Layla Zulfa
The renovation of a prominent 1920s estate in Northern California has set a new benchmark for the integration of historic preservation, high-end hosting capabilities, and the rigorous demands of modern family life. Orchestrated by Chloe Redmond Warner of the AD PRO Directory firm Redmond Aldrich Design and architect Andrew Mann of Andrew Mann Architecture, the project involved the comprehensive overhaul of a residence owned by a distinguished tech founder and a physician, both of whom are deeply embedded in regional philanthropic and political circles. The design mandate, according to Warner, was exceptionally broad: the clients required a home that could seamlessly transition between hosting elegant political fundraisers, "groovy" dinner parties reminiscent of the intellectual salons of Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne, and intimate game nights with their three young children. This dual-purpose requirement—balancing the public-facing role of a high-net-worth residence with the private, functional needs of a growing family—necessitated a surgical architectural intervention and a highly curated interior narrative.
Architectural Interventions and the Restoration of Functionality
While the original 1920s structure possessed what Warner described as "wonderful bones" and significant Art Deco heritage, the home’s layout was fundamentally ill-equipped for the residents’ lifestyle. The property was gorgeously sited with expansive windows, yet it lacked the basic transitional spaces required for a busy household. Most notably, the residence lacked a formal entryway, a deficit that created significant logistical friction in daily operations. Andrew Mann’s primary architectural contribution was the addition of a new foyer. To ensure the addition felt cohesive rather than extraneous, Mann meticulously matched the existing geometry and materials of the 1920s facade. The result is a space that reads as original to the house but provides the critical "landing zone" necessary for modern living. According to the homeowners, the addition of a dedicated space for mail, keys, and children’s gear significantly reduced the "daily stress" of the household, proving that even in luxury design, functionality remains the ultimate luxury.
Beyond the foyer, the architectural team addressed internal inefficiencies. One child’s bedroom, previously little more than a closet, was expanded and reimagined, while the home’s circulation was optimized to handle large crowds during events without compromising the privacy of the sleeping quarters. This phase of the project established a neutral, high-quality canvas upon which the interior design could unfold.
A Curated Interior: The "Undateable" Aesthetic
Chloe Redmond Warner, whose forthcoming book This Must Be the Place explores the creation of atmospheric homes, approached the interiors with a philosophy she describes as "undateable." Rather than adhering to a single era or trend, Warner curated a mix of furnishings and lighting that spans decades, from mid-century modern classics to contemporary bespoke pieces. This approach was designed to ensure the home would remain relevant and visually compelling for years to come.
In the living room, this philosophy is evident in the pairing of burl wood built-ins with a Charlotte Perriand-designed Rio Low Coffee Table for Cassina, characterized by its oak frame and cane inserts. The space is further layered with a striped Topa Daybed by Lawson-Fenning and a Knit-Wit Floor Lamp by Iskos-Berlin for Made By Hand. By mixing these disparate elements, Warner created a room that feels evolved rather than "decorated." The base of the original Art Deco staircase features a bespoke Italian travertine table and cedar stools by Benno Vinatzer, anchored by a wool herringbone runner that adds a layer of traditional warmth to the geometric precision of the stairs.
Designing for Public Engagement: The Dining and Living Quarters
For a family frequently involved in hosting musicians, corporate founders, and political figures, the dining room represented a critical design challenge. The homeowners initially expressed hesitation regarding bold or dark aesthetics, fearing they might overwhelm the variety of gatherings they host. Warner successfully advocated for a copper-toned Japanese floral wallpaper from Schumacher. To temper the formality of the metallic print, she introduced vintage Silvio Coppola for Bernini chairs in black leather and beech, alongside two-toned wood Nakashima straight-back chairs.
The client noted that the wallpaper has since become a favorite element, providing "warmth and depth" that makes guests want to linger. This room also features a painting of Claremont Canyon by a local artist, connecting the interior to the Oakland landscape. The result is a space that achieves a "polished yet approachable" balance, suitable for a formal fundraiser but comfortable enough for a casual family dinner.
