Designer Clara jung uses a modern, sophisticated approach to completely transform a home in Alameda Country for a couple passionate about art.
The family room, which is the core of the home, boasts gorgeous Dana Hemenway lighting.
THE PROJECT
The 3,000-square-foot home in Piedmont—owned by a couple who have two children and a lovable pooch—needed a significant refresh. They tapped designer Clara Jung, the principal at Banner Day Interiors (@bannerdayinteriors), to transform the home’s entry, living, dining and family rooms, along with the kitchen.
Designer Clara Jung creates comfortable spaces that feature whimsical pops of color.
THE TEAM
Jung says she loves to work with clients to create livable spaces that are cool, comfortable, with doses of whimsy and pops of color. “I really make a concerted effort to understand my clients’ lifestyle and goals for their home,” Jung says. “Once we gain some insight into how our clients live, we try to design and execute spaces that optimize for their lives and priorities.”
A family room alcove holds a media center with TV and sound system.
THE GOAL
“For this home, the clients are art collectors, and it was important to create spaces that incorporated and facilitated appreciation of their art pieces,” says Jung, who notes that the obstacles presented by the pandemic were the biggest challenge for her team. “Sheltering in place started just as we began the project, which caused long delays in both construction and lead times [for sourcing] the furniture.” Still, the team and clients found creative ways to work around the challenges and map out a brilliant plan for every room.
Swoon chairs from the Danish Design Store.
LIVING ROOM
Jung’s approach to this room was straightforward, especially since it’s the first area the homeowners and guests enter; her team wanted to make sure the space was welcoming, captivating and statement-making. “The clients fell in love with a geometric rug that set the tone for the rest of the room,” says Jung, who sourced the piece from Lindström Rugs. “The Swoon chairs—from Danish Design Store—in the lovely textured pink really contrast nicely with the neutral background.” Other room standouts include a sofa from Design Within Reach, side tables from Room and Board and custom cabinetry from C.Naefke Woodworking.
The homeowners fell in love with a geometric rug from Lindström Rugs, and Jung also added a sofa from Design Within Reach.
FAMILY ROOM
“Since this room is the central core of the home, it was important that it stand alone, in terms of design, and also remain cohesive with all rooms that flank it,” Jung says. “In this room, the client really wanted to incorporate a statement lighting fixture by Dana Hemenway. We used the final design for her lighting fixture as the jumping-off point for the rest of this room,” which also includes a comfy sectional from Design Within Reach.
The kitchen features a lovely backsplash from Fireclay Tile, along with a quartzite-top island.
KITCHEN
Naturally, a family kitchen is a hive of activity, but Jung says her team and the couple wanted to embrace a minimalist approach to the space. The design and aesthetic were aided by floor-to-ceiling hidden storage on one wall. “Similarly, although the kitchen would be minimalist, we wanted to make sure it felt cozy and not sterile,” Jung says. “My favorite features are the tile backsplash by Fireclay Tile and the quartzite island. Both of these materials bring unexpected yet complementary layering into this space.”
A custom live-edge table and bench grace the heavily used dining room alongside the kitchen.
DINING ROOM
This flexible space serves as a middle ground between the kitchen and family, so, as Jung points out, it was clear from the beginning that the area wasn’t merely going to be reserved for the occasional formal gathering or holiday dinner. It would become a functional, everyday hub for eating, homework and casual gatherings—all while adhering to the open floor plan. “To contrast with the more contemporary foundation of the home, we thought a dose of something rustic would provide a nice juxtaposition,” she says. “We commissioned a custom live-edge table alongside a live-edge bench.”
Jung incorporated natural elements into the home to add warm touches to the minimalist and modern aesthetic.
THE OUTCOME
“My clients have been so complimentary about the work we did in their home, and they’ve loved all the changes and improvements we made,” Jung says. “When we finished, it was still during a time when travel was minimal. Kids were still distance learning, and families were spending the great majority of the day at home. Undoubtedly, the idea of home as a haven has taken on new meaning and significance this past year. I’m feeling lucky that we were able to provide this family with a home that’s representative of them and their lifestyle.”
Photography by: PHOTOGRAPHED BY SUZANNA SCOTT
