San Francisco
Pied á Terre with New Life

Imagine a busy street corner in San Francisco where a dry cleaner business stood for 30 years. One day, the dry cleaner vacates the premises and the owner decides to take the space for a weekend apartment. Small mess – large opportunity.

The requirements were sleeping for 2, entertaining for 6-8. The kitchen was central and had to be fun with the ability to handle a serious cook. The rest of the space takes a cue from the kitchen and the whole space becomes a hip enclave in a semi-seedy part of town.

Concrete kitchen counters and a glass bar top anchor the kitchen and give a bit of drama. A small bath is visually increased with floor-to-ceiling glass tiles so shower walls aren't required. The bedroom area is partitioned off with a semi-sheer drapery that allows light to filter through.

What remains from the original shell are two very handsome brick walls. The color and textures of glass, stone, and metal cool the hot brick walls while the art and light fixtures were chosen to act as jewelry to punctuate the rooms.