Park Lane Charmer
Oakland, CA
The Brief
This 1930s home required significant structural and aesthetic intervention in order to restore its original character and make it fully functional for modern family life. With foundational repairs needed and aging systems throughout, the homeowners saw not a setback, but an opportunity to thoughtfully reimagine the house as their forever home.
The aesthetic goal was traditional without feeling staid—soft colors, refined glamour, and timeless detailing.
The Transformation
Every room of the house was renovated or restored to introduce better flow, modern function, and elevated comfort. The home’s original character was carefully replicated through complex flooring patterns and hand-poured plaster crown molding. Custom-designed windows improved efficiency while remaining appropriate to the era.
Spaces were reconfigured to improve circulation and entertaining flow. The foyer now opens to an eat-in kitchen and living room. A family room and fully functional bar—complete with triple sink, integrated glass rinser, refrigeration, and cooktop—open to a new outdoor deck through expansive window walls, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living.
The original fireplace was preserved and integrated into a new built-in surround that anchors the space.
Bedrooms and bathrooms were renovated throughout, a new laundry room was introduced, and a home office was designed to double as a guest room.
Once dominated by heavy furniture and clashing colors, the primary bedroom now features a monochromatic blush palette layered through textiles and upholstery. A soft, color-infused area rug grounds the room and establishes the foundation for the layered palette. A custom headboard, bespoke pillows, and Parisian pleat drapery establish softness and balance.
Because the only suitable wall for a king bed was shared with French doors, custom drapery panels were added to create visual balance in lieu of a traditional nightstand, while a carefully placed chair draws the eye across the room. A Lucite bench, nickel detailing, relocated crystal sconces, and refinished built-ins add understated drama while honoring the home’s traditional architecture.
The original shelving was refreshed with low-VOC paint and updated hardware to preserve character while elevating finish quality.
Signature Details
- High-quality custom cabinetry in rich colors with signature “X” detailing throughout
- Full slab marble kitchen backsplash and complex custom tile patterns
- Two-sided glass cabinet connecting dining and living rooms
- Secret bookcase doors concealing storage
- Custom mirror detailing in kitchen and primary bath
- Custom upholstered furniture including bed, sectional, and curved ottoman
- Monochromatic blush primary suite layered with custom textiles
- High-end appliances and striking lighting fixtures
- Wallpaper and curated art contributing to the cohesive color story throughout the home
- A 15-foot Nana glass wall opening the family room and bar directly to the outdoor deck for seamless indoor-outdoor living
- Pass-through bar window allowing drinks and food to be served both indoors and out
The Result
Color is thoughtfully threaded through art and accessories, creating cohesion from room to room. The result is a restored 1930s home that feels warm, functional, and tailored—traditional in spirit, yet distinctly refreshed for modern living.
