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CAROLINA STREET RESIDENCE
Walnut Creek, CA
As you approach the entrance, a delicate balance between simplicity and
purpose unfolds; we see a demise of well-defined entryways in the city as
developments look to utilize every inch as interior space. We wanted to
explore a porch design that is not grand in scale but has real personality.
Here, it is quite minimal and practical while presenting a defining
sensibility. As far as finishes, we started with a bright and neutral palette
but incorporated vibrant graphic tiles in various areas to infuse the
urban sanctuary with the personality of the homeowner.
Like many homes in San Francisco, the project abuts the neighbor at a
blind wall. We turned the challenge of a windowless wall into a major
design opportunity by stacking the three-story staircase in the core
of the home and flooding the space with natural light through the
two oversized skylights above. The light penetrates through the open
risers and 40-foot vertical cable railings, creating beautiful and dynamic
shadow patterns on the blind wall throughout the day.
We turned to warm, organic materials to define the entertaining spaces
and then layered in an unexpected, moody moment with the all-black
powder room. The portrait painting "Lesende" by Gerrard Richter is
reflected in the antiqued mirror. In the dining area, the crisp, minimal
interior lends itself to a bespoke art piece by San Francisco's very own
Aaron De La Cruz. As the evening sun sets, the room becomes an oasis
of inspiration and dialogue, merging art, design, and culinary memories.
Photographs by Suzanna Scott
Designed by Mahya Salehi Studio, Walnut Creek, CA , page 213
