Layered Traditional Presidio

Regan Baker Design transformed this 1930s Presidio Heights French-style home into a modern yet traditional space, showcasing the clients’ love for travel and collecting, while balancing its existing architecture.

East Coast roots with California coastal hues are represented throughout its four stories, using the dark moody tones of blues and greens to create a balance between sophistication and warmth.

Unexpected accents such as wallpaper on the ceilings, clean-lined custom cabinetry, and a floating desk for two, provide thoughtful personality and customized storage for this family of four who loves to host family and friends. Playing off the natural light from existing windows, deep paint hues and vibrant tiles bring an edge to the original architecture.

By removing an existing wall between the family room and kitchen, the downstairs living space was adapted for a more modern family flow.  

RBD Team & Collaborators

Amy McKenzie

SENIOR DESIGNER

Estefania Perez

SENIOR DESIGNER

Courtney Selzer

DESIGNER

EF McGuinness & Sons

General Contractor

Refreshed Foyer

The newly refreshed foyer—with an updated, period-appropriate, arched door—welcomes with a view of the existing, freshly painted staircase and darkened handrail stained to tie into the refinished, original hardwood floors. The powder room across the hall adds an unexpected touch of glamour while leveraging the moody blue hues and wood paneling seen throughout the home.

In the details

The adjacent dining room flows into the formal living room. The dining area was designed around the client’s existing vintage dining chairs, re-upholstered in a rich navy mohair. Custom, clean-lined millwork adds a modern juxtaposition to the existing architectural details to showcase the clients’ formal dinnerware and collected treasures. In keeping with old meets new, the team designed an updated hearth in the living room, crowned with a vintage mirror, to compliment the fireplace.

Removing Walls

In the kitchen, removing the wall opened up the floorplan and provided space for a new island and breakfast nook. The deep cabinet color is offset with crisp white paint and marble countertops and backsplash.  

Double Duty

The upstairs living room doubles as an office, complete with a custom double desk, to accommodate two working professionals and provide a quiet living space for visiting family and friends. Intentional details were kept throughout, while subtle molding was added to create a more cohesive and elevated “library” feel.

In the primary suite, the dark teal paint and blue tile evoke the moodiness of the frequently enveloping San Francisco fog, while the custom ivory headboard, designed precisely to mirror the curved architectural detail above, contrasts with a bright, lush softness.

Relaxing Soaks

The existing bathtub was encased in custom stonework for relaxing soaks, a must for this client.

All bathrooms throughout the home were refinished, while bedrooms were personalized for the clients’ two young children and their guests.  

selected press

Rue Magazine

January 2024

Brad Knipstein

Photographer