It should come as no surprise that Christiana Coop's San Francisco apartment features some fantastic wallpaper. Afterall, she is the U.S. rep for Danish company Ferm Living. But Christiana's design skills clearly extend well beyond picking just the right wallpaper for her dining room (shown above) or kitchen and living room (pictured below the jump).
• How would you describe your decorating style? I tend to go for basic, clean-lined, well-made furniture and add in a wide ranging mix of accessories. I’m drawn to bold and bright, black and white, timeless, trendy, modern but not minimalist, dramatic, delicate, whatever catches my eye. By keeping the furniture understated, I like to create energy and focus with the textures, colors, patterns and shapes of accessories. This energy constantly changes depending on my mood, the people I’m spending time with, my hopes, the places I’ve been, etc. I’d analogize my style most closely to being an adventurous make-up artist with a preference for solid bone structures. Want sultry eyes? Layer on mascara. A more sultry bedroom? Lay down a sheepskin rug ...
• Best bargain in your home and where did you get it? Anything from Ikea. How is everything so cheap there?
• Biggest splurge? An Ingo Maurer Birdie chandelier. My dad, who always tried to teach me the importance of spending wisely, would have something close to a heart attack if he knew how much I spent on what is essentially a dozen light bulbs and some wire. But, I do love it so. I suppose you could say I was blinded by the light.
• Favorite local resources for furniture and accessories? I can’t seem to walk past Eden & Eden without stopping in and discovering something irresistible. And, I always find just the right thing at Area. I also love Rare Device for its uniqueness, Flora Grubb for its wonderful selection of plants, Design Public for great warehouse deals, and Limn for an art gallery experience without needing to buy a ticket.
• What's at the top of your list of things to buy next for your home? I’ve been eyeing the Leaf Light for a bedside reading lamp. It gives off such a soothing glow and looks fantastic. I’d also love to have an Established & Son’s Fold floor lamp in the kitchen (and one of their Font clocks too!). At the very top of my dream list, and contrary to my tendency towards modest furniture, is Ligne Roset’s Togo seating. I’d go with an armless sofa along the main wall in my living room and a couple fireside chairs curving under the bay window for a circular seating feel. They’re such a classic, and I can’t think of anything more inviting to sit in. I’m pretty sure I could make them work with this mini-Renaissance revival I seem to have going on at the moment, but there’s zero chance I could make them work with what is happening in my bank account.
• Favorite spot in your home and why? Right now, it’s my kitchen. In an attempt to inspire more home-cooked meals, I added some shelving to display my grandma’s cheerful china and to make my cookbooks more accessible. As a backdrop, I hung some custom wallpaper designed by Julia Rothman and added more succulent plants. I think the changes give it more warmth and make it such a pleasant place to spend time reading the paper, working on my laptop, chatting with friends, eating take-out (and hopefully cooking one of these days). Also, from the kitchen window, I have a clear view of the San Francisco sign above the Ferry Building which I just love.
• What's on your nightstand? A sturdy glass water pitcher I bought when I lived in Chicago, a die (hmmm, the singular of dice never sounds quite right) made by one of my favorites, Rae Dunn, that serves as a reminder to take more chances, and a red vintage Ericofon. I used to be a lawyer and had the misfortune of being staffed on a case which required countless hours of reviewing emails written by engineers at a high-tech company. They were all so painfully dull, except for a few written by this hip Canadian guy who, in my desperate state to be entertained, became my Euro chic idol. In one of his emails, he recommended to his coworker that she visit this great vintage phone website. So I, of course, had to check it out too, where I immediately purchased the phone — thus discovering a shiny red gem buried deep in a never ending chain of mind-numbing emails. Its rotary dial is as impractical as its ring tone is intolerable, but it always makes me smile.
• Favorite childhood memento that's in your home? A framed picture of a chrysanthemum that my grandmother drew while attending grammar school in Yorkshire. I never met her, but my mom frequently described her to me when I was a little girl. I wish that I could have known her and often picture her diligently coloring at her desk. I am sure that I would have loved her very much and vice versa.
