CALM AND COLLECTED

Kristen and Luis Peña’s home may be an oasis of tranquillity but it also has an alluring, down-to-earth richness

Muted tones and artisan treasures bring a laid-back vibe to this San Francisco home

On the surface, the home of Kristen Peña is an oasis of tranquillity and calmness, where muted shades complement the natural tones of the many wood features. But a closer look reveals an interior that also has substance, a reflection of Kristen’s philosophy. ‘A home should be a museum of memories,’ she says, referring to the many mementos sprinkled throughout the house.

But perfection doesn’t come overnight – when Kristen and her husband Luis, with daughters Emmi, 14, and Sadie, 17, first moved in, the house was very different. ‘Oh it was a doozy,’ says Kristen. ‘It was a one-floor Victorian property with a worn-out kitchen and just one bathroom. We had to completely gut it, add new foundations and extend and reconfigure it.’ The result was a bright and spacious home that offered them four bedrooms and bathrooms, and for 10 years it served its purpose very well as a family home.

In 2015, it was time for a refresh and the house began to take on a new look. ‘I really wanted my home to be a space that was simple in its bones but filled with layers of texture, memory and warmth,’ explains Kristen. And this meant utilising the many personal items and treasures the couple had collected on their travels

and allowing them to take centre stage. ‘Whether it’s a hand-carved stool from a trip to Tanzania or a ceramic vase made by a local artisan, accessories should be happy reminders of the past,’ she says. ‘We love the lighting, art and treasures that we have collated from all over the world.’

To inject a sense of character into the modern interior, Luis, a skilled woodworker, created handsome, custom wooden pieces designed by Kristen, like the dining room table and accompanying sideboard. And in the kitchen, natural timber cabinets were chosen to pop against the crisp white walls. Adding artwork on top of the upper units proves decorative accessories belong in this room, too.

But perhaps the most striking characteristic on this floor is the open-plan layout. ‘Light and space are incredibly important to me and this area has enough room for all the family to hang out,’ says Kristen.

‘I’m a very down-to-earth designer, and I feel like every room has to have purpose and be inviting and welcoming.’ And so successful was this redesign that it proved the catalyst for Kristen to start up her own now-successful interior design studio K Interiors.

Throughout each room in this house, the hallmark of Kristen’s distinctive and very personal style is evident, including the bedrooms with their bold patterned wallpaper designs and pale, sumptuous fabrics. ‘I don’t think a space needs to be very colourful to be deep, interesting or appealing,’ she says. ‘The most important thing is that it is not only beautiful, but comfortable, too.’

SITTING ROOM The original fire surround and stained-glass window add character. For a similar sofa, try the Hampstead, £745, Oak Furnitureland. Bespoke coffee table by Peñamade. Benuta sells black-and-white kilims, from £258 each. The Mchone console table, £569, Wayfair, would suit this space. Sirocco safari chairs, £1,280 each, Vinterior

DINING ROOM All of the natural wood pops out against the crisp white walls. Lariat three-light pendant, £2,050, Apparatus. The CH23 chairs, £194 each, Mobelaris, have the same look. For a similar tray (on sideboard), try the Hilke marble with handles in brass, £133, Royal Design

KITCHEN Warm wood and white concrete echo the tones and textures elsewhere in the house. Try the Light & Living concrete dome pendant, £86.85, Ideas 4 Lighting. The metro brick tiles, £14.85sq m, Tiles Direct, would suit this scheme

FAMILY ROOM Everyone likes to relax in this informal space. The Mehari Berber single diamond rug, £69, Barker and Stonehouse, is a similar design. Bespoke coffee and side table, both made by Peñamade. Fladis seagrass basket, £13, Ikea

BEDROOM A contrasting feature wall adds colour and depth to this co-ordinated scheme. Sisters of the Sun wallpaper, £155 a roll, Juju Papers. The Parker teak mirror, £215, Tikamoon, is similar

MASTER BEDROOM Rich, earthy tones and natural linens are timeless design choices. Flora bed, £4,750, Jacob May. Try the Florian bedspread, £110, The White Company. Swoon’s Valente bedside table, £199, is a good alternative

MASTER EN SUITE A large mirror maximises the sense of space. The Milano Bexley dark oak wall-hung vanity unit with double basin, £579.99, Big Bathroom Shop, would work here. Try the Mira Honesty basin mixer taps, £115 each, Victoria Plum

OFFICE ‘It’s always worth splurging on good lighting,’ says Kristen. Try the Mangoandmore macrame rope pendant light, £145.13, Etsy