Name: Bess and Peter
Location: South Park — San Francisco, California
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 1 year and 2 months — rented
Not many couples have the pleasure of walking by the place they got married every time they leave their apartment door, but for Peter and Bess, this is indeed the case. Their apartment building faces tree-covered South Park, where they were married just a month after moving in.
Just a month before their pending nuptials, Bess snuck out on her lunch break to view this brick and timber gem and knew immediately it had the potential to be a great space. It featured the open layout they both desired, concrete floors that offered functionality and style and an amazing outdoor space directly off the bedroom, which gives the room an almost tree-house feel. With some minor cosmetic adjustments - painting the closet doors, removing the kitchen cabinets and replacing the generic white wall paint with black chalkboard paint - they have created an inspiring place that is hip, functional and inviting.
Bess and Peter's loft is in the South End Historic District of SOMA. This neighborhood within a neighborhood has a much homier vibe than its larger region - hosting a street of charming cafes like The Butler and the Chef and independent shops like Jeremy's Department Store, a treasure trove which sells designer overstock goods at discounted prices. With an Academy of Art campus in the South End, there's also lots on offer for the younger, art-loving crowd.
Bess and Peter's home offers a sweet blend of industrial structure, modern decor and charming southern accents. Peter, who works at a technology company in Silicon Valley, is drawn to the more industrial and functional elements of design, while Bess, a talented photographer (who's photos are featured in this tour!) appreciates well curated collections, varying textures and older pieces that remind her of her parent's Southern style. They both are partial to modern, clean lines and seem to combine their styles effortlessly. I immediately fell in love with their easy style - the combination of a casual, slipcovered sofa next to a vintage Eames recliner that sits on a well worn persian rug. Several older, painted pieces of furniture offer texture and keep this chic loft charming and down to earth, no easy task with a view above the trees.
Apartment Therapy Survey:
Our Style: My husband and I bring different styles that result into what you see in the apartment. Peter has a love for the clean lines and functional design. I'm inspired by a blend of southern and french aesthetic, coming from my family's cajun french roots.
Inspiration: We're inspired by a lot of things that end up influencing our taste. It's a blend really.
Favorite Element: Our favorite element of the apartment is its open layout. A non-negotiable was to be able to entertain in a kitchen that opens to the rest of the common space.
Biggest Embarrassment: Our very full closets.
Proudest DIY: Our proudest DIY project is probably the molding projector frame. It's simple but does the trick quite well and we love that it uses what was already there to create a new function.
Biggest Indulgence: It's a toss up between our addiction to Heath Ceramics and just about everything we see at HD Buttercup.
Best Advice: Search craigslist often.
Dream Sources: HD Buttercup
Resources of Note:
PAINT & COLORS
• Behr Creek Bend, Gray Matter and Rust-oleum Chalkboard paint
ENTRY
• Paint: Behr Creek Bend
• Antique Desk: Antique shop in Arnaudville, LA
• Vintage Mirror: Antique shop in Greensboro, NC
LIVING ROOM
• 30 yr old "Eames" lounge knockoff: Craigslist
• Crate and Barrel Slip Covered Sofa: Craigslist
• Crate and Barrel coffee table: Craigslist
• Chairs: HD Buttercup
• Grass Rug: World Market
• Persian Rug: Insiders, Greensboro, NC
• Vintage Side Tables: Estate Sale
• Record Player: Music Hall
• Linus Roadster 8 Bike
• Metal Milk Crate: Timeless Treasures, San Francisco, CA
• Projector: Optoma HD 20
• Poster: Pop Chart Lab
DINING ROOM
• Teak Table, Bench and Metal Chairs: Crate and Barrel
• Work Bench: Costco
• Stools: 1 found in apartment upon arrival, the match found at a second hand store in SF
• Bookshelf: BlakeAvenue.com
• Metal Apothecary Cabinet: Craigslist
KITCHEN
• Paint: Rust-Oleum Chalkboard Paint
• Metal Stackable Pantry Shelving: Costco
• Plates: Heath Ceramics
• Dry Bar: BlakeAvenue.com
BEDROOM
• Paint: Behr Gray Matter
• Night Stands: HD Buttercup
• Hutch/TV stand: HD Buttercup
• Stool: Antique Shop in Breaux Bridge, LA
• Bedding: Pottery Barn
BATHROOM
• Vintage Desk: Garage Sale
• Rug: Dash and Albert
Thanks, Bess & Peter!
