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For Katelyn Gilmour, Bay Area style puts comfort, function and people first. In the Silicon Valley, that means when people come home from a long day toiling over tech, they need a cozy, comfy place to settle down in for the evening.
Homes are becoming just that — homes that reflect the people who live there and commitment to family, forgoing any stuffy style and tried-and-true convention.
Gilmour, owner and principal designer of KBG Design, has more than 15 years of decorating experience, opening her own full-service interior design firm in 2010. We asked her to define the elements of Bay Area style.
Does the Bay Area have a recognizable style?
Because many of the homes here in the South Bay Area were built between the 1950s-1970s, the most recognizable style here would be the California ranch style. Think single-story, wood siding, unassuming roof lines, square posts with porch overhands — simple.
This style very much lends itself to the very popular and oh-so-requested Modern Farmhouse/Transitional Coastal Craftsman look, which has been all the rage these last few years.
I believe shows such as “Fixer Upper” and “Property Brothers” from HGTV made this style catapult in popularity. Hello shiplap!
Interestingly enough, I’ve been designing homes for the last 12-plus years that were already quite aligned with this relaxed but elegant and intentionally designed style, which, I believe, is why our interior design studio is super busy designing remodels and additions to bring new life to our client’s old homes, with loads of comfort, functionality, style and added architectural details.
What’s the color story?
Popular colors now would consist of what I call warm “greige” colors — gray plus beige –and of course, white. Lots of white. If we do have colors present, they tend to be in the watery blue-green palette, dark blues as well, and with accents of black and white.
Wood tones are more warm, but neutral in color. We’re specifying much more mid-range, wire-brushed stained oaks and hickory hardwood or luxury vinyl tile floors with much less yellow, orange, or reds than we saw in the past. Oh, and no shine on the finish because glossy finishes are outdated and show more scratches or wear and tear.
What are the must-have accessories?
Edited and eclectic accessories are key. Vintage-style pieces with a reclaimed look are still quite popular as well. Also, the accessories are much larger in scale whether it’s a table-top piece or wall art. No more teeny, tiny tchotchkes lying around with the only purpose of collecting dust.
Another must-have would be areas designated for family gallery walls because I like my client’s home to feel like someone actually lives there, not a model home.
Are there certain furniture styles or essential pieces?
Whatever the furniture item is, it needs to be functional, comfortable and not overly formal. Because my clients tend to work crazy Silicon Valley hours with jam-packed schedules, when they actually have time to relax at home, their furniture needs to be the epitome of comfort.
The most important piece is the main living room sofa or sectional. Our clients prefer something on the deeper side so they can curl up or be in a more reclined lounge position to watch a show or movie with their family.
Fabricwise, we’re seeing lots of texture, some large-scale patterns, but nothing shiny or sparkly.
What is general feel or mood of the style?
The general feel is quite casual, but elegant; bright with lots of natural light. The spaces we design are also livable and, for the most part, very easy to maintain. Other natural elements such as wood, marble and stone are always present as well, bringing the outdoors in.
Are you seeing a lot of specific plants for indoors out?
The most requested indoor plant is the fiddle leaf fig, however, they are super high maintenance so I often steer our clients toward interior silk plants that still bring the outdoors in, but without all the maintenance. Of course, if my clients have a green thumb, then we would absolutely opt for real plants.
Are there other elements that you would consider must-haves in the design?
Painted custom kitchen cabinets, built-ins and white millwork are a must. Also, mixing metals is a must and homes shouldn’t be matchy-matchy, especially the decorative lighting fixtures.
I’m much of the mindset of “a place for everything and everything in its place.”
What is Bay Area style trying to say?
That comfortable can still be stylish and functional.
What are your favorite stores or places to shop for any or all of these elements?
Locally, I like to shop at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, World Market, Marshalls and Target.
Learn what other Bay Area designers have to say about our unique style.
