for San Francisco Victorian
and Contemporary Homes
The walnut book case holds its required books, some family photos and stereo equipment, with speakers hidden on top. The split doors to the right lead to the bedroom and can be closed when needed. When left open they do not use as much space as one large door. This was done so that furniture would fit better in both rooms. The brass candelabra, in the renaissance revival style, is used for atmosphere. It can radiate plenty of light if needed.
San Francisco Interior designers are often asked to "modernize" Victorian buildings. The results can alter the look so much that the original character of the building is compromised. Bringing the home into the 21st century does not mean one must loose the essence and intrinsic beauty of the original architecture. Here the second parlor has been transformed into a library.
Comfort was the key here as the owner spends a lot of time reading and he also wanted a space to entertain his friends. Using the owner's leather sofa and club chair he bought at Macy's and a rug he purchased at the Ralph Lauren Home Store, a comfortable arrangement was created. The owner wanted an English look to this room and one that was warm cozy and masculine. The walls were painted a medium green and all the doors were painted black/green. The trim color was lighter than the walls. An architectural paper border was added above the picture molding. A dark green stripe was painted between the paper border and the gilded picture rail, highlighting the three-dimensional effect of the border. The coved ceiling was painted dark salmon including the original medallion. The medallion had an acanthus leaf pattern which was gilded creating a circular pattern that supports the hanging 19th century Dutch chandelier. Candles and original French and American Victorian lamps were added to give a warm, overall glow to the room.
The library table is versatile and is used for display, a work space with the clients lap top computer and a service area when guests are entertained. The Victorian Canterbury holds books of interest to the owner. The 1880 oil lamp on the table is a Bradley and Hubbard with its original shade. The French Moderator lamp on the walnut carved pedestal has an old shade on it as well. The dark oil painting is English of a county scene.
Above and to the right of the sofa is a sculpture by Tom Hill of a fallow deer on a plaque. The English gentlemen's library feeling is further enhanced by the 19th century painting of King Oscar III of Sweden. A handsome porcelain statue of Wellington on horseback is to the right while the Victorian photos in period frames balance the wall on the left.