Emilie Munroe faced some skepticism from her clients when proposing to paint their piano room and dining room ceilings in emerald and sage green. Despite initial hesitation, Munroe stood by her recommendation, emphasizing that paint can always be changed. Eventually, the clients fell in love with the green hues once they were applied. This choice sparked a consistent green theme throughout the design, extending from the front door to the living room lamps. Collaborating with the family, modern art, and the expertise of Munroe, Armour Architecture, and Peter Downey Construction, the grand 1905 Edwardian row house saw a vibrant makeover.
Munroe shares that the color palette was inspired by her unique design process, which involves sourcing furnishings and materials together with clients to create a collaborative experience. This approach allows for a natural response to color and patterns, leading to a nimble and engaging design outcome.
**Key Details:**
– Designer: Studio Munroe
– Location: San Francisco, California
– Space: A 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom, 7,000-square-foot home
**Dining Room:**
A revitalized historical space showcased a colorful palette with green hues and wallpaper accents. The decision to paint the natural wood elements brought a fresh and contemporary feel to the room, elevating its atmosphere.
**Kitchen:**
Highlighted by a cork board wall and a substantial island, the kitchen serves as a central hub for the family. The island provides ample workspace and seating, with functional features like well-placed lighting and a strategically located beverage fridge for efficient flow.
**Cork Wall:**
Adding a touch of artistry and texture, the cork wall in the breakfast nook doubles as an ever-evolving gallery for the family. Munroe’s vision of a cork wall brought a natural element into the space, creating a practical and visually appealing focal point loved by all ages.
**Additional Details:**
– Paint: Kennebunkport Green (ceiling) and Winter Solstice (wainscoting and casework), Benjamin Moore
– Wallpaper: Holland & Sherry
– Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co
– Dining table: RH
– Dining chairs: Norden Living
– Area rug: antique, Surya
– Bench and floor lamp: Anthropologie
– Fixtures: Ferguson
– Counter stools: Williams-Sonoma
– Pendants: RH
– Hardware: Rejuvenation
– Sofa: A. Rudin, in Romo fabric
*(Photography credit: Thomas Kuoh)*
The furniture and decor in the living room comes from a variety of sources. The sconces are from Visual Comfort & Co., the custom drapery is made with Hartmann & Forbes fabric, the coffee table is from Jayson Home, and the drinks table is from Design Within Reach. The lounge chair is from Arhaus, the area rug is from FloorDesign Inc., and the task chair is from Anthropologie. Thomas KuohArmour made significant changes to the backyard, including creating a patio and installing NanaWall accordion-style glass doors in the family room. These doors open up to the outdoors, bringing the outside in.
Moving on to the primary bedroom, subtle paint shifts were used to enhance the elegance of the room. The walls and ceiling are painted in Palladian Blue, while the trim and doors are painted in Wedgewood Gray, both from Benjamin Moore. Custom drapery made with Clarence House fabric from Kneedler Fauchere, Hartmann & Forbes shades, Schoolhouse pendants, and furniture from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams complete the room’s serene atmosphere. Thomas KuohMunroe’s pro tip for painting window sashes charcoal is to turn them into a picture frame that draws the eye and adds intention to the room. The primary bathroom features a calming color palette with tile “wainscoting” and walls painted in Benjamin Moore Decorator’s White.
In the girl’s room, a feminine yet not overly girlish aesthetic was achieved with a desk nook overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. The boy’s room serves as a play space with a Bedford Blue ceiling from Benjamin Moore, a rug from West Elm, and furniture from RH and Pottery Barn Kids. Thomas KuohThe playroom is designed for fun and play dates, with whimsical drawer knobs and ample space for activities. The girl’s room features a Pink Harmony ceiling and Decorator’s White walls from Benjamin Moore, with pops of chartreuse for a grown-up contrast.
The powder room showcases bold Voutsa wallpaper with an octopus motif, while the living room is a light and bright space filled with connecting colors. The room features furniture from Lawson-Fenning, Anthropologie, RH, Made Goods, and Lulu and Georgia, along with beautiful accents like chandeliers from Arteriors and Anthropologie, and tiles from Heath Ceramics. Thomas KuohThe overall design of the home blends various colors and textures to create a cohesive and inviting space for relaxation and socializing.
From the adjoining dining room and music room, intricate details emerge in the living space. “One of our strategies when working with a variety of color shades to create a cohesive look is to consider how each room flows into the next and the connecting colors,” Munroe explains. “For example, the lamps behind the sofa complement the chairs in the nearby dining area, just as the matching wood tones of the two tables create harmony.” Balancing the existing beautiful architecture with contemporary additions was a key objective. A towering wooden mantle was traded for a sleek, modern version that complements the family’s photography. While the sofa maintains traditional lines, it is adorned with crisp, contemporary upholstery.
PIANO ROOM
Munroe envisioned a retro lounge atmosphere for this oval-shaped space adjacent to the living room, offering stunning views of San Francisco Bay. This traditional yet intimate room provides a cozy retreat within the open floor plan. “I wanted to juxtapose a touch of traditional elegance with the vibrant living room ambiance,” Munroe shares. “It exudes sophistication while remaining inviting.” The simplicity of the chairs makes them a favorite for Munroe, as they can be easily transformed with new upholstery, offering both style and comfort.
ENTRYWAY
An organic gallery wall in the entry can evolve with the family’s art collection. The front door painted in Tarrytown Green by Benjamin Moore sets the tone, while furnishings from Lulu and Georgia, CB2, and a vintage rug from Arhaus create a welcoming atmosphere. Munroe ensured that the layout of the artwork allows for flexibility and growth over time, maintaining a balanced yet dynamic display. By keeping the center line at 60 inches above the floor and spacing the pieces strategically, Munroe creates a warm and inviting gallery that feels cohesive and engaging.
EXTERIOR
Dark hues enhance the architectural features of the home. Pendant lights and sconces from Visual Comfort & Co., planters from West Elm, and house numbers from CB2 add a touch of modern elegance. Munroe’s subtle exterior updates included painting the garage door in a deep black and the front door in a rich green, breathing new life into the 1905 residence.
About the Designer
Emilie Munroe, the San Francisco-based designer and founder of Studio Munroe, is a prominent member of the House Beautiful Next Wave Class of 2016. With over two decades of experience, she has worked on diverse luxury interior design projects, showcasing her colorful and sophisticated aesthetic that marries traditional elegance with contemporary elements.
SHOP THE STORY
– Rattan Table Lamp at Anthropologie
– Lattice Fabric at Rebecca Atwood
– Renata Medium Pendant at Lightology
– Octopussi Wallpaper at Votusa
– Bardot Dresser at Vandh
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