Hilltop Palace in San Francisco

Unparalleled views of the city and bay were what drew Geoffrey De Sousa to this San Francisco house, but it’s his stunning mixture of natural materials and exquisite product selections that truly sets it apart. An interior designer and one of the owners of this showroom De Sousa Hughes, De Sousa was residing in a Victorian home in the city when he discovered the perfect location for his dream house. Perched on top of the greatest of San Francisco’s hills in Clarendon Heights, his new house has views of the city in virtually every direction.

De Sousa opened up the home to benefit from their views and natural lighting, working with architect Mark English to double the square footage and create a clean and crisp appearance. He then outfitted the house with impeccable product choices to flaunt its clean architecture and comparison the surrounding fog.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

De Sousa significantly expanded the space, starting the main floor to a gallery-like foyer, stairway, dining room, living room and kitchen. The dining room is simply one of many rooms that opens up onto the house’s brilliant view.

Dining room table: Stephanie Odegard

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

The simple and contemporary dining table is made out of forged metal, and also the Robjohns Gibbons dining chairs are one of De Sousa’s favourite finds. “It took five years to locate all 6,” he states. “We discovered them in San Francisco, in Palm Springs, in St. Louis.”

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

An elegant custom glass and walnut staircase leads from the foyer to the top floor, which contains the master and guest suites. Another pair of stairs leads down to a media room and exercise room on the floor. The mix of cold and warm stuff with this unique stairway is the perfect transition between the distances and acts as a great way to highlight pieces of De Sousa’s artwork collection. “The foyer is just like a little gallery space of its own,” he states.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

De Sousa’s previous home was a Victorian decorated entirely in white, so he chose to do something completely different this time around. Lush colors, contemporary lines, and incorporated indoor/outdoor living define the house’s aesthetic. The blend of products within this main-floor living room surely echoes that. The yellow upholstered chairs and the coffee table in this room are De Sousa’s own designs.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

De Sousa chose plush textiles in rich browns, grays and reds which play from the city’s cool and muddy disposition perfectly.

Chaise: Charcoal Velvet Preston Chaise, Geoffrey De Sousa
Tables: Plexiglass tables, Ted Boerner
Mirror: Blackman Cruz

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

A cozy outdoor seating area, complete with a fire pit, sits just inside the entrance courtyard. The stacked stone walls and calming water feature have made this a relaxing outdoor sanctuary.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

“We live at the banquette at the kitchen,” says De Sousa. “I’ve wonderful memories of friends and family gathered around that table.” The beautiful rope chairs are produced by Christian Astuguevieille, one of De Sousa’s favourite designers. The black-and-white photos above the banquette are part of a series of 1950s circus photos.

Black and white photos: Robollo Home

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

The open kitchen design allows for a clear view of the San Francisco Bay. Clean and crisp architectural lines keep this space simple but magnificent, and automatically direct the eyes out to the perspective. De Sousa wanted to emphasize natural substances in his house, and used a mix of walnut, Brazilian mahogany, piled slate, and also Calacatta marble throughout. The comparison between timber, glass and stone creates an artful and visually satisfying look.

Artwork: Created by Alon Langotsky

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

Chocolate brown accents liven up the calming taupe tones in this bedroom.

The home’s appearance is a result of a love for several distinct styles and eras. “It’s also a portion of the cities where I have lived,” he states. “Boston, where I grew up amidst classic American architecture and interiors, to San Francisco, to Palm Springs, where we have a modest mid-century-style retreat.”

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

The master bathroom is a calm, light-filled space that highlights natural timber, tile and stone. Employing the pebble-style tile round the edge of the space provides a unique contrast that ties the whole space together.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

The rooms on the base floor have a clear perspective of the city. A small outdoor patio off a guest bedroom enables visitors to fully enjoy the occasional sunny San Francisco day.

Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

Of course, the terrace has by far the most magnificent view in the home. The Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge are visible here, and therefore are best enjoyed with a warm blanket and a glass of wine.

Photography by Matthew Millman

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