Project Name: Presidio Heights Revival

Date Completed: December 2018

Interior Designer: SKIN Interior Design

Construction Company: Thompson Brooks

Presidio Heights Revival is an elegant pre-war, stately Presidio mansion that was transformed by SKIN to reflect the playful, yet very sophisticated client. Indeed, words can hardly describe the transformation of this outdated mansion that was filled with antiques, ripped fabrics, and dusty taupe walls.

A dark, sad space was transformed by SKIN into a light filled, fun, yet incredibly sophisticated space that serves to evoke a bygone era, accompanied with unique modern art and special pieces. There was not a single detail left unturned, as each room was lovingly restored in this joyous manner. SKIN wanted to bring to life the existing antiques and revitalise them to be fresh and playful, making each space a conversation point. The mix of colour and antiques juxtaposed with modern art works, brings an updated edge to the old-world architecture.

These art works served as SKIN’s favourite aspect to this project. The photography in the dining room is by Andy Freeburg. His photos of Russian women guarding the art pieces in art museums, act as a great conversation piece and really juxtapose the classical setting of the Dining Room. Additionally, the Jay Kelly collage made from vintage magazine pieces in the bar room off the Living Room pops off from the high gloss teal walls and sets the tone for elegant entertaining.

Yet it is not just the phenomenal art pieces that are a key aspect of this project, as there are an array of artisan skills underpinning Presidio Heights Revival. Thompson Brooks Construction did restoration work and custom millwork, the seamstress Susan Sews and wallpaper hanger Susan Arche helped bring SKIN’s dreams of colourful fabrics and prints come to life. Finally, Heather and French, who specialise in high end residential work, did meticulous work in helping to achieve the right colours and tones.

Achieving the perfect colours and tones was incremental in SKIN’s other goal of bringing in the outside colours that characterise the mansion’s surroundings. The blues of the sky, greens of the lush trees, the natural landscape with the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the Living Room. The combined result of all these features, is a timeless and classic design with an edge, helping create sophistication with approachability.