Gallery in the Clouds

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Cass Calder Smith transforms a Mid-Twentieth Century apartment nestled atop Nob Hill

Beautiful tile from Da Vinci Marble adds life in the entry.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.
A pair of vintage Milo Baughman chairs face a Cassina sofa.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.

“Our goal was to modernize and update systems, renew all finishes, create beautiful and bright spaces for the clients’ art collection, and create a dedicated office space,” says lead designer Barbara Turpin-Vickroy of Cass Calder Smith Architecture & Interiors on the overhaul of this two-bedroom Mid-Twentieth Century apartment located in San Francisco’s Nob Hill neighborhood.

Wall sconces from Nemo shed light on the dining area.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.

Designed for a retired couple that split their time between the West and East coast, the 1,800-square-foot residence was purchased with all original, untouched details. “The apartment had not been updated since it was built. All finishes, cabinets and fixtures were original,” says Turpin-Vickroy. “However, overall changes to the floor plan were minor and surgically made to allow maximum light and fluidity between the areas while keeping true to the original room layout.”

The designer enlisted Eggersmann to create a flawless kitchen system, topped with countertops from Da Vinci Marble. Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.
The bubble pendant by Rosie Li hangs above a custom Eggersmann vanity topped with stone from Da Vinci Marble.. Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.

As avid art collectors, it was imperative that every inch of each space was used to showcase their remarkable pieces. “Our biggest challenge was having enough wall space to showcase our client’s extensive art collection (both 2d and 3d/objects) which can now be displayed prominently throughout the house,” she says.

Custom millwork by Lawrence Gandsey Furiture conceals the “Magic Box”.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.

While the overall design direction was modern, many of the traditional details were preserved, creating a beautiful synergy of style. “The updates made to the interior feel modern, but still embrace the original architectural details that we wanted to keep intact,” says the designer. “We are particularly proud of the “magic” box that opens to expose a hidden desk and shelves converting the entry into a secret efficient usable office space.”

Sconces from Roll & Hill illuminate a bed by Camerich in the main bedroom.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.
Once again, the designers combined materials from Eggersmann and Da Vinci marble to create a custom vanity in the main bathroom. Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.
The closets are by California Closets, complemented by Trove wall covering.
Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.

The final result is an elegant, modern apartment with stunning views of the iconic Grace Cathedral. “They love the result; and the thing they loved the most about the project was actually working so closely together though the process,” says Turpin-Vickroy. “I actually worked with her for three to four years selecting furniture pieces, going shopping for artwork and other odds and ends before the actual full renovation began.  Now she’s ready to start working on a new one!”

Photo by Paul Dyer Photography.