Noe Valley trilevel features a terraced backyard and a greenhouse.
Stephan Blachowski of Blankwalls Design believes in a simple philosophy.
“The final design should reflect the homeowner, not you as a designer,” he said.
That vision is on full display at 625 Grand Ave. in San Francisco’s Noe Valley neighborhood, a luxurious trilevel boasting dramatic views and hightech amenities.
Originally built as a twostory in 1954, the home received a third floor from a previous owner and now enjoys views of downtown, the waterfront and the East Bay hills.
Blachowski redesigned the interior in recent years, adding a Sonos sound system and motorized blinds, while opening the floor plan and installing walnut wet bars.
Removing a wall between the dining room and kitchen created a larger shared space that’s ideal for entertaining.
“The redesign transformed the home from old Noe Valley style to new Noe Valley,” Blachowski said.
Perhaps the most dramatic transformation exists in the dining room. Here, a laser-cut stone wall features a raised gas fireplace set at a 45-degree angle. This positioning brings the fireplace to shoulder-height and maximizes its visibility within the room.
“I’ve found that when people are dining they want to look at the fire,” he said.
A cold-rolled steel surround accents the fireplace as display shelves stand off to the right.
The top floor features a living room and the owner’s suite, as well as a half bathroom with glass bead walls. Previously one had to walk through the master suite to access the upper level’s bathroom, but now the jewel box powder room offers a private space.
Listing agent: Dan Slaughter, Vanguard Properties,(415) 6555609, danslaughter@ vanguardsf.com.