In the living room, a Delcourt Collection sofa joins two Egg Collective armchairs and a pair of curved vintage chairs from Galerie Half. The Calacatta Viola coffee table rests on a Woven Designs rug. Between the windows is a work by Matt Lipps; to the right is a piece by Rashid Johnson.
This Modern San Francisco Dwelling Is An Entertainer's Dream
The city itself was the inspiration for this San Francisco residence’s interiors designed by Senalee Kapelevich. “Its personality is about its location—it’s near one of our most beautiful parks,” says the designer, who was already well acquainted with the clients, two men who love to entertain. Kapelevich had worked for both halves of the couple on their individual dwellings in the past, but this was their first shared house—and they were starting from scratch. “Their approach was to let it be its own special thing instead of trying to merge pieces from past homes,” Kapelevich explains.
Her familiarity with the couple made their collaboration run smoothly, but, Kapelevich says, “In order to give them a fresh look, I also had to pretend I didn’t know them.” She focused on their love of gathering and the urban setting. “My favorite spaces feel of the current moment and of a place,” she adds.
Architect Michael Terndrup and team reimagined and expanded the 1925 house. The renovation, executed by general contractor Evan Quinn, includes a combined family and screening room on the lower level and a top-floor primary suite with stunning city vistas.
Home Details
Architecture:
Michael Terndrup, EAG Studio
Interior Design:
Senalee Kapelevich, SVK Interior Design
Home Builder:
Evan Quinn, Citadel Inc.
Styling:
Yedda Morrison
Designed with entertaining in mind, the kitchen island is topped with Neolith porcelain. Red Normann Copenhagen counter stools pop against walnut cabinetry by Korts & Knight. Overhead hang a trio of bronze-and-brass pendants by Allied Maker.
A custom oak Egg Collective dining table and Caste chairs sit atop a wool rug by Armadillo. The Reinaldo Sanguino tabletop pieces are from The Future Perfect.
In the living room, a Delcourt Collection sofa joins two Egg Collective armchairs and a pair of curved vintage chairs from Galerie Half. The Calacatta Viola coffee table rests on a Woven Designs rug. Between the windows is a work by Matt Lipps; to the right is a piece by Rashid Johnson.
The powder room’s vanity is made from Sahara Noir marble from IRG. A Phillip Jeffries wallcovering is the backdrop for a diamond-shaped mirror by RH and a Jason Wu for Brizo faucet. The pendant is by davidpompa, and the artwork is by Zander Blom.
The Blu Bathworks tub has an epic city view from the primary bathroom. Bleached walnut cabinets by Korts & Knight are accented by Walker Zanger porcelain floor tiles.
A leather sectional and glass-top coffee table, both by B&B Italia, are grounded by a wool rug from Lulu and Georgia in the bar lounge. Next to the Kort & Knight cabinetry, fitted with a backsplash of Sahara Noir marble from IRG, is a Radenko Milak artwork.
In the primary bedroom, a Keith Haring artwork hangs above a Baker bed made with an RH coverlet and Cultiver accent pillow. At the foot of the bed are a Bright Chair sofa and Saarinen side table by Knoll. The pendant light is by Roll & Hill.
While keeping the epic views the focal point, Kapelevich sought to add interest to the minimalist interior architecture. The designer layered in vintage furnishings, like the living room’s pair of curved velvet lounge chairs, and, with the help of art adviser Laura Smith Sweeney, a dynamic mix of up-and-coming and blue-chip art, including pieces by Rashid Johnson and Keith Haring.
While the house is sophisticated, it’s also sturdy. “They wanted pieces to look cool but nothing so delicate that you couldn’t set a drink on it,” Kapelevich explains. So, she leaned into saturated colors, wool rugs, leather and outdoor fabrics for some of the upholstery. Most of the interior is white and light, but the designer says she let some elements go “masculine and moody,” adding dark hues and rich textures that lend contrast.
Kapelevich knew she delivered on the wish for a home for entertaining when, after living in the house for six months, the owners realized they never used the lounge television—they were too busy hanging out with their friends—and removed it altogether. The decision speaks to the nature of the finished residence: It’s both an oasis from the bustle of the city and a place to gather and enjoy the best parts of urban living.
A leather sectional and glass-top coffee table, both by B&B Italia, are grounded by a wool rug from Lulu and Georgia in the bar lounge. Next to the Kort & Knight cabinetry, fitted with a backsplash of Sahara Noir marble from IRG, is a Radenko Milak artwork.