• Favorite travel keepsake? A mosaic bird made from fragments of broken English china. I picked it up at this cool shop in London called Contemporary Applied Arts. Mosaic work has never been my thing, but the longer I have the bird, the more I appreciate its different marks, patterns and glazes. Plus, broken china is supposed to bring good luck. Can never get enough of that!
• Current inspiration(s) for your work? I’m not sure whether to admit this, but I’ve been reading some (okay, all) of Philippa Gregory’s historical novels over the past few months. And, don’t get me started about my obsession with "The Tudors" on Showtime. I think so much time spent imagining a royal life at court has steered me towards my most recent purchases — richly-colored velvet pillows in mustard and plums, playful goblets, and golden accents.
• Favorite home/design magazines or websites? Other than AT... design*sponge, poppy talk, oh joy!, decor8, pointclickhome and casasugar are my favorites. I have subscriptions to Domino, Dwell, Sunset, Architectural Digest and Elle Décor. And I can never resist the latest ReadyMade, Real Simple or Wallpaper at the check-out counter.
Thanks for letting us take a peek at your home, Christiana!
Pssst ... If you like any of the wallpaper in Christiana's home, you can find them at Ferm Living or Wall Collection. Christiana also blogs and maintains an interior design business.
Copyright © 2007 Apartment Therapy
I love the grey sofa pictured. Does anyone know who it's made by or if there is something similar?
view violetjo's profile
Wow!! I'm drooling over this place. Gorgeous!
view katie's profile
I really like that black table in the bedroom. They look like ballerina legs to me. Does anyone know what it's called or where it's from?
Anthropologie has a very similar table, but it looks taller and only comes in gold and white. And it's $200. I've been thinking about doing something similar with Ikea Fintorp legs and a Lack tabletop, but I'm lazy, so I'd really rather just buy something! Thanks for the help.
Beautiful apartment, too!
view Pteetsa's profile
Your home is so inspiring. I may need to finally put up some wallpaper up!
view emilyn's profile
This home truly strikes the perfect balance - it's designed without being "too designed" and shows a great deal of personality. And I just noticed that at the Ferm Living website that interior services are offered - I want her to do my house!
view aimeeK's profile
Lovely use of wallpaper... I especially love the wallpaper in the kitchen, great contrast with the green pottery.
I second the black table in the bedroom.
view BrookeinBoston's profile
Check Brocade Home for the black table in the bedroom.
view jas-space's profile
The only thing I can say is "WOW!". How can I love a place so much? The fact it is in San Francisco makes me love it even more than I like it on the inside.
view bloobrey's profile
after a second look.... your splurge on the chandelier is a great purchase.
view BrookeinBoston's profile
I can't believe someone actually gets to live here -- it's amazing! I LOVE the wallpaper in the dining room. I'm going to the ferm living website pronto.
view jennyk's profile
psst...there is a fish swimming up your wall!
view SD913's profile
Lovely! The kind of place that is designed, but not 'designer'. :) The way your personality comes through is very special and refreshing - much better than a spotless, soulless loft churned out of Dwell.
My one sadness - I've recently fallen deeply in love with Fritz Hansen and their Series 7 chairs and I couldnt help but noticing that you have something...lets say 'similar'...in your kitchen. The way the back and seat are articulated on the authentic chairs is just so much more pleasing and sensual than the ...other...chairs.
view Modfan's profile
This is one of the most beautiful homes I have seen here. It manages to show a distinct love of design without the ostentation I often notice, personality without preciousness and I love the use of color. Also the comments were very straitforward and helpful. Thank you.
view Lavren's profile
The black table appears to be from the "Louis Table" line by John Reeves. I found them at Anthropologie, Heal's (http://www.heals.co.uk/) and Next Door Trends (http://www.nextdoortrends.com/). Compared to the prices at the last two sites, Anthropologie's $200 is looking pretty good.
I think I'm back to my Lack/Fintorp combination.
Thanks, jas-space - Brocade Home did have some very similar tables.
view Pteetsa's profile
i am in love. my favorite home i've seen on this site so far... ::sigh:: just SO fantastic.
view brookejoy's profile
So fantastic! And what a view!
