Palo Alto Home Renovation Part 1: Inside the Vibrant Living Space of an Art-Collecting Couple
After more than a decade of working with these clients, I’m excited to share the latest update to their Palo Alto home. Over the years, we’ve made tweaks and changes to reflect their evolving lifestyle, and this final transformation feels like the perfect fit for their retirement years.
Project Scope & Challenges
The main goal? Showcasing their impressive art collection. Art collections bring that “collected over time” feel that you just can’t get with all new furniture. We incorporated bold colors and patterns that elevated the space without overpowering it. Finding that sweet spot between vibrancy and balance was key.
With the kids off to college, the focus shifted from a family-friendly home to a personal retreat that combines both style and comfort. Here’s what we focused on in this phase:
- Adding French doors for seamless indoor-outdoor entertaining
- Creating a dedicated space for their piano
- Updating the fireplace in the living room
- Reupholstering worn furniture that have seen better days (thanks to their elderly pets)
- Creating a breakfast nook in the kitchen
- Complete redesign of the dining room
There are so many amazing spaces in this home that we’re splitting the reveal into two parts. Up first, the social spaces: the entryway, living room, breakfast nook, and dining area…
Reveal: Serene & Imaginative Entryway
Soothing, inspiring, and with a touch of whimsy — the entryway now feels almost like an ethereal retreat. We covered the space in a serene, cloud-like wallpaper from Phillip Jeffries, printed on Marshmallow Manila Hemp. Yup, the texture is as amazing as it sounds. The layered brushstroke design brings color and movement to the space, creating an immersive first impression.
To keep the wallpaper the star of the show, we kept the rest of the space minimal — an upholstered bench in subtle stripes, a clean, classic light fixture, and a modern rug in a pop of sky blue to ground the room. Beautiful.
Elegant & Artistic Living Room
Outdoor vibes meet indoor elegance. In the back of the living room we added brand-new French doors that open up to the garden and patio, making it the ultimate space for hosting parties. With Palo Alto’s year-round incredible weather, this setup is going to get A LOT of love.
A dedicated spot for a very special grand piano sets the tone, while artwork-lined walls add a personal touch. Instead of starting entirely from scratch, we combined reupholstered existing furniture with a few newer pieces. Shades of blue and gray are accented with peach throw pillows that perfectly complement the artwork. Warm wood tones invite you in, creating an inviting, cozy feel.
To finish things off, we modernized the fireplace with a white beveled mantle and marble surround, giving the room a fresh look that ties everything together. The result? A perfect space for conversation and connection.
Cozy Breakfast Nook
What could be better than a cozy nook in the kitchen? Not much. We closed off an unused door to create this gem of a space and designed a custom banquette with slate velvet cushions, perfectly fabricated right here in San Francisco by Hardesty Dwyer. The round table pairs beautifully with the edgy Holly Hunt pendant that doubles as art. And speaking of art…
These clients aren’t just patrons of the arts—they’re passionate about supporting U.S.-based and local craftspeople (so are we). Many pieces throughout the home were sourced from local artisans and makers across the country, including the oversized painting above the banquette. It brings energy and life into the room. The result? A warm, modern space ready for conversation over coffee.
Refined & Inviting Dining Room
In the dining room, we kept the color palette simple, letting texture and custom details shine. The oval dining table echoes the home’s arched doorways. The dining chairs were reupholstered in the same fabric as the breakfast nook banquette to create a seamless flow. The crowning jewel? A Studio Bel Vetro chandelier that casts a warm glow against the wallpapered ceiling. Perfection.
But the real showstopper is the 19th-century Swedish Mora clock. Antiques like this bring character and history into any space. Its curved edges and worn patina blend effortlessly with the modern elements while still commanding attention—a great conversation starter for dinner parties. Sometimes it’s those few standout pieces that really make a room sing, don’t you think?
What’s Next
This Palo Alto renovation is just getting started. We’ve still got a family room, home office, powder room, and guest quarters to reveal. Keep an eye out—we’ll be sharing the rest of the project over the next month.
Inspired to begin your own renovation? You know where to find us.
Cheers,
Melanie