Design Story: Downtown San Diego Condo Tour

Hi friends and welcome, thanks so much for stopping in!

I’d love to take you through an m studio interior design project that I personally had the privilege to design for an incredible human, my client Theresa- a busy professional, world traveler, cocktail enthusiast and lover of color and sparkle!

Are you ready for the tour!?

In the heart of Downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp district to be exact- A marriage of urban feels and hints of bling meet stylish, lively details in this 10th floor condo. With minimal structural changes, a once outdated, closed-in living space is transformed into a home of classy refinement and unique appeal.

Inspired by this Banksy replica, a tasteful balance of textures and vibrant tones paired with pops of intrigue find harmony throughout the entire condo. The Banksy replica was custom framed in a high-gloss black finish.

The Kitchen

In the kitchen, a dividing wall found between the entry door and kitchen was completely demolished and the fridge was relocated along the back wall to create a more open feel upon entering the unit. Custom cabinets of matte charcoal and white gloss are simplified with the Emtek Edge Pull cabinet hardware for a sleek, understated vibe.  A unique focal point is created with abstract porcelain tile backing the floated wood-grain boxes, flanking either side of the custom hood that grounds the kitchen range wall.

While ample storage space was met for Theresa’s needs, floated boxes were designed to show off her classy collection of barware, stemware and preferred adult beverages. A contemporary countertop detail with a waterfall edge frames the abalone penny rounds of iridescent blues adorning the peninsula face.

The Living Room

Geometric shapes and mixed metal finishes from the Kuzco Astro Chandelier to the Uttermost Cutler Side Table offer a striking contrast against a canvas of bold colors that further allude to the modern aesthetic.  These finishes were intended to compliment the vivid ‘Windswept’ artwork, highlighted by a minimalistic brass picture light, and tufted cognac leather sofa that anchors the living room wall.

With the ceilings in the living room and bedrooms being concrete and not having the ability to add recessed lighting, our solution for incorporating more light was adding decorative pendants and chandeliers bearing multiple bulbs and leaving the conduits exposed adding to that downtown urban flavor.

The Guest Bed & Bath

Finding symmetrical balance, decorative pendants flank the tufted headboard that ground the maroon painted walls. Turning to the right, you’ll see the closet doors transformed with French-lite doors in a black finish.

Monochromatic in nature, concrete and natural stone vein-looking porcelain tiles accompany a custom elongated trough sink with the Kohler Honesty Faucet in Polished Chrome. The sink wall was bumped out to give the illusion of a recessed mirror.  A wall was added in the tub/shower enclosure, paired with the Kohler Levity sliding glass door, to incorporate much needed shower niches.

The Master Bed & Bath

The deep blues carry over into this space and are complemented by pops of lively orange tones seen in the table lamps and in the movement of the area rug. The super fun chandelier above, the Troy Lighting Raef, is a unique statement that provides ample lighting.  All closet doors were replaced with mirror fronts, offering the illusion of a more spacious-looking room.

Interestingly enough, the master bath is much smaller than the guest bath… yes, welcome to downtown San Diego living.

Although a well-functioning footprint was in place and basic storage needs were met, the existing space was very utilitarian- aesthetically unpleasant with a lack of decent lighting.  The gold splattered navy accent tiles emphasize the shower trim that is complemented by wavelike glass subways.

A true focal point, the custom furniture-style vanity grounds the bath without overwhelming the space and still offers ample storage to meet the needs of our client. Creating rhythm of the reflective surfaces, the Robern lighted medicine chest is accompanied by custom cut mirror above and below and is accentuated with brass metal profiles. Its vertical placement mimics the shower detail, offering an elongated anchor that draws the eye towards the exquisitely unique vanity. Introducing more flattering light, the lighted mirror is flanked by slim Savoy House Clifton brass sconces that harmonize with the various golden touches throughout.

Portraying a blend of design vernacular with attractive details and urban feels, a newly energized home tailored to capture my client’s dazzling essence and love for color has come to fruition!

Want to see more!?  This project was featured in the Union Tribune’s Coastal San Diego Homes & Estates and was a part of the ASID San Diego ‘Kitchens, Baths & More Tour’ in 2020.  Click here to see more of Project Glam on Trellis by m studio interior design!

Thank you so much for allowing me the pleasure to share this home with you!

Xoxo,

Megan

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