Nico and Michelle’s Contemporary Condo

Name: Michelle, Juliette & Nicolas Sauzier
Location: SOMA; San Francisco, CA
Size: 1,266 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Owned

Michelle and Nico are one of my favorite couples in San Francisco. They met in a very kismet-type of way: Michelle spotted Nico, a French expat with his own interior architecture and design business (Design By Nico), in a friend’s photo and was instantly smitten. She asked for an introduction and love at first sight led to a best-friendship, an Acapulco wedding, and a daughter named Juliette. They are just good people who are always fun to be around.

Their condo, which is up for sale (they’re looking to leave SOMA’s urban, industrial neighborhood for greener pastures), is decorated in a way that feels a lot like them: stylish and modern but still comfortable and good-looking without taking itself too seriously (a $50 IKEA print takes center stage with custom cabinetry and high-end modern furniture). Take a look inside, check out Nico’s inspirations below, and please thank these two for sharing their first family home.

My Style: Our style is comfortable with a contemporary feel. That said, as an interior architect, my style is my client’s. Often the space/volume dictates a lot what you should do with a touch of preference.

Inspiration: It’s a mixture of Bauhaus for its simplicity and of Old World for its warmth.

Favorite Element: Designing my own custom furniture for myself rather than a client.

Biggest Challenge: Optimizing the circulation flow to utilize the space at the best of its potential.

What Friends Say: I think they love it because it is 100% complete and there is nothing to add from furniture to art on the walls.

Biggest Embarrassment: I didn’t change the kitchen counters, which I never liked, for budget reasons.

Proudest DIY: All of the custom-designed furniture pieces

Biggest Indulgence: Going for a full refresh/remodel, from refinishing the hardwood floors to painting all walls and ceilings to adding new top-end carpets.

Best Advice: Take care of the bones first (such as moving walls/built- ins…etc) as you have time to furnish your space over time knowing that your style will evolve with your means.

Dream Sources: Pietra Fina (the best exotic marbles/granites in the Bay Area); La Cornue (outrageous Old-World kitchen range); Brand Van Egmond (incredible lighting design); Fall Design (hardwood floor); Lunaria (very interesting lighting sourcing with a strong accent on Italian designs which are the world leaders)

• CB2 Outdoor Furniture

Thanks, Nico and Michelle!

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