Home tour: A modern light-filled home in the San Francisco Bay Area

Thus, Goldman and her design team tap into the essence of the California modern design style, which not only ticks all the boxes to attain the epitome of modern living the homeowners seek but one that exudes an airy and laid-back atmosphere amidst a Silicon Valley design aesthetic that includes modern lines with warm materials.

Sleek, clean lines that reveal the elegance of minimalist design and contemporary aesthetics are prominent throughout the home. It begins at the exterior of smooth stucco and dark black vertical sizing, anchored by a ribbed wooden front door that carries the detailing inside.

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“We love pulling a design detail through every custom home we design,” confesses Goldman. “In this home, we repeated a ribbed detail—a simple continuity that pulls the spaces together.”

Amidst neutral colours and softened natural materials of fluted wood and oak stained floorings, the ribbed stone fireplace adds character and contrast to the bright and clean living room.

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Meanwhile, the reeded, stained oval-shaped island counter elevates the kitchen area, its gentle curves reminiscent of a modern Parisian bistro in the 8th Arrondissement. 

“It is a design detail we never had the opportunity to design previously,” elaborates Goldman. “Because of the softened ends on the island, it’s approachable and easy to move around while prepping meals or entertaining guests.” 

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True to the sunny state the design style is named after, California modern calls for abundant natural light flooding into the happy, open spaces through strategically placed oversized windows, doors, and skylights in each room.

“When you walk through the threshold of this home, the entry hall has floor-to-ceiling glazing and a vaulted two-storey space that sets the tone and experience,” says Goldman.

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The connection to the outdoors is ever present, which suits the design style’s element in seamless indoor-outdoor integration for the home.

“Continuing with the clients’ desire to break down the barriers between indoor and outdoor life, I love the bi-fold windows at the main kitchen sink, which were designed so that they can easily pass food through to the outdoor kitchen,” the interior designer chimes in.

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Here also, the covered back porch that opens the house to the rear yard is usable throughout the year, as it shields the summer sun, while the warm integrated ceiling heaters invite the homeowners and their guests outside during the winter months.

While the harmonious and warm blend of modern luxury and organic elements brings about emotionally warm settings throughout the home, Goldman is also mindful of what it will be like for a family to inhabit a practical yet refined space.

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The kitchen is exemplary with its immense amount of hidden storage, which not only keeps the appearance sophisticated but also extremely functional for family-friendly daily routines.

“Our designs always emerge from clients’ needs and personal style, as we inject both livability and buildability into their desires,” concludes Goldman. “A common denominator in this design, and all of our designs, are functional floor plans that work for a family.”

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