Cover The curved exterior of the home, which was first built in the eighties (Photography: Roger Davies)
The curved exterior of the home, which was first built in the eighties (Photography: Roger Davies)
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The Wiseman Group sensitively remodelled the interiors of an eighties-era Californian house with waterfront views, while still retaining its distinctive architecture
With a unique location that overlooks the picturesque Bay Area in California, this weekend abode in Sausalito is a peaceful sanctuary for an extended family and their pet dogs. But as it had been built in the 80s, the owners felt it was time to give it an update, enlisting American interior design company The Wiseman Group to refresh its architecture and design.
“The clients did not want to change the layout or the connection the house has to the surrounding landscape as the existing house was beautifully designed to follow the contours of the hillside and maximise the views from all spaces. But it felt dated so they wanted to give the house a new life by redefining it,” says associate design director Megan Munoz, from The Wiseman Group.
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Above The picturesque living room faces amazing views of the sea
The picturesque living room faces amazing views of the sea
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A grey-toned wood floor was installed to give the space a more contemporary feel and the bathrooms, primary suite, kitchen and fireplaces were modernised, as were the plumbing fixtures and hardware.
Keeping to the mantra “you don’t compete with the view”, the team carefully selected a material colour palette to complement the hues of the surrounding bay, ranging from warm tones of pins and copper to cooler blues, greys and greens. To heighten the sensation of being surrounded by water, cast glass and polished stone countertops which evoke a “translucent” effect reflect the changing ripples of light through the day.
“It has a flex of all the various colours you may see throughout the day while living on the water from sunrise to sunset,” The Wiseman Group’s president Paul Wiseman explains.
Above The splendrous sights of the sunset can be enjoyed in various areas of the home, including this cosy nook
The splendrous sights of the sunset can be enjoyed in various areas of the home, including this cosy nook
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“It has a flex of all the various colours you may see throughout the day while living on the water from sunrise to sunset”
Above Metallic details on the door and coffee table contribute to the glamorous look of this living area
Above A handsome mix of dark wood and neutral furnishings add to the soothing atmosphere
Metallic details on the door and coffee table contribute to the glamorous look of this living area
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Above A minimalist shelf pairs beautifully with the wall-hung artwork
A minimalist shelf pairs beautifully with the wall-hung artwork
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Great pains were taken to custom make furniture that is curved to fit seamlessly into the architectural curves of the house itself to create a comfortable, liveable home for the couple while at the same time meeting their need for a stylish space for business entertaining purposes. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the stunning living room, which has been meticulously designed to showcase the jaw dropping view. Here, the custom curved sofa by Hildebrand Furniture features a specially designed cast glass back ledge surrounding the sofa to reflect the “watery nature of the natural landscape”.
Another view of the large living area
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To evoke the sensation of being on a boat, which was the husband’s original intent for this home, a custom carpet was commissioned for the living room to feature a motif that is evocative of water ripples.
Meanwhile, the wine tasting room boasts an impressive wine display to showcase their enviable collection of bottles—an impressive touch when they entertain guests. Additionally, a custom wall light sculpture by Satori provides a diffuse warm light source to encourage a sense of intimacy over a good tipple.
Above The impressive home bar is lined with the family's favourite bottles
The impressive home bar is lined with the family's favourite bottles
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In the master suite, the team took care to imbue the space with a deep sense of “elegant comfort” in a nod to the wife’s impeccable sense of personal style. With sections of the walls clad in luxurious travertine stone together with a plush wall-to-wall Martin Patrick Evan carpet, there is an effortless aura of lushness in the space.
Russet orange tones on the soft furnishings take inspiration from the sunset hues
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The master bathroom features an organically shaped floating tub that artistically mirrors the curves of the glass wall. One of the original design elements that were preserved is the glass block wall in the round shower—ingeniously updated to look more contemporary with off-white mosaic tiles. The overall effect is a serene yet stylish environment that elevates even routine daily ablutions.
Says design director Brenda Mickel with satisfaction: ”The greatest compliment a client can give is to cry with joy, which was her reaction when she saw the house.”
Another view of the home in the early hours of the day
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