Take Two

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Ashley Canty of Interior Solutions Designs creates a legacy home for a Menlo Park family.

Photos throughout by Vivian Johnson

“This was the second time we had worked with this family,” says Ashley Canty of Interior Solutions Designs. Introduced by the couple’s in-laws, they’d remodeled various rooms for them over the years. Now, they’d bought a property in Menlo Park on which to build their dream home. It would need to be able to accommodate plenty of family get togethers; almost two dozen close relatives live nearby

“We really wanted to think of everything and do everything that we could to make this a special home for them,” says Canty. “Fortunately, we were able to sign onto the project before the demo work commenced, allowing us to participate in the planning and early architectural meetings.”

Alongside architect Steve Simpson of SDG Architecture they developed a “Mediterranean meet Modern” concept. The 7,000 square foot home showcases a three-story open stairwell with a stacked limestone façade. A custom 35’ drop-glass pendant light, made by John Pomp Lighting of De Sousa Hughes in San Francisco, highlights the dramatic space. “It creates a modern, open-air effect that serves as a centerpiece of the home’s design aesthetic,” says Canty.

Custom cabinetry, used throughout the interior, effectively and elegantly amplifies the home’s storage capabilities. Downstairs, alongside a creative room for art and music, an 800 bottle wine cellar and a work room with glass that frosts over for an immediate disappearing act, is an in-law suite designed with longer-term stays in mind and a playroom with six bunk beds. “It’s perfect for hosting visits from cousins and family friends,” says Canty. 

The results so pleased the homeowners that Canty’s details are making the rounds of the entire family and their neighbors. “ Their vision of a dream home created a truly unique environment for the Interior Solutions team to deploy limitless creativity, bringing meaning, purpose, and elegance to the residence,” says Canty, “The architect Steve Simpson once referred to this house upon its completion as a ‘legacy home.’ I couldn’t agree more.