Residential Interior Design: Studio Ahead

Author:Anh-Minh Le

Upon setting foot in the San Francisco penthouse that Studio Ahead designed for tech executive Lara Cumberland, a narrative immediately unfolds—one informed by both the client’s lifestyle and the home’s locale. According to Homan Rajai, who founded the firm with Elena Dendiberia in 2017, Cumberland was drawn to the singularity of their projects. “She said, ‘I could tell that there was a sense of identity with each place,’” Rajai recalls. “It wasn’t about a specific aesthetic.”

He and Dendiberia ultimately conceived exquisite yet livable spaces for Cumberland and her son, while keeping in mind her desire to host gatherings. “She’s a strong woman—very composed and in control,” says Rajai, noting that this translated to the use of primary colors, which are “not subtle.” Elements that nod to the building’s art deco architecture and the panoramic views of the city and beyond permeate the residence as well.

The entry exudes, in Rajai’s words, “blue energy”—thanks in large part to works by artists Jaena Kwon and Landon Pointer. The latter is based in Oakland, which is captured in the views, as is Marin County, where sculptor Bruce Mitchell’s practice is located; his wood sculpture rests atop a vintage console with stepped legs. Referring to the artists, Rajai explains that “we wanted to bring these humans into the space through objects and support and collect them.”

Striking black-and-white custom rugs by Floortex Design, fabricated to Studio Ahead’s specifications, provide further visual interest in the long entry hallway. The serrated edges on the rugs, positioned side by side, echo the geometry of the console. “We’re big on playing with rugs to create moments,” Rajai says. “I love when rugs invite you into a room.”

Approaching the living room, an undulating Erik Jørgensen chaise appears. “The form mimics the curves of the mountains and hills, and the ripples of the water” outside the windows, Rajai says. A custom sectional that hugs the opposite side of the room allows for “the best lounging scenario—and the best conversational and view experiences,” he adds. Cobalt accents such as the cords of the Wo & Wé three-arm chandelier and the blocky feet on the NJ Roseti side table relate to the entry, while the arched bar mirror by Paige Glass Company and a vintage mirrored console impart an art deco vibe.

The neighboring dining room is appointed with two tables that can be combined for one large square surface, with a mix of chairs and settees surrounding it. Las Ánimas’ yellow chandelier provides diffused lighting that evokes “the city lights beautifully and creates a glow in the space,” Rajai observes. Nearby, a piece by Petaluma artist and designer Ted McCann, inspired by a window at Inverness’s Blunk House, is reminiscent of city lights too.

With quality mother-son time a priority, Studio Ahead devised a media room enveloped in black drapery for a cocoon-like effect. “A lot of times, with clients who live in these high towers, it can feel like you’re floating,” Rajai says. “There needs to be a place where you can close the drapes and not feel so high; sometimes you need to feel grounded.” The drapes can be pulled back to reveal not only windows but also artworks, including a painting by Kellen Chasuk, who lives and works in the Bay Area.

Reflecting on the project, Rajai notes that Cumberland entrusted him and Dendiberia to be a bit bolder, for example with the graphic colors. “It isn’t soft and subdued, like some of our work,” Rajai says. As per usual for the firm, though, collaborations with local artists and makers abound. “What we’re trying to
do is constantly infuse culture, identity and individualism,” he continues. “We wanted to show what we could do with a penthouse—how we could still do what we do in a way that is contemporary and fresh.”