Images: Bess Friday Photography
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Wow, this may be my dream home! Love the color scheme and the furniture.
Very cool!
Love it - even the details are great, (my fav is the key holder)
Great space.....too bad about the decor
@rt What's wrong with the decor?
@rt: too bad about your manners.
What is on the floor? stained concrete? waxed? How does it wear?
Love this so much! What I wouldn't give for an amazing space with so much character. Your home is lovely! :)
This space could easily become cold and almost unfriendly. However, it is just the opposite, and for that reason I love the way this space works. Good job.
I love South Park. This is beautiful, my goodness the color of the floors and all the wood beans, staircase is just beautiful. I like that their decor works in this space, not trying too hard nor is it overwhelming..it just feels right.
that outlet doodle is so cute!
in a word - SOLID! and i mean that in a very good way. love it.
I always think exposed brickwork looks great on internal walls, and it works really well with the timber in this case. I also like the way this website lists everything in each room, which is a great idea.
Sorry, I have to agree with rt. Needs some pops of color or something, maybe a bowl of green apples..something besides black and white. Beautiful bones though.
Wow. This is my dream apartment. Love it. Although I do agree that it could use some pops of color.
WOW!!
I agree with other commenters, this apartment has beautiful bones. There are little pops of color like burnt orange and blue, but a little more touch of color (e.g. throw pillows, plants) would be lovely. You have a beautiful terrace have you considered a mini garden?
I also love that you married in your apartment!
Great apartment! I love your dining area and the all the light in the loft. I really wanted to see more of the TV stand in you bedroom.
Wouldn't touch a thing. Doesn't need "pops of color." It has personality and tranquility. I can feel the warmth of the space even thru the photos. Beautiful.
Wow, what a great space!
I love it. It has everything ~ I could just move in with one suitcase and a plant and I'd be fine.
Agree with Terry Clark. Neutral, here, is beautiful.
Great article about a beautiful loft.
Beautiful loft space overall. Decorated really well. Love the white/wood kitchen. Don't see that often. Lots of nice details that make the place very personal. Love the paint next to the outlet and over computer stuff. Nice touch. Wish I lived here!
I like the neutral color scheme, I think it works well in this case. Sometimes plainer is better!
Nice!!!! for being 1200 sq. feet,, its looks much bigger than it is...I love the brickwork,,and how you put everthing in order to not look so cluttered..amazing,,, i like the bedroom,,,looks very comfy,,and the bathroom is gorgeous,, love the green table there too,, Well done!!!
wow, love this space!! like a lot of the house tours on AT but I actually want to live in this space.
This loft is wonderful!
We have Behr's Creek Bend (a great grey) on the walls of the main living spaces in our condo. We love the color - it changes with the light during the day.
I love this look. Where did the owners get the kitchen island glass-topped table? End capping it with the wine storage and the liquor shelves is fantastic. Where did this table come from? ty ty
Bess or Peter,
Where did the kitchen glass topped steel table come from? Please if you are checking back in-i would really like to contact the manufacturer. I just got a loft in St. Louis and I have looked everywhere for the perfect 'counter height' table-and you guys nailed that one! If you have a tip on that , THANKS in advance!!!!
@Sirah the glass table was the only piece already in the loft. It's bolted to the cement floor and we have no idea who put it in. The welding makes me think it wasn't a company, but one off piece that was custom built.
I LOVE the monochromatic look of this loft. Because of the wood, the black and whites read as warm and calm. For those that seek color, you could be the accessory and wear that pop of orange or blue :)
Thanks Peter for your response regarding the glass topped table. I can look at your Tour several times and find something new that pops out..wonderful taste!
Wow! This is such an amazing space, and in SOMA! This must cost quite a fortune!
WANT!!
@SIRAH having seen the table, I agree with Peter. We made the bookcases and could make you a similar steel frame table if you are still looking. @PETER_ the loft really finished out well, looks amazing! I really like the chalkboard custom touches, the wifi and electricity symbols are great! Thanks for sharing all the amazing pictures of your beautiful home, you two.
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