In the family room, the husband provided specific direction to ensure the space was optimized for sports viewing and relaxation. The centerpiece is a deep teal Ligne Roset Togo sectional, an iconic 1973 design by Michel Ducaroy known for its ergonomic comfort. This is paired with nesting tables by Gianfranco Frattini for Cassina. The room was designed with specific angles to the television and a "feet-up" mentality, ensuring that the home’s high-design pedigree did not preclude genuine comfort.
The Kitchen: A Hub for Casual Interaction
The kitchen serves as the home’s informal heart, utilizing a sophisticated color palette of natural wood Shaker-style lower cabinets and deep blue V-groove paneling (painted in Benjamin Moore’s "Evening Sky"). This space was designed to accommodate both the immediate family and larger groups of children. A burgundy leather banquette, topped with a custom long lumbar pillow in oceanic blue Halyard fabric from McLaurin & Piercy, surrounds a custom table by Jacob May.
The homeowner emphasized that while the kitchen feels intimate for the family of five, it can easily expand to hold 12 to 14 people. This versatility has made the home a natural gathering point for the children’s friends, a goal the parents prioritized from the project’s inception. The inclusion of Sun at Six Carob Stools at the kitchen island provides a space for afternoon snacks or adult happy hours, further highlighting the room’s multi-functional nature.
Private Sanctuaries: The Primary Suite and Children’s Wing
The upper level of the home, accessed via the restored Art Deco staircase, houses the private quarters. The primary bedroom was designed as a tranquil retreat from the high-energy hosting that occurs downstairs. The walls are adorned with a pale celery, hand-painted "inkblot" wallpaper by Porter Teleo, providing an ethereal backdrop for a Mauro Mori poster bed. The room is completed with a forest-green Erik Lindstrom silk rug, Pat McGann Mondrian Check curtains, and a rope-wrapped Half Dome Flush Mount by Cuff Studio. Black-and-white prints by Vija Celmins add a layer of intellectual sophistication to the space.
In the primary bathroom, the designers utilized Onyx Velluto stone to create a graphic, high-contrast shower, finished with brass Highgate fixtures from Waterworks. This blend of natural stone and traditional brass maintains the home’s dialogue between historic charm and modern luxury.
The children’s rooms were treated with equal care, focusing on "tactile feasts" and soft acoustics. In one compact room, Warner upholstered the walls in a green-and-blush striped Ceraudo fabric and installed a custom lofted bed with leather-wrapped railings. A chocolate brown Faye Toogood Roly Poly Armchair sits beneath the loft, while olive linen blackout curtains by Zak + Fox and ivory wool carpets by Stark ensure the space is as functional for sleep as it is for play.
Cultural Context and the Soundtrack of the Home
To help the clients visualize the atmosphere of their new home, Warner curated a specific playlist that she imagined as the soundtrack to a dream dinner party at the residence. Featuring artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Waxahatchee, George Harrison, and Khruangbin, the music reflected the "warm, creative, and human" vibe the designers aimed to achieve. This tactile approach extends to the home’s physical music setup: a shiny brass turntable cabinet by Studio Ilse. The homeowners noted that their children have embraced the ritual of playing vinyl records, finding it a more communal and tactile experience than digital streaming.
Analysis: The Evolution of the Multi-Functional Estate
The Redmond Aldrich and Andrew Mann collaboration reflects a broader trend in high-end residential architecture: the move away from specialized, single-use rooms toward highly adaptable, multi-functional spaces. In previous decades, a home of this stature might have had a "parlor" that remained unused except for formal occasions. In this Oakland residence, every square foot is designed to be lived in.
The project also highlights the importance of the "entryway" in the psychology of a home. By adding a foyer, Mann did more than increase square footage; he created a psychological buffer between the public world and the private sanctuary. This architectural "decompression chamber" is essential for residents who lead high-profile public lives.
Ultimately, the success of the renovation lies in its emotional impact. The homeowners expressed that the house feels "alive" and continues to reveal new facets of its character even after the conclusion of construction. As the client noted, "It’s not a given that a big renovation delivers on its emotional promise, and this one truly has." By respecting the 1920s Art Deco heritage while fearlessly introducing contemporary elements and practical architectural fixes, the design team has created a residence that serves as both a private family haven and a sophisticated platform for public engagement.
