One Thing Leads to Another

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What started as a styling job, turned into a complete transformation by Kress Jack

In the living room, a vintage concrete coffee table that was found on 1stDibs sits under a pendant from Arteriors. The vessels on the mantle are from Ink + Porcelain and the leather accent chairs were found at Four Hands.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.

“I strive to create spaces that that evoke an emotion, often its a combination of calm and wonder, wonder in discovering some surprise element around each corner,” says Bay Area interior designer Kress Jack. “I am a people person, and am passionate about creating homes that invite my clients to be who they are—no pretense.” This is evident when you look inside one of her projects that are full of collected layers ands stories. “My real goal is to create homes that speak to them, not me, I help guide them there and source the unique finds they wouldn’t come across on their own.”

A ceiling pendant by Ladies and Gentleman hangs over a custom banquette and table designed by Kress Jack. The painting is by John Pule. Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
The kitchen features backsplash tile by Hoshi Tile, and countertops by CaesarStone.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.

Kress and her team were initially hired by clients in Mill Valley to lightly decorate and style a few rooms in their Craftsman home, however, four years later—the home has an entirely new look. “Once we got started, we didn’t stop until four years later I had remodeled three bathrooms, the kitchen and redecorated the entire house,” she recalls. “Then for the last phase, we designed the ADU and pool area together with Dorman Architects.”

The powder room features wallpaper by Porter Teleo and yellow vintage sconces found on 1st Dibs.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
In the den, the wallpaper is by Phillip Jeffries, the rug is by Marc Phillips and the pillows are Kelly Wearstler fabric.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
The office walls are covered in wallpaper from Abnormals Anonymous – Supernaturally and the ceiling fixture is by Arteriors.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.

The goal was to modernize the architecturally styled details and overall floor plan, while honoring the original intention and add layers of texture and interest. “They were ready to start investing in art and were open to adding more color and function to their busy home with young children,” Jack notes. She carved our ample areas to display their diverse art, which includes pieces from New Zealand, Marin, Germany, South Korea, Mexico and beyond. The clients—who are from New Zealand—allowed their heritage to guide the overall design direction. “They also sought to transcend traditional styles or fleeting trends, designing a home that is timeless, personal, and uniquely theirs.”

The main bedroom features wallpaper by Aux Aubris and Alabaster lamps by Summerhouse in Mill Valley.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
In the main bathroom, the floor and wall tiles are Homme and Femme by Fireclay. Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
The concrete tub is by Native trails, the tub filler is by Watermark. Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.

After working with Buildrite Bay Area to complete the redesign of the 2,100-square-foot main house, Jack focused on overhauling the garage to convert it into a full-functioning 550-square-foot ADU. “On the last leg of the project, they were wanting to create a space for their parents to come and stay for extended periods of time, especially since one set were coming from New Zealand and like to stay for several weeks at a time,” says Jack. “They decided to tear down their garage and build an ADU and pool area also so the neighborhood kids could have a place to hang after school in the pool that is heated year round.”

Kress designed a custom ADU that opens to the pool. Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
The ADU bedroom features a sheep print by Valerie Shaff, accent pillows found at Summerhouse and sconces by Workstead.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.
The ADU bathroom features wall tiles by Ceramic Tile Design, the floor tiles are from Tile Fever, the plumbing fixtures are by Watermark and the wall sconce is by Allied Maker.
Photos by R. Brad Knipstein, styled by Matador Studios.

From the serene spa-like primary bathroom, to the multiple entertaining spaces where the family can now gather, the home is now a beautiful retreat. When asked what the clients thought of their new home, Jack notes, “It can be challenging to find the right interior design partner,” they shared. “We wanted our home to truly represent us—artistic, warm, a little edgy, and connected with nature. Kress really listened and understood us from the start. Her creativity brought our vision to life, and we absolutely love the finished product.”