A San Francisco Edwardian in Bernal Heights had been stripped of its original details for resale — a common pattern in the current market. Designer Chitra Kashyap of Revival Interior Design Studio said the home was “a victim of the minimalist trend that prioritizes resale over historical integrity.” The original moldings were gone. The character had been bleached out.
How a mother and her two teenagers reclaimed the home’s lost history
The client bought the house as a “forever home” for herself, her two teenagers, and their dog. She had a clear vision. “Her top request was to move away from the generic white kitchen and restore the lost character of the home,” Kashyap said. According to the designer, one glance at the client’s Pinterest board — full of deVOL kitchen inspiration — told her exactly what look was needed.
The team ripped out the builder-grade cabinets and installed custom inset cabinetry painted in Farrow & Ball Duck Green. “Green almost acts as a neutral in this home,” the designer noted. “It feels organic and grounded.” A built-in plate rack and fluted-glass cabinets flanking the hood add English charm.
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They splurged on a deVOL Heirloom gaselier over the island. “It’s inspired by historical pieces seen in old Victorian homes,” Kashyap said. To keep the space from looking too new, the team selected unlacquered brass hardware that will develop a patina over time — a detail that only works for the patient.
Banquette seating solved a tight dining area — and a knee problem
Space in the dining area was limited. The solution: banquette-style seating paired with a walnut trestle table from Loewen Design Studios. “The trestle base works well for banquettes because nobody is knocking their knees when they slide in and out,” Kashyap said. The windows got traditional Indian chik blinds made of bamboo, which bring warmth and texture. A block-print lining offers privacy and pattern. A mid-century brass shield chandelier hangs above.
The living room balances historic details with modern furnishings. The team installed ornate acanthus crown molding and a handmade plaster ceiling medallion by local artisan Lorna Kollmeyer. The home had a modern electric fireplace that didn’t fit the style, so they designed a custom Edwardian-style mantel just 5 inches deep to keep the compact living room flowing well.
A bold blue sofa anchors the living room — and family heirlooms get new life
“The centerpiece of the living room is a striking Williams Sonoma cobalt blue sofa — a bold color choice that the client was really drawn to,” Kashyap said. To balance that high-saturation piece, earthy brown tones appear in the chairs and custom drapery. The chairs are family heirloom pieces reupholstered in Misia Paris-Vienne fabric. The custom pinch-pleat drapery uses Casamance’s Herbes Folles fabric, adding texture and weight with its stunning embroidery.
The most striking change is the stairway. It was previously a builder-grade afterthought — “stood out like a sore thumb,” according to the designer. After several rounds of brainstorming, they replaced the drywall staircase with walnut-stained wooden balusters and installed wall paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Oval Room Blue. “It’s a reminder that restoration isn’t just about the main rooms — connecting spaces like hallways and staircases can become meaningful design moments,” Kashyap said.
She shared additional details on the renovation — including the thoughtfully designed private spaces — along with sources that bring this restored Edwardian to life. For those interested in similar transformations, a historic house reimagined for contemporary life offers further inspiration.