Where is the red purse in picture #6 from?
view dancingspring's profile
Love this house. Where is the mirror over the sofa from?
view minty03's profile
Very nice. My favorite home tour on AT by far.
view dmstudio's profile
Wow, thank you so very much for the lovely comments! I've been so thrilled reading them. To answer a few questions that popped up... The sofa is from In Your Element. I think it's called Rondo Uno. I decided to go for that one because it turns into a sofa bed without looking like one (or a futon...). Yep, the stool is John Reeves, and I found it at Area. Agreed, the Series 7 "knock-off" situation is rather tragic, but I had to draw a line in the budget somewhere :) The red bag was a Marc Jacobs splurge (but unfortunately it was from a couple years ago during that epic winter rain when I was desperate for some cheering up), and the mirror is from Anthropologie. Thanks again, this was so much fun!
view christiana's profile
Where are the bamboo blinds with the white trim from? Thanks!
view jenniejen's profile
Curious, do you remember what paint color that is in your diningroom (first photo?) Apparently I have a "thing" with greyish paint colors right now. Also your rugs are so nice, must be a pleasure for your feet.
view lilcourt's profile
I noticed that you have what looks like the Big Sur dining table... I just bought the same table and I'm struggling with the fact that it's natural wood and stains really easily. Although it's hard to tell from the photo, your table seems to be relatively unblemished... did you seal your table? If so, what did you seal it with? Thanks!
view melodyphp's profile
Christiana, the birdie chandelier is fantastic, my favorite is the Zettle'z but seeing the birdie in your home makes me re think the Zettle'z that I'm saving for!!!
Beautiful space. Really. And the view from your living room is amazing. San Francisco seems to have such great light. I can't wait to visit your city again someday, it's been too long (2001). We went on our honeymoon there (and to Sonoma) and vowed to return and haven't yet. Time to just book a flight already, huh!?
Thank you for the beautiful tour!
Holly
view decor8Holly's profile
Absolutely gorgeous. And oh, that Julia Rothmann wallpaper is fantastic in your kitchen!
view Lillian's profile
Sublime Christiana
view The Teal Sea's profile
it's gorgeous. i love everything about it...including your cute yellow rain boots and red bag. : )
view universal mod's profile
i love that table runner...any ideas how to do that as a DIY?
view spossberg's profile
That Julia Rothmann wallpaper is exquisite, and I don't care how much it costs, it's going somewhere in my new house. Even if it's a couple of meters and that's it...
This apartment must be astronomically expensive to have that view in SF. Mercy!
view clatimer07's profile
Me again with a few more answers...
I can't remember the name, but the bamboo blinds were actually from some kind of 1-800 blinds warehouse type place on-line.
The paint in the dining room is Benjamin Moore, Mountain Range. I'm into the greys too. So hard to choose though.
I haven't sealed the Big Sur, but now that you mention it, I probably should. I definitely have had a little trouble with staining. And the legs seem to cave inwards slightly. Not good.
Holly, I love the Zettle'z too! So genius. You can't go wrong. You must plan to come back and visit SF asap while it is not raining!
I actually did make the table runner. I bought the felt doilies at Eden & Eden and just stitched the ends together. A very easy DIY... the only kind I can handle.
Thanks again!
view christiana's profile
Dreamy! I love this home. The sunlit rooms and warm colors feel so warming here in dreary, wet NYC today.
view beelzabean's profile
I. Love. This. Apartment. 'nuff said.
view tara1979's profile
This apartment is beautifully and tastefully decorated and I LOVE the use of the wallpaper. I am looking for a designer with exactly this type of taste and think I may have to hire Ferm Living's decorating service to help decorate my house!
view kim5665's profile
Lovely!
And modest too! (I happen to know, as the grateful recipient of gifts made by Christiana herself, that she is a DIY queen!) Clearly there's something in the genes -- I loved the chrysanthemum too.
Thanks for sharing your great taste & style -- very inspiring--now I just want to go shopping!!
