Designer Marea Clark Transforms A Pacific Heights Condo

By Michael McCarthy By Michael McCarthy | January 27, 2022

Designer Marea Clark transforms a condo in Pacific Heights with equal parts classic charm and timeless appeal.

The family loves the new space. PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
The family loves the new space.

THE PROJECT

Homeowners Megan and Neema Yazdani were prepared to move outside of San Francisco for a better deal and more space, but the couple fell in love with a 1925 French-style, multiunit building on Vallejo Street. The building is pink—Megan’s favorite color—and is surrounded by a sea of pink roses. The couple, who have a young daughter, were hooked and bought the 1,800-square-foot condo, knowing that it needed a refresh.

Sofa and chairs from Lee Industries set a comfortable and elegant tone in the living room.  PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
Sofa and chairs from Lee Industries set a comfortable and elegant tone in the living room.

THE TEAM

Megan and interior designer Marea Clark, principal at Marea Clark Interiors, are longtime friends, having met in a San Francisco coffee shop. Oddly enough, Megan and Clark learned they actually both hail from nearby towns in Kentucky. “My aesthetic is timeless and sophisticated,” says Clark. “I work to create spaces that are reflective of my clients and how they live. I love homes that are layered, thoughtful and inviting. We take a collaborative approach with our clients. We work with them to create homes that [match] their style and family needs.”

A Southern vibe graces the dining room, especially with Schumacher wallpaper. PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
A Southern vibe graces the dining room, especially with Schumacher wallpaper.

THE GOALS

Clark says the couple wanted a space that was livable and durable for family life with young children. “They also wanted a space that was polished and felt very complete,” says Clark. “Both have a more traditional aesthetic and loved the idea of introducing color and pattern into their spaces. There are definitely Southern influences throughout the design.”

THE CHALLENGES

Because of limited space, Clark and her team optimized storage opportunities wherever they could. “There are toys, and we wanted spaces to tuck them away,” Clark says. “The hall was really grand, and so we wanted to be sure to give it its own personality and also use storage opportunities in this area too. We painted the ceiling a beautiful blue and [incorporated] a large chest.”

The daughter’s bedroom reveals both whimsy and function PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
The daughter’s bedroom reveals both whimsy and function.

LIVING SPACES

The living room needed to be both comfortable and the perfect setting for intimate conversations and entertaining guests. “The room has beautiful windows, and we invested in drapery to frame them in a special way,” says Clark. “The sofa and chairs are from Lee Industries; the ottoman is from Bungalow Classic in a beautiful Elizabeth Eakins fabric. The rug is Stark, and a round side table with a green leather top is antique.”

Built-ins abound in the home. PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
Built-ins abound in the home.

The dining room is the standout space that truly evokes a Southern vibe, especially with Schumacher wallpaper. Clark added a gorgeous table from Rose Tarlow and the chairs from Kravet. All of these new elements complement a vintage sideboard, which Clark’s team refinished in a lovely lacquer. The kitchen was newly renovated but lacked thematic verve and personality. “We added a custom window shade with grosgrain ribbon detail and a lamp from Matilda Gould. Styling goes a long way!” says Clark.

The owner’s suite features nightstands from Wisteria and lamps from Circa Lighting PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
The owner’s suite features nightstands from Wisteria and lamps from Circa Lighting.

THE OWNER’S SUITE

For days and nights when the world—and parenting—become a little overwhelming, the couple wanted a space that very much felt like a retreat. They also knew they needed more storage space to tuck away daily clutter. Clark created a sanctuary with pieces that speak to tranquility and grace, including a bed from Lee Industries, nightstands from Wisteria and lamps from Circa Lighting.

Classic touches in the owner’s suite. PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
Classic touches in the owner’s suite

THE OUTCOME

Clark reports that her friends adore the home and its many charms. “They’re actually expecting another baby girl, and the nursery will transition easily into a shared room for the baby and their older daughter, who will sleep in the daybed,” she says. “This was such a fun project for me because Megan is one of my closest friends. She has incredible style and, more importantly, is such a nice person. She recently hosted a dinner party for 10. It was so wonderful to sit in the dining room and enjoy the spaces that we worked on together.”

The entry hallway. PHOTOGRAPHED BY STEPHANIE RUSSO
The entry hallway

HOME DETAILS

Location
Pacific Heights

Home Type
Condominium

Interior Design
Marea Clark Interiors

RESOURCES

Bungalow Classic
Ottoman, living room

Circa Lighting
Lamp, owner’s suite

Elizabeth Eakins
Ottoman fabric, living room

Kravet
Chairs, dining room

Lee Industries
Sofa and chairs, living room
Bed, owner’s suite

Matilda Gould
Lamp, kitchen

Rose Tarlow
Table, dining room

Schumacher
Wallpaper, dining room

Stark
Rug, living room

Wisteria
Nightstands, owner’s suite



Photography by: PHOTOS BY STEPHANIE RUSSO