PIED-Á-TERRE
BY NICOLE HOLLIS
In this week’s journal, we take a look at a Russian Hill Pièd-a-Terre, that is nestled in Nob Hill and has been designed by the San Francisco-based designer, Nicole Hollis. The Californian designer whose work has been featured in the Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Elle Décor (just to name a few), has a portfolio of clients that include global leaders and notable innovators. She is recognised for designing timeless interiors and has also won many accolades to her name.
Positioned in San Francisco’s most affluent neighbourhoods, Nob Hill is home to some of the United States most expensive properties, Michelin-starred restaurants, boutiques, art galleries and mansions. It has become a desired and prime real estate location for the rich and famous, who have built their mansions in the neighbourhood.
The two bedroom Pied-á-Terre apartment measures 204 square metres, and is architecturally graced with windows that not only fill the space with natural sunlight, but also frames the skyline city of San Francisco (including the Golden Gate Bridge) like an exquisite artwork. Hollis redesigned this urban haven with a careful balance of elegance and informality, that drew on her clients’ love for mid-century design and contemporary artisanship. For this reason, Hollis provided a neutral canvas to serve as a backdrop for the discerning pieces of furniture and artworks that were exhibited within the space. The backdrop was achieved through the application of classical plasterwork and chestnut timber flooring featured throughout the apartment, whilst dark bold accents were made through selected furniture pieces and joinery such as the kitchen with its black cabinetry.
Hollis curated iconic pieces of furniture that were not only exhibited within the apartment, but also furnished the space. These pieces include the Wiggle chair by Frank Ghery, Papa and Wishbone chairs by Hans Wegner and Saarinen table which anchor the space. Bespoke pieces were also designed by Hollis’ studio, such as a blackened steel bar cabinet with a polished interior, a custom breakfast nook adjacent to the kitchen, as well as a hanging TV cabinet that sits above the fireplace in the living room. Hollis commissioned the artist Miriam Dym to paint the hand-block fabric panel doors which not only cleverly discreetly and tastefully disguises the TV, but also serves as a bespoke piece of artwork. Throughout the apartment, there are many other works of art that are exhibited by up-and-coming artists that include Christopher Badger, Robert Kingston and Bernadette Jiyong Frank. All these pieces have also been artistically illuminated by some refined lighting pieces that were chosen by Hollis such as lighting by Tom Dixon and David Weeks.
Whilst the brief for this Pied-á-Terre was to create a space that was informal, it’s certainly enriched with volumes of artistry and craftsmanship that truly creates a space that is a work of art on its own. No doubt the owners of this elegantly subtle and relaxed abode, won’t be in any rush to get to their primary residence.
PHOTOGRAPHY | LAURE JOLIET