Soul Revival
Berkeley, California
Architect: Willis Polk
Photographer: Bruce Damonte
Stylist: Yedda Morrison
A long-time client wanted a change from living in minimalist spaces. While her previous homes were bright and airy, when looking to relocate she fell in love with a moodier and architecturally significant Berkeley residence designed by Willis Polk in 1915.
Studio Principal Alison Damonte, guided the respectful update of the historic property transforming it for modern life. Original finishes and details, previously hidden over time, were revealed and restored. The new interiors embraced the soaring ceilings, arched and bay windows, gracious rooms, and original oak paneling and flooring. Finishes true to the era of the house, but also true to the client’s innate style, were added where necessary to create a layer of authenticity. This canvas provided an intriguing tension between the client’s love of art and design and the home’s history. Her significant collection of contemporary art and photography including works by Marilyn Minter, Alec Soth, Gordon Parks, Yayoi Kusama, and William Eggleston reside amongst bold and unique furnishings that span decades of design.
“This is her ’I’m sick of living in a white-box house’,” says studio principal Alison Damonte, who guided the respectful update of the property and new interior scheme. The renovation involved uncovering original finishes and detailing that had been hidden by previous owners. The new interiors embraced these details, emphasizing the intrinsic character of the space including soaring ceilings, arched and bay windows, original oak paneling and flooring and fireplaces with carved mantels. This historic canvas provided an intriguing tension for the owner’s significant contemporary art and photography collection including works by Marilyn Minter, Alec Soth, Gordon Parks, Yayoi Kusama, and William Eggleston. The interior also reflected the owner’s passion for furnishings that were bold, unique and historically significant.
