San Francisco is known for its eclectic mix of residential architecture, from Victorian-era homes to modern high- rises. Among the city’s diverse array of living spaces, one home stands out, in terms of both distance and mood. Situated away from the urban noise, overlooking redwood trees with peaks beyond, its design pays homage to the beauty of the surrounding landscape while embracing a laid-back, cosy atmosphere.
Dubbed ‘Golden Villa’ by its interior designer, Yana Prydalna, the house perfectly encapsulates her signature rustic style. The colour palette is an artistic conception of autumn’s golden breath. Ukrainian-born, Sacramento-based Prydalna is inspired by nature and the depth and texture of natural materials, devising concepts that encompass wabi-sabi, modernism and minimalism.
Full of exposed concrete walls, wooden beams, and an abundance of natural light beaming through large windows, Golden Villa is actually a converted warehouse. The young couple who own it moved here to escape fast- paced city life, desiring a home that felt warm and inviting while reflecting their love for the great outdoors.
A large, airy living area greets visitors entering the home and serves as its focal point. A large white modular sofa reclines around a reclaimed wood coffee table, forming a comfy space that can be arranged in different sitting configurations depending on the occasion. At its centre, the irregular, round- edged low table is a talking point – it has a raw texture and is propped up by spheres.
The double-height living space is a wonderful blend of light colour and warm wood. The strong industrial vibe of the concrete walls is softened by the beams high overhead that instils charm and character. It is these triangulated timber trusses, in particular, which transform the whole space.
Everything about the décor here is impressively distinctive yet very simple. Huge pots placed on a ledge just below the rafters serve as unconventional artworks. Down low, another ledge holds ceramic objects of various sizes and is raised from the floor by an artistic arrangement of logs.
Straight, clean lines are softened by bohemian touches of wicker and jute in a wonderful combination of cool and warm materials. Pretty plates and woven table mats are displayed on the walls. Polished concrete, decorative plaster, natural textiles, wood and wicker harmonise with the earthy tones of the outside environment, creating an ambience that is both natural and contemporary.
An open-concept kitchen and dining area is located just off the living room, making it easy for the couple to entertain guests while preparing meals. The kitchen features custom- made shelves crafted from reclaimed wood, a farmhouse sink and a butcher-block island that also serves as a dining table with circular wooden- topped bar stools on one side. Huge wicker pendant lights add to the warm, natural vibe. A wide window along the back wall affords views of the forest.
Moving onto the bedroom, the designer wanted to create a serene, relaxing space that would help the owners unwind after a long day at work. Built- in wooden closets with ribbed-glass doors flank a desk, where a computer brings the modern world into a rural setting.
The bedroom walls are painted in an earth tone, picking out one of the colours of the throw pillows on the bed. Adorned with a plush duvet, the bed rests on a large, round jute rug. This rustic charm spreads to an oversized wicker lamp hanging down at one side of the bed and an artisanal blanket laid across a wicker chair. A sleek wooden ceiling fan and angle floor lamp have a more modern feel. This is a bright room during the day – a wall of windows doubles as a door out to the stone patio, where a pool allows for a dip amid a classic American pioneer scene of woodland and mountains.
The couple’s bathroom is the most unique space in the home, with concrete slabs serving as minimalist fixtures. Reflecting the view from the window opposite, two door-sized, wooden- framed mirrors behind a twin vanity give the illusion of opening the room to the outside world. In the absence of bathroom cabinets, a long wooden shelf gives a place for toiletries. The bathtub is hewn from concrete and pampas grass placed in one corner brings feathery greenery inside.
Golden Villa is not just carefully styled and curated as an isolated living space; it is the epitome of aesthetics resonating with the nature around it. The juxtaposition of natural and manmade materials, of wood and concrete, of warm and cool, creates a delightful blend of vernacular and modern design that transcends time.
Photos: Yana Prydalna