Heights of Sophistication

by Abigail Stone

Eche Martinez of Eche Martinez Interior Design uncovers the beauty and elegance hidden within an old Pacific Heights home.

The Connery Ring light from Visual Comfort dangles over a pair of tufted velvet sofas from RH. The satin brass side tables were also found at RH. The Aegean’ custom rug is by California Carpet. The Chaka coffee table is by Arteriors. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

Prompted by an article they’d read, the clients stopped by Mr. Lin’s, the men’s store on San Francisco’s Sacramento Street, and came away as enamored of its moody, masculine interior as they were of its well-edited selection of apparel. “They were in the midst a multi-year remodel of their Pacific Heights home and wanted to infuse it with a bold dose of personality while still maintaining an inviting atmosphere that would support their love of entertaining,” remembers interior designer Eche Martinez of Eche Martinez Interior Design.

Pendant lights found at Coup, SF and cabinetry by Christoper Peaock. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

The Mid Century black and brass shaded
pendant from Artemest hanging over Rouse Home’s Torsion table in ebonized oak surrounded by Saarinen chairs with ebonized legs found at DWR and a custom banquette covered in ‘Great Plains’ Masquerade by Jovinas Upholstery punctuates a cozy tableau in the kitchen. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

Martinez immediately took note of the home’s challenges: “The dining room, which was integrated into the kitchen, lacked the intimacy and privacy needed for the formal entertaining they envisioned.” He engaged decorative artist Caroline Lizarraga to create an ombre effect on the walls that would act as a visual division between the rooms, and set the stage for its newly dramatic palette. “She created a beautiful mural that resembles the San Francisco fog dissipating into the cool of the evening sky,” Martinez explains.

Against a mural hand-painted by Caroline Lizarraga and her team, a custom Armona Dining Table found on 1stDibs anchors a octet of Rouse Home’s Soho Dining Chairs. The cabinetry is from Christopher Peacock. The Liaison Large Linear Chandelier is from Visual Comfort. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

The home’s warren of small, disjointed rooms was another hurdle. “They’d purchased the property from someone who’d lived their for ages but had never undertaken any upgrades,” says Martinez. Like any house that hasn’t been updated in decades, its layout was not very conducive to modern family life. “Luckily, the interior enjoys exposure from all sides which helped us create light-filled spaces that evolve and change as the sun travels across the house throughout the day.”

Set off by Phillip Jeffries Vinyl Mirror Mirror II Beveled, is RH’s Criss Corner Brass Mirror lit by
Visual Comfort’s Rousseau Medium Vanity Sconce. The countertop was created from
Honed Nero Marquina marble from Da Vinci Marble. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

The lower level also needed a reimagining. “It was initially conceived of as a hangout space for the children and their friends but the family’s needs had evolved and now they wanted something more sophisticated.” A state-of-the-art sound system, created by AudioLovers, set the stage for an elegant lounge space that showcases the family’s love of music and their extensive album collection.

Ligne Roset’s Togo sofa and sectional circle around an organic modular coffee table from West Elm, and sits on top of Ruggable’s Taveri Smoke Tufted Rug. Vinyl Basketry from Phillp Jeffries covers the walls; the ceiling is swathed in the atelier’s Vinyl Mosaic. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

Charcoal Aura from Phillip Jeffries covers the walls. The Hanging Bracket Brass mirrors are from RH. They’re flanked by brass and alabaster sconces from Visual Comfort. Sagano Vibrant Green marble covers the floors. Photo by Connie & Stewart Photography

The final result is a compelling, cosmopolitan and comfortable home that welcomes friends and family. “The clients were open to all of our ideas and that collaboration is the foundation for the transformation,” Martinez raves. “They were as amazed and pleased by the outcome as we were.”

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