This California House Proves Neon Can Be a Neutral

Neon yellow is not your typical paint choice, and an even less common pick for a staircase. But designer Regan Baker used the bold hue to set the mood for a Duboce Park condo makeover by updating the spiral stairs, as well as pairing bright primary hues against crisp finish-outs. The home, a top floor condo unit, already had beautiful exposed beams, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, but the homeowner desired an update, one that swapped builder-grader choices for special architectural finds. 

The client, a first time homeowner, was drawn to the unit as it would provide the ideal backdrop for her art collection. “She’s a professor with a background in urban planning, dhe parents were in the art scene, so she’s always been exposed to it,” Baker says. “She understands the importance of the details.” The stairwell is a pop of personality that works nicely with her similar-toned art and other collected pieces throughout the home. “When her friends come over, she wants her home to be a conversation and show who she is,” adds the designer. 

In the living room, Baker painted the dark blue built-in bookcases white, which now holds items such as a hot pink perfume bottle and antique mirror ball, and anchored the tall ceilings with a large, comfortable sofa from EQ3, Lawson Fenning coffee and Traba side chair adorned in a green floral Pollack textile.

Color continues through the piped pink floor cushion, great for extra seating, Paulette Rollo throw pillow and the large commissioned art piece from Jenny Sharaf. Baker worked with Tatem Read, director of the Berggruen Gallery, for some of the larger-scale pieces. 

Because of the open-concept layout, she knew the living room and dining room would have to connect. “We wanted a colorful statement to balance the room,” she adds. Mint green ottomans provide flexible seating, while the banquette maximizes the floor plan. While a large dining table can feel intrusive, the Sobu floating edge table and Trueing pendant light keeps it visually light. 

The rest of the home includes similar hues, more of the client’s art and unexpected patterns. Abigail Borg wallpaper adds a delicate touch to the powder bathroom, while the master bedroom features the ultimate in pattern play with statement-making Svenskt Tenn curtains and grid wallpaper, plus the guest room/office complements the geometric appeal of the master with Burke Decor wallpaper. 

Storage was another major factor in the remodel, and Baker completely transformed the client’s master bedroom and primary bathroom with unique solutions.

“We removed the previous awkward built-in cabinetry, bumped out a wall for a pocket door in the bath, closed off the primary suite, added a shoe closet and made the wall of cabinetry accessible with wall-to-wall doors,” she recalls. 

The bathroom, which now matches the eclectic feel of the rest of the home, has checkered mint green and white tile from Fireclay that continues from the shower onto the floor, as well as a new vanity with white fronts, exposed wood edges and cut-out drawer pulls.

The mirror from Rich Brilliant Willing extends as far as possible from wall to tile giving the illusion of more space. Clever space-saving additions, vibrant color and an impressive art collection breathe new life into this near 100-years-old home.