Sending love from Boston
view ccoopfan's profile
I love your design and use of wallpaper and I don't even like wallpaper. The dining room is perfect with it's use of gray and play of black and white. The wallpaper in the kitchen is unexpecting but works wonderful. I wish you could come decorate my place in SF! Also where did you get that cream round storage container in your bathroom? I seen it so many place now and like how simple it is.
view TheoJ's profile
Hi Theoj - Thanks! The storage unit is from Kartell. And, I'm pretty sure my first piece of design advice for your place would be to hang some wallpaper :)
view christiana's profile
Being a book lover, I love the bookcase picture the best -- and the orange wallpaper with yellow birds is simply divine! Being around books gives me a warm cozy feeling -- and they are great home accessories too! Greetings from http://www.rugsdoneright.com -- they have a wide selection of area rugs at discount prices. Any home would be brightened up with the right area rug don't you think?
view tatiana27's profile
the balance of design and habitat is perfect. the wallpaper makes the place breathe and gives it a richness that bare walls can't. i'm just a BART ride away from sf but it looks like a different country here. when you burn out on sf and want a really tough challenge maybe you can fix the east bay.
view eastbayfuddiduddie's profile
I looked on the Ferm website and didn't see the kitchen wallpaper. Where can I find it? I will be perfect in my tiny kitchen with my big citrus yellow Chambers stove from the fifties. Must have! Thanks.
view Annieo's profile
Hi Annie - It's designed by Julia Rothman. You can order it to custom fit your wall at www.wallcollection.com. I highly recommend it for a happy kitchen!
view christiana's profile
Sorry, I found the link in the text. You have a lovely home and in my favorite city.
view Annieo's profile
Re pic 7: I spy a set of Franciscan "Desert Rose" dishes on the top shelf of the white kitchen shelving unit.
I grew up with those dishes and it makes me feel all warm and fuzzy to see you displaying them so prominently! ;-)
view Monica's profile
Magnificent. You have a remarkable eye and a wonderful sense of space. Part of the reason I love living in Yosemite has everything to do with the organic nature of the place. Its asethetic is natural, obviously, unencumbered and completely independent of the people who live there. The mountains establish their own rules. I appreciate its simplicity as though it were part and parcel of who I am instinctively. Like the park for me, your apartment reflects a powerful commitment to living.
Jeff
view Jeff P.'s profile
Where did you get the dining room chairs?
view Herringbone's profile
Hi - I got they chairs at unicahome.com.
Monica - so happy you noticed them! They were my grandma's very best!
Jeff - Thanks :)
view christiana's profile
Great place! What is the color of the paint in the photo with the bird sculpture, I really like it!
view raie's profile
Loved it. tell me where can I go to get the sliding doors... thanks
view continue's profile
Beautiful and comfortable! Is the shelving in the kitchen Ikea?
view freedomisavoice's profile
Hi -
The paint is Benjamin Moore, Hampshire Rocks (#1450). Its a light grey with hints of purple and changes a lot depending on the light which is quite nice.
I'm sorry, but I'm not sure where the doors are from.
Yep, Ikea.
Thank you!
view christiana's profile
i LOVE your place!
Thank you so much for sharing it.
Do you by any chance have a floor plan? I don't know if you already posted it.
Thanks again for the inspiration!!
view milanokate's profile
Love the orleans rug in your bedroom. I've had my eye on it for a while now. Does it shed at all??
view aglow's profile
There is a very wonderful flow going through your entire home. The transition between each room is seamless. It is really wonderful that you can mix in modern pieces with more traditional pieces. That can be tough to do.
view asdinteriors's profile
Christiana,
I adore your style!
I am a location scout in the Bay Area. I am always looking for great decorating stories for Better Homes & Gardens, Decorating Magazine, Home Magazine, Creative Home, Domino,amongst others. I would love the opportunity to submit your home to a couple magazines. Might you be interested in possibly being published? Feel free to contact me if you would like to hear a little more about it.
Thanks! Sarah Alba albaworks@gmail.com
view Sarah Alba's profile