Jordan, Chris & Quigley’s Designer Flat

Name: Jordan and Chris Brown and their dog, Quigley
Location: Presidio Heights, San Francisco, California
Size: 1,600 square feet
Years lived in: 6 months; Owned

The attention to detail in Jordan and Chris’ flat is remarkable. Layers of beautiful architectural elements, smart furniture choices, and on-point styling bring character to each space. Their unique combination of art, furniture, and modern pieces within the framework of an old San Francisco building has resulted in a home that truly shines. Add in their adorable pup Quigley and you won’t be able to tear yourself away.

It takes thoughtful detailing and careful construction to achieve the clean lines and perfect alignments found in the custom built-ins in Jordan and Chris’ home. Lucky for Chris, Jordan had some experience in this realm. As a full time architectural designer, she was able to utilize her expertise on their home, transforming it into a space that is modern and high-design yet warm and functional.

The process was a team effort, completed shortly after the couple purchased their home. Jordan was able to guide them through construction in a fast four months (never fast enough when you’re living on the construction site). She admitted that when it came to her own home, it was very different than designing for clients. From second guessing design decisions that were usually second nature to ordering, installing and uninstalling the wrong grout color, there were a few bumps throughout the remodel journey. Design decisions take on a whole new meaning when applied to your own home. Suffice it to say, it was all worth the effort, and Jordan’s natural talent as a designer ultimately made their vision come together.

The cherry on top of it all is the couple that lives in this place. They are warm, welcoming and have done an amazing job at allowing their personalities to shine through in the design, making their house a real home.

My Style: Tailored modern, somewhat eclectic, with an emphasis on texture.

Inspiration: Where we live! San Francisco is such a great, young city. It simultaneously has a European sophistication with a vibrant social scene. We sourced a lot of furniture and fixtures from local vendors and flea markets.

Favorite Element: We love to entertain, and spend a lot of time in our kitchen. It was really important to us to have a comfortable, yet efficient use of space that also has some style to it.

Biggest Challenge: We’ve inherited a lot of furniture from parents who collect antiques and much more traditional furniture, despite our more minimalist, modern tendencies in décor. Trying to mix early American antiques with modern pieces has been a challenge, but also an opportunity for adding character.

What Friends Say: Since we’ve moved in, friends consistently ask if furniture we’ve had for ages is new. While we have bought some new furniture, it’s funny how moving a piece into a new setting can create a completely different feel and aesthetic.

Biggest Embarrassment: When we bought the place, the floors had just been refinished, so we went to great lengths to protect them during our renovations. Unfortunately, the tape used with the protective plastic ended up pulling up the finish on the floor. It’s such a bummer; basically every threshold has two tape lines where the plastic pieces met.

Proudest DIY: The mirror above the fireplace originally came from the Waldorf Astoria in New York and was much more gilded when we first got it. We lessened the gold punchiness of it by adding a light coat of paint to the frame and antiquing the mirror. It was really fun and rewarding at the same time!

Biggest Indulgence: The custom cabinetry throughout the house. We love the consistency it gives throughout, despite the different finishes. It also gave us the ability to really make the most of our space for storage.

Best Advice: Don’t be afraid to take risks and stick with what you love. We’re crazy about our yellow kitchen island and our slate colored dining room ceiling, though we realize it’s not for everyone. At the end of the day, do what makes you happy. It is after all, your home!

Dream Sources: Gumps, Anthem, Hudson Grace, Suki Cheema, DWR, Restoration Hardware

• Benjamin Moore: Nimbus, Silver Fox, Cumulus Cloud, French Beret, and
  Anchor Gray (see below)
  

• Benjamin Moore-Nimbus
• Etch pendant light by Tom Dixon
• Custom-sized hallway runner by Natural Home Rugs
• Mix of custom frames from Ikea

• Benjamin Moore-Silver Fox
• Hide rug from One King’s Lane
• Liam Sofa by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
• Avedon Nesting Coffee Table by Dwell Studio
• Media Stand from HD Buttercup
• Standing tripod lamp from Alameda Point Flea Market

• Benjamin Moore-Nimbus walls, Anchor Gray ceiling
• Table and coffer early American antiques from parents
• Silk and Wool rug from Krimsa Rugs
• Side chairs from HD Buttercup
• Ghost Chairs from Design Within Reach
• Chandelier from Omega Lighting (in Berkeley)
• Paintings done by a friend

• Benjamin Moore-Raccoon Fur
• Tolix-styled stools from HD Buttercup
• Kitchen faucet from Grohe
• George Nelson Sunburst clock from Design Within Reach
• Pendant lights from West Elm
• Backsplash tiles from Fireclay

• Benjamin Moore-Cumulus Cloud
• Bed from Crate and Barrel
• Rug from West Elm
• Lotus Nightstand by Environment Furniture from Ruby Living
• Standing lamp from Crate and Barrel
• Torpedo sconce from Restoration Hardware
  

• Benjamin Moore-Cumulus Cloud
• Custom floor tile from Ceramic Tile Design
• Grohe faucet
• Mirrors and towel ring from Restoration Hardware
• Modern triple sconce from Restoration Hardware

• Wallpaper from Cole and Sons
• Sink and faucet by Cifial
• Mirror from Alameda Point Flea Market
  

• Benjamin Moore-Silver Fox
• Sapien Book Shelves from Design Within Reach
• Lamp from Crate and Barrel
• Sleeper loveseat from Crate and Barrel
• Cabinet from Ikea
  

Thanks, Jordan and Chris!

(Images: Lindsay Tella)

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