San Francisco’s famous Nob Hill—a legendary destination in the heart of the city with views of the bay, Grace Cathedral and both bridges—has inspired leading taste-makers to opt for all-white décor. It’s a decisive, elegant, oneiric and cloud-like in its purity. There's so much going on out the window, emphasized by the dizzy height and the monochromatic lime-stone/pale stucco/brick scene-scape.
White floats from floor to ceiling and everything in between. That’s the bold, uncompromising and decisive modernist move.
First it was Orlando Diaz-Azcuy and Andrew Skurman, and then it was Françoise and Andrew Skurman. The Skurmans and their crisp and dream-like all-white apartment at the peak of Nob Hill has been one of the most popular stories on THE STYLE SALONISTE.
Recently I posted hairstylist Alex Chases’ all-white apartment on Nob Hill. It was a hit.
If you check in my archive and search for Nob Hill you will find these two whiter-than-white apartments, both splendid.
Now I have the newest chic candidate for my White Paint Club. Come for a visit, learn the process, study the superb edit, and meet a fantastically talented San Francisco designer, Matthew MacCaul Turner. He’s made a list of some of his favorite places in San Francisco, for your travel list.
Come with me, and float above Nob Hill, the city location of your dreams.
San Francisco designer, Matthew MacCaul Turner |
A retired teacher and talented pianist (he plays every day) purchased this full floor high rise residence 17 years ago, confident that he had the taste and skills to update it himself. And why not? The prominent Nob Hill location sports stunning views in all directions, and has amazing glass walls, lending beautiful light to the spaces throughout. He painted the place white, laid down white wall to wall carpet, and purchased the bare minimum of furnishings.
But as time went by, he was never quite satisfied. He longed for a soothing space precisely tailored to his needs. It must be up to his very high standards, yet be relaxed and sophisticated. He wanted clean lines and white minimal interiors, but he also wanted his home to feel comfortable and appropriate for entertaining. It needed to be open, and accommodate his baby grand piano that had dominated the living room for almost two decades.
But then he met San Francisco designer, Matthew MacCaul Turner. A mutual friend put the two in touch, saying, "Just call him. Even if you don't hire him, you two will be friends." Well a friendship was immediately struck, and the two embarked on a six month redo, tossing all the furniture except for the baby grand.
But as time went by, he was never quite satisfied. He longed for a soothing space precisely tailored to his needs. It must be up to his very high standards, yet be relaxed and sophisticated. He wanted clean lines and white minimal interiors, but he also wanted his home to feel comfortable and appropriate for entertaining. It needed to be open, and accommodate his baby grand piano that had dominated the living room for almost two decades.
But then he met San Francisco designer, Matthew MacCaul Turner. A mutual friend put the two in touch, saying, "Just call him. Even if you don't hire him, you two will be friends." Well a friendship was immediately struck, and the two embarked on a six month redo, tossing all the furniture except for the baby grand.
The unused second bedroom was opened up to create a music/library/media room that easily handled the piano. "Why waste space on a hallway and guest bedroom when you are single, and live within blocks of so many hotels?" said Turner. Benjamin Moore's "Simply White" coated the millwork, while "Snowfall White" was used on ceilings and walls. Black paint (Benjamin Moore's "Jet Black") was introduced, in sharp counterpoint with the white and to contrast and highlight the black piano. It also disguises and hides electronics (everyone has to tussle with this) and camouflages the wall mounted TV, as well as adds a satisfying and dark contrast to the California brightness. Day and night, there's a tableau vivant out the window. Yes, San Francisco is mostly super-bright and hyper-light--when it is not fuzzy or foggy or misty. Oh, happy day. Yes, California is always sunny and super-bright...when it is not fuzzy and foggy.
Carpet was replaced with high gloss epoxy resin floors, an industrial product that is nearly bulletproof. No more worries about messy guests spilling on the carpet. Recessed lighting and motorized shades were added to control the light and create atmosphere, while Pierre Frey's "Eden" fabric was used to make drapery at select windows, maintaining privacy and views, as well as subtly adding softness to the hard lined space. Two bathrooms were updated with mirrored walls, custom vanities and custom Corian counters and sinks. The kitchen was made symmetrical, upper cabinets converted to glass and mirror, and counters sheathed in statuary white marble.
Columns that flank the windows echo the façade of the Fairmont hotel just across the park, and a hefty base molding aligns with the widow sills. It is a subtly classic detail, yet with a modern, streamlined approach. "Even designing a sleek and pared-down modern space, I call upon my training in classical architecture to correct proportions, resolve details, and lend a thoughtful and composed air to my work.” said Turner. "In the end, a space should feel current, yet timeless."
A hair on hide grey brindle headboard by MacCaul Turner Design. Circa studio swing arm sconce in polished nickel. Restoration Hardware grey linen bedding. |
No sooner had the dust settled, than furniture arrived. Four bergeres from Minton Spidell surround a faux-patent leather tufted ottoman. A MacCaul Turner designed sofa and tea table can also work for dining. Just lift the silver leafed oval top from the wall, place it on the tea table, and voila, dining for six!
"I love looking at shelter magazines, and thought I could do this myself. I now realize that I am not a designer,” said the happy resident. "The ideas Matthew put out there pushed me to a new level. He really listened to me and expanded beyond what I had ever envisioned, making the process fun and stress free along the way. We achieve the home of my dreams."
About Matthew MacCaul Turner
Growing up in Morris County in New Jersey, Matthew MacCaul Turner dreamed of becoming an architect from a young age. He poured over drawings, requesting Palladio's Four Books of Architecture for his ninth birthday. Schooled at Georgia Tech's College of Architecture, he spent a year abroad in Paris. The experience changed him as he reveled in the culture and architecture of Europe, travelling by rail to Barcelona, Rome, and Florence.His first job out of college changed his path. He was hired by Dilger Gibson, the Atlanta interior designers to Sir Elton John. Celebrity, fashion, and big budgets converged in their practice, but it was the great care devoted to crafting beautiful and unique spaces that attracted Turner. He forged a philosophy of comprehensive design, uniting the two professions of architecture and interiors.
An opportunity to work at Tucker & Marks in San Francisco as the in-house architectural designer and furniture designer was the perfect position to realize his developing interest in comprehensive design. He was involved in every project, and found the firm an extraordinary place to learn. He further honed his knowledge and appreciation for craftsmanship, artistry, and the Baroque working at Fisher Weisman, until he founded his eponymous firm in 2007.
He has been featured at three San Francisco Decorator Showcases, (2008 Elevator as Haiku, 2010 Narcissus Powder Room, and 2012 The Listening Room) where he demonstrated a fresh take on classicism, with a penchant for high quality and compelling juxtapositions.
"Each project, and each client, is as unique as a snowflake,” said Turner. “I don't have a signature look. It is my design principles that stay constant. I take many cues from the client, learning about their aspirations, and forging a vision that feels like it's their own. It is creative, never boring, and every job is an individual work of art."
Matthew MacCaul Turner’s San Francisco Treats
Favorite Restaurants:Delfina Pizzeria in the Mission, has a great bar and it is the perfect place to have a glass of wine, with their delicious brussels sprouts and Mary's Chicken. Friends always stop by, and it becomes a social gathering. You can also sit outside and watch the passing scene. Great on Saturday night, lots of action. www.delfinasf.com
Dessert follows, across the street, at Bi-Rite Creamery. It’s a delicious and special Mission delight. (Oh, and you can buy pints at Bi-Rite in the Mission and on Divisadero Street. You’ll thank me). The salted caramel and balsamic strawberry are life changing! It’s the creamiest and freshest ice-cream. Pure fruit, real ingredients and colors. You may have to wait in line, so take a friend so that you can taste their ice-cream flavor, perhaps lime-coconut, too. www.biritecreamery.com
Travel: Study Tours
A few years ago I went on an Institute of Classical Architecture (ICA—if you’re not a member, be sure to join) tour of Montecito. We visited John Saladino in his Villa. Stunning architecture, exquisite gardens, and the most beautiful interiors ever put us all in a state of awe and bliss. Not to mention that John is a hilarious and delightful host. He wrote a book about this house, ‘Villa’. I hear he has since sold it. It’s also in Diane Dorrans Saeks’ book, ‘Santa Barbara Living’ (published by Rizzoli), a dream of a book, very insider.
I'm looking forward to a trip to view English country houses, including Blenheim, and Belvoir Castle. At the San Francisco Fall Antiques Show each year, I’ve had the great pleasure to meet the Duchess of Rutland, Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill, and Princess Michael of Kent, all of whom are delightful, and graciously offered tours of the Great Houses they call home.
CREDITS
Interior Architecture and Interior Design:
Matthew MacCaul Turner
MacCaul Turner Design
14 Museum Way
San Francisco, CA 94114
415.271.0151
maccaulturner@gmail.com
www.maccaulturner.com
General Contractor:
Cliff Adams
C G Adams Construction
1487 45th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94122
415.513.5993 Tel
415.789.4474 Fax
cliffgadams@yahoo.com
www.cgadamsconstruction.com
Photographer:
Jacob Elliott
415.830.7907
info@jacobelliott.com
www.jacobelliott.com
Fabrics:
Shears & Window
101 Henry Adams Street, #256
San Francisco, CA 94103
415.621.0911
www.shearsandwindow.com
Art:
Dolby Chadwick Gallery
210 Post Street, Suite 205
San Francisco CA, 94108
415.956.3560
www.dolbychadwickgallery.com