My Houzz: Comfortably Modern in San Francisco
City skyline views, artwork and simple lines style warm up a downtown loft
Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM) librarian Jason Galloway moved to San Francisco to be a part of a city he already knew so much about. "I loved San Francisco so much and knew so much about it before moving here that my first job was a concierge at a hotel, and people thought I was a native," Galloway says.
"When I first moved here I lived in Nob Hill in a quintessentially San Francisco Edwardian apartment with bay windows. I thought that's what I wanted to buy, but when the realtor showed me the loft, I fell in love," Galloway says. He now lives in his dream loft, built in 1999, in the Mission Bay neighborhood of the SOMA district. "My neighborhood is very industrial and modern and I love that. But I also love that I am on six Muni lines that get me wherever I want to go."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jason Galloway, Johnny Koch III, and their dogs Guido and Begonia
Location: SOMA/Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco, California
Size: 990 square foot loft; 1 bedroom, 2 baths
"When I first moved here I lived in Nob Hill in a quintessentially San Francisco Edwardian apartment with bay windows. I thought that's what I wanted to buy, but when the realtor showed me the loft, I fell in love," Galloway says. He now lives in his dream loft, built in 1999, in the Mission Bay neighborhood of the SOMA district. "My neighborhood is very industrial and modern and I love that. But I also love that I am on six Muni lines that get me wherever I want to go."
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Jason Galloway, Johnny Koch III, and their dogs Guido and Begonia
Location: SOMA/Mission Bay neighborhood of San Francisco, California
Size: 990 square foot loft; 1 bedroom, 2 baths
The unfurnished space could have easily gone either completely modern or industrial. "I was initially going to go strictly modern, but I want my home to be comfortable for guests, and for me and the dogs," Galloway says. Warm lighting and artwork make the loft space inviting.
A comfortable couch with clean lines and a little attitude anchors the living room area, and chrome accents bring together all the pieces in the space. This couch, and the lamp were found at one of Galloway's favorite shops in the neighborhood, H.D. Buttercup.
Chandelier rug: Wake Up Frankie
Chandelier rug: Wake Up Frankie
Well defined areas give each space clear purpose. These stools and table from DeLirio provide a space for an intimate meal or breakfast in the mornings.
There is no escaping the urban industrial setting when looking through windows or venturing out on to the porch. To the left, the city skyline and to the right, AT&T Park and the commuter train station. Right next door, the ever-changing billboard. Galloway says, "I stare at a huge billboard out my window and it changes often. Sometimes for the good, other times...not so good. I love the movie poster ads. It feels so 'big city' to me, but the PG&E ads not so much."
Simple modern seating from Passion Decor.
Something Galloway just can't seem to get rid of are his books. "Whether you travel physically or in your head through books," he says, "you must see the world!" One of his favorite things is the 12'x8' photo mural of Paris from Murals Your Way. "I love Paris and Rome and almost moved to Paris before deciding on San Francisco," Galloway says. "It may be better to be in love with Paris than live there, I suspect." Regarding the mural, he says, "I think it really defines our space. The Eiffel Tower steel beams amidst trees and old buildings is exactly my style."
Small dog, big space: Begonia perched on her favorite couch.
San Francisco is no doubt a foodie town, and that's one of the things that appealed to Galloway. "I love that I can walk out my door and within four blocks I have three independent coffee shops, umpteen restaurants, and the bay."
Galloway's favorite multi-purpose space is the kitchen. It's used as a DJ station, office space, a gathering space during parties, and of course, for cooking. Eclectic cabinetry and colorful accessories warm the stainless steel countertop.
The most important tip Galloway offers those considering buying a loft is, "It's important to make 'rooms' with your furniture and designate areas for living and dining."
Table and chairs: Modern Euro Design
Table and chairs: Modern Euro Design
Loft living comes with its disadvantages of course. Galloway says, "I love the open space, but if the TV is on downstairs it seems to amplify up to the bedroom."
