920 Powell St, San Francisco

Exterior (after): An arborist found the right balance between restoring views, inviting in more natural light and maintaining privacy in the front. The home was now recognizable and present from the street, as was intended.

Front entry (after): We’re missing a before shot, but here’s the sparkly front entry after it was power washed, painted and we polished the brass. Original bricks are handsome against the freshly painted ornate ironwork and large lamp, a hint to the grandeur waiting inside.

Powder room (before): Not sure of the original intent of this remodel gone wild, but I’d call it an overpowering combination of bamboo, copper, chrome, marble and gold finishes.

Powder room (after): Our designer called for a clean, contemporary finish while maintaining the deep, rich marble flooring and shower surround. Removing wallpaper and installing new finishes went a long way.

Living room bar (before): This gold and brown bar space brought down the overall impression of the room. Let’s just say the designer had some unique taste. Not only that, the sink bottom and drain were entirely rusted through.

Living room bar (after): Our designer again chose a clean, bright, classic look in brushed nickel with undermount sink.

Dining room (before): Not a fan of the pink/salmon colors, with heavy window shutters and an overgrown, light-obstructing tree outside. The chandelier was also too dated, heavy and ornate—extra visual calories with no benefit.

Dining room (after): Elegant, clean and contemporary, while still taking advantage of the lovely crown moldings, mirrored wall and hardwood floors.

Eat-in nook (before): This corner of the kitchen had potential that wasn’t being used.

Eat-in nook (after): With no budget to replace the bench cushion, we made do. Letting in more light and view made all the difference.

Kitchen (before): The counters seemed a bit cold, almost commercial bathroom-like in appearance.

Kitchen (after): Our designer chose a richer color for the walls that accentuated the counter tops and brought them to life in a more pleasing contemporary coloration.

Master bedroom (before): Nothing to get excited about.

Master bedroom (after): That’s better—staged for relaxation and to highlight the beautiful city view.

Master bathroom (before): Showing its age and need for a cleaner, brighter look.

Master bath counter (after): Fresh, crisp and clean with new mirror, faucets and counter

Family room (before): Tenant had used the room as an office with electrical and communication wires crisscrossing the floor, creating a commercial feel.

Family room (after): Now a gracious space with beautiful garden outside the French doors.

Stair landing on 4th level (before): A pleasant space in need of brightening and staging.

Stair landing on 4th level (after): New lights and decor made the landing a showplace.

Hallway (before): A bit of a nothingness, insignificant space.

Hallway (after): We increased the lighting, removed the window covering and trimmed trees. Now we’re talking.

Spiral staircase: A stunning feature of this 1913 Nob Hill home.