In Hillsborough, in the hills of San Mateo County, the light from San Francisco Bay has a distinctive quality that highlights both the distant silhouette of Mount Diablo and the sometimes overly sharp angles of contemporary architecture. It is here that a residence spanning nearly 743 square meters (approximately 8,000 square feet)—originally delivered as a “white box” devoid of artisanal character—has undergone a profound transformation. Far from turnkey interior design projects completed in a matter of months, this home was built over the long term, at the pace of a family—a father and his two children—who chose to live there while the space transformed around them.
A timeline shaped by family life
The project, led by Los Angeles-based designer Luke Foss and creative director Jenni Witt, spanned three years. This iterative approach was not the result of construction delays, but rather a deliberate effort not to disrupt the children’s school routine. Major construction work was scheduled during the summer months. During the first summer, the team focused on the master suite and the ground-floor living areas. The second summer saw the renovation of the upper living room, the kitchen, and the owner’s private office. Finally, the third summer was devoted to finishing touches: incorporating accessories and artwork, and the final installation of the bathrooms by Pete Moffatt Construction.
This approach breathed new life into a structure that initially lacked character. Luke Foss sought to break away from the original neutrality by introducing an aesthetic typical of Northern California: relaxed, warm, and almost instinctive. To describe the extensive use of woodwork, the designer even refers to a “Midwestern basement vibe”—a nod to a form of unpretentious domestic comfort, albeit reinterpreted here with high-quality materials.
The Entryway: A Manifesto of Materials
As soon as you cross the threshold, the tone is set by a carefully curated selection of collectible pieces. The bluestone tile floor features a walnut and jacaranda entry table designed by George Nakashima, atop which rests a ceramic piece by Addison Woolsey. Nearby, a ceramic stool by Jane Yang-D'Haene completes this composition, where wood and clay interact with stone. This selection sets the tone for the home: a harmonious blend of historic design and contemporary creation.
The central staircase is one of the renovation’s most daring architectural features. The original balustrade made of translucent glass, deemed too impersonal, was removed. In its place, a custom-made openwork aluminum railing was installed. It incorporates panels and pendants of colored glass commissioned from artist John Hogan, transforming this circulation space into a luminous installation that shifts as the sun moves across the bay window.
The Main Living Room: A Blend of Comfort and Analog Culture
In the living room, the massive modular sofa in chocolate-brown suede, designed by Piero Lissoni for Living Divani, anchors the room in a cozy atmosphere. It rests on a mohair rug whose shimmering gold hue complements the walls painted in “Cherokee,” a deep shade from Portola Paints. Draperies made of washed linen soften the large glass openings.
Lighting plays a crucial role in how this space is perceived. A large vintage Noguchi pendant light, fitted with a color-changing bulb, hangs over the room. It sits alongside a vintage jacaranda armchair and ottoman by Sergio Rodrigues, masterpieces of Brazilian design. Along the walls, a custom bookshelf made of old-growth cherry wood houses a physical collection of books, underscoring the owner’s taste for tangible objects. The owner also insisted on incorporating analog equipment: a custom-designed DJ booth, record players, and various games—including a pool table for the children—emphasize the home’s social and recreational function.
An art collection without decorative compromise
The artistic dimension of the residence extends beyond the furnishings. Curator Nicolás Colón, founder of the Climate Control gallery in San Francisco, was given carte blanche to assemble a major collection. The directive was clear: the works did not necessarily have to match the colors of the interior design. This freedom made it possible to incorporate major pieces, such as a work on paper and plastic by Robert Rauschenberg, or the sculpture *A the Giant III* (2024) by Michail Pirgelis.
The dialogue continues with works by Shannon Rogers, Strauss Bourque-LaFrance, and Autumn Ramsey, blending international artists with emerging figures from the local scene. In other rooms, there are touches of European design, such as the wall sconce by Green River Project or the orange Snoopy table lamp by Achille and Pier Giacomo Castiglioni for Flos. A vintage Space Age-inspired armchair by Ettore Sottsass punctuates the ensemble, while Farrow & Ball’s “Dorset Cream” shade lends a soft glow to the more intimate spaces.
This Hillsborough home thus succeeds in transforming a standardized new construction into a living space with character. Through the use of organic materials and a selection of artwork that defies the conventions of simple interior design, Luke Foss and his team have created an environment where luxury is defined by the patina of wood, the precision of vinyl sound, and the breathtaking view of the ever-changing waters of Northern California.