Bess & Peter’s Brick & Timber Loft
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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