A 1920s petite apartment, subtly concealing a Murphy bed in one of its refined rooms, is an unexpected finding.
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In the heart of San Francisco, designer Caitlin Jones Ghajar has breathed new life into a one-bedroom, one-bath condo in the historic Bellaire Tower. Built between 1928 and 1930, this condo, now transformed into a stylish pied-à-terre, showcases a harmonious blend of historic architecture and modern, multi-functional design.
The design concept for this project was to create a space that is "Accidentally Wes Anderson" layered and elevated eclectic, inspired by the Art Deco style. Ghajar's vision was to design multi-use spaces, such as a Murphy bed integrated into the dining room, allowing the compact space to serve both daily living and guest accommodation functions without feeling cramped.
Key design details include a Murphy bed in the dining room, enabling flexible use of the main room for dining or sleeping. The color and texture palette draws from Ghajar’s earlier work with the clients, incorporating antiques-inspired elements. Emphasis was placed on creating a retreat space that is both functional for the clients and welcoming for guests.
The dining room contains vintage French chairs re-upholstered in the Schumacher Rolling Hills pattern, and the kitchen features dark emerald green lacquer cabinets with custom fan venting panels and Amuneal hanging shelves. The vintage rosewood nightstands were newly lacquered with custom Calacatta tops for durability.
The apartment's bathroom was repainted in Farrow & Ball’s Brassica, a pale lilac shade, and the bathroom maintained its original period aesthetic, but functional issues were addressed with the installation of a new, curved shower door and tile patching. Color drenching was used in the bathroom to balance the rich tones of the tile.
Lacquer trays can be used to bring the glossy trend into a home without painting entire rooms in lacquer paint. High-gloss lacquer is a prominent feature in the apartment, adding a luxurious and bright element. The original Maison Leleu dining table expands for larger dinner parties, and the condo's bedroom features a bed, trim, and wallpaper combination that is reminiscent of the 'Accidentally Wes Anderson' style.
A Chinoiserie wall mural was used to create a similar ornate wallpaper effect as the bespoke design in the apartment. Custom Gracie wallpaper was meticulously installed to align with the apartment's architecture and represent the palette of the entire condo. The project took over a year to complete, but was delayed due to an atmospheric river causing floor damage and the installation of new steel windows.
The clients, empty nesters seeking a retreat for writing and relaxation, desired a space that feels joyful and personal while making creative use of every inch. This blend of historic architecture with modern, multi-functional design and bold aesthetic choices creates a distinctive, joyful condo that feels larger than its square footage.
The interior design of the condo, transformed by designer Caitlin Jones Ghajar, integrates a unique, eclectic lifestyle reminiscent of the Art Deco style, catering to the clients' desire for a joyful and personal retreat that is both functional and welcoming. The home-and-garden space, despite its compact size, boasts multi-use spaces such as a Murphy bed in the dining room, allowing it to serve both daily living and guest accommodation functions within the heart of San Francisco.
