Dutch Colonial

This prim and proper 1912 home screams tradition on the outside and sophisticated entertaining on the inside. As you ascend the brick steps to the glossy black front door, framed by leaded diamond patterned glass windows, prepare to be wowed.

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The entry hall has style in spades, Kate Spade that is. Once inside, look up to a flush mount brass KS light fixture, reminiscent of a vintage crystal brooch. The black and white Carrera marble harlequin floor is the stepping off point to the kitchen, dining room and sizable living room. An animal print runner lines the stairway to the second floor and the walls are covered in an Anna French Bridle wallpaper.

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The light filled living room features several heirlooms: an 1870’s carved walnut Victorian chest from the homeowner’s maternal grandmother and an antique hand-painted screen on Chinese newspaper dating to the late 1800’s from her maternal Great Aunt. In contrast to these treasures from yesteryear is the iconic Petite Friture Vertigo Pendant fixture by Constance Guisset, reminding one of a floppy sunhat. It’s made of fiberglass with polyurethane ribbons. The fireplace is surrounded by shelving and built-in cabinets and an Asian influenced area rug sits atop the home’s original white oak floors with mahogany inlay.

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Across the hall, the formal dining room is the setting for special dinners with soft lighting provided by the brass spine-like wall sconces with shades from Coast Lighting and the beautiful Versailles Black Lacquer and Black Shade chandelier. Asian botanical influences are seen in the Bird and Blossom Chinoiserie Wallpaper by Ronald Redding and Bamboo woven wood blinds complete the look.

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Before entering the dramatic black and white kitchen, peek into the charming breakfast room filled with natural light from the bountiful black framed windows and French doors leading to the back patio. Notice the narrow roman shades over the windows on either side made of Dancy fabric in Onyx by Calico in Burlingame.

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As you enter the kitchen, your visual senses will be overwhelmed. The pair of Rustic Farmhouse Pendant Crystal Raindrop Chandeliers from Amazon above the large center island twinkle and catches your attention. An iconic brass cable car bell is a family favorite and helpful in calling everyone to gather. The island is topped with Eclipse granite from Brazil in jet black and white, a dramatic contrast to the rest of the kitchen’s Empira White Caesarstone. Black Indonesian Rattan bar stools tuck under the island and are upholstered in a Chinoiserie Dragon Tiger print fabric, Kathmandu-Onyx. The glossy white perimeter cabinets are the perfect backdrop for the intricate Estrella Silver Blend Glass Mosaic tile. Featured behind the Wolf six-burner cook top is a custom built stainless and banded hood from Vent-A-Hood. The kitchen’s pièce de résistance is a large oxidized copper art piece by Gregory Clark. The red tones in the art are similar to the knobs on the cooktop. He personally delivered it to the home to be sure it had an appropriate place to hang.

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Leaving the kitchen, you descend into the family room. A petite powder room is on your left and roars to life with tigers on the wallpaper and a playful gold lion head sculpture facing the door. An entertaining wet bar features a brushed nickel Native Trails sink and hexagonal Shinju Crest hexagon tile by Lunada Bay. The large fireplace is surrounded with Namibia Series, Sunset Bronze Crescent tile and a Sandalus leathered quartzite hearth, creating a very textured look. True to the saying, ‘every room needs a touch of black’, this homeowner has used it throughout to create drama and draw the visitor’s eye to their many treasures.

Stepping out to the pool area, you see a graceful Mayten tree offering some shade on the brick patio, raised vegetable beds and surrounding native plants, showing promise of a spring bounty. Imagine preparing dinner in the outdoor kitchen and then gathering around the brick fireplace for a cordial and conversation, honoring the roots of this historic home.