hohla
Location: Pacific Heights, San Francisco, California
Senior Designer: Celeste Barnes-Bremer
Landscape Architecture: Strata Landscape Architecture
The exterior received a sensitive update that highlighted the exquisite Victorian detailing, in keeping with the clients’ affinity for a classic black, white, and gold palette. A new copper roof, exterior lighting, and landscaping by Strata Landscape Architecture enhance its historical charm. Inside, a revamped staircase now serves as the spine of the house, snaking its way up four floors and allowing light to cascade down from a skylight at the top. The custom bronze pickets and light oak finishes create a harmonious flow through the residence.
A vibrant entryway welcomes guests with an eclectic mix of vintage furniture and contemporary art. The living room’s Venetian plaster walls capture natural light from the bay windows, creating a luminous space accentuated by silk wallpaper on the ceiling. Custom light oak cabinetry and plush furnishings maintain a cozy atmosphere in the family room, making it ideal for relaxation. The kitchen, redesigned with practicality in mind, boasts ten slabs of striking Arabescato marble, uniting aesthetics with function through a modern monochrome theme.
Dining and social spaces continue the narrative of unique character and finesse, with the Tuell and Reynolds sideboard as a noteworthy focal point, anchoring the dining room’s design with richly hued wall treatments. This curated approach extends into the powder room, where a marriage of textures—from silk hand-embroidered wallpaper to herringbone tile—creates a modern sanctuary. Each room bears individual artistic touches, like the primary bedroom’s chinoiserie mural, designed to embrace sweeping city views and the home’s illustrious past.
The residence’s upper levels are no less enchanting, with a guest room transformed from a wood-paneled enclave into an open, inviting haven with echoes of the living room’s elegant finishes. The attic guest room embraces its unique angles through comprehensive use of patterned wallpaper and custom furnishings. The primary dressing room delights with opulence, fully realized through tailored paint layers and a shimmering ceiling detail, underscoring the luxurious vein running through the entire home.
Culminating in the bathrooms, where artistic tile selections drive design narratives, each space is meticulously curated to reflect the homeowner’s tastes and the designers’ vision. Throughout the renovation, Kelly Hohla and her team maintained a delicate balance of honoring the original structure’s historical significance while integrating modern comfort and artistry, resulting in a rejuvenated Victorian that stands as both a testament to the past and a celebration of contemporary design.
