San Francisco is renowned for its picturesque neighborhoods, and Russian Hill is no exception. Known for its winding Lombard Street, iconic cable car line, and breathtaking views, this sought-after area is home to Bellaire Tower, an Art Deco masterpiece often referred to as the “Superman building.” Within this historic skyscraper lies a beautifully designed one-bedroom apartment that showcases the art of maximizing space without compromising on style.
A Design Challenge Turned Into a Masterpiece
While the apartment boasted an excellent location and rich architectural heritage, its compact size presented a challenge for the owners—a married couple seeking a pied-à-terre that could also accommodate their four grown sons when they visited. Enter designer Caitlin Jones Ghajar, whose innovative approach transformed the limited space into a functional and aesthetically pleasing retreat.
The Game-Changer: A Murphy Bed in the Dining Room
To address the need for additional sleeping space, Jones Ghajar implemented a unique solution—a Murphy bed ingeniously integrated into the dining area. “A Murphy bed in a dining room is a new one for me!” she admitted with a laugh. This clever adaptation allowed the space to serve multiple functions while maintaining an elegant and seamless design.
A Vibrant, “Accidentally Wes Anderson” Aesthetic
Beyond functionality, the homeowners wanted a colorful and inviting ambiance. Jones Ghajar drew inspiration from vintage elements and a bold rainbow palette, creating what she describes as an “accidentally Wes Anderson” aesthetic. “I encourage people to be brave with color,” she explained. “When done right, it results in a space that feels vibrant and happy. And isn’t that what we all want to live in?”
Optimizing Flow: Smart Layout Adjustments
Space efficiency was at the forefront of this redesign. One of the most impactful changes was reorienting the entryway. Originally, it led to an underutilized closet, which Jones Ghajar repurposed to create a charming library nook—one of the homeowners’ top requests. This adjustment improved the overall flow of the apartment, seamlessly connecting the entryway to the living area.
“I joke a lot that I have a special gift for fitting a 10-pound house into a five-pound bag,” she remarked.
Blending Old and New: A Timeless Touch
The apartment’s décor elegantly balances contemporary elements with vintage charm. A striking brass dining table serves as the foundation for a cohesive brass theme throughout the space. The gallery wall, displaying artwork from the 1920s to the present, pays homage to the apartment’s storied past and its many transformations over the decades.
A Home for the Whole Family
Despite its compact size, the apartment is designed to accommodate not only the owners but also their four sons. The strategic inclusion of the Murphy bed ensures ample sleeping space, allowing the unit to function as both an intimate retreat and a welcoming family hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Bellaire Tower special?
Bellaire Tower is an iconic Art Deco building in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood. Its distinctive architecture and prime location make it one of the city’s most desirable residences.
2. How does a Murphy bed enhance small spaces?
A Murphy bed folds up into the wall when not in use, allowing rooms to serve multiple functions without compromising comfort. This is particularly useful in compact living spaces.
3. What does “accidentally Wes Anderson” mean in design?
This term refers to a design aesthetic that features vintage elements, bold colors, and whimsical symmetry, reminiscent of director Wes Anderson’s signature visual style.
4. What are the key design features of this apartment?
Some standout features include the Murphy bed in the dining area, a reimagined entryway with a library nook, a brass-accented dining table, and a gallery wall showcasing artwork spanning multiple decades.
5. Can this design concept work in other small apartments?
Absolutely! Many of the design principles used in this apartment—such as multi-functional furniture, smart layout adjustments, and bold yet cohesive color choices—can be applied to other small living spaces to enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
Conclusion
This stunning one-bedroom apartment in Bellaire Tower exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform even the most compact spaces into functional, stylish, and welcoming homes. Through strategic layout adjustments, clever space-saving solutions, and a bold yet cohesive aesthetic, Caitlin Jones Ghajar has created a residence that balances practicality with personality. Whether as a pied-à-terre or a cozy family getaway, this apartment serves as an inspiring example of modern urban living at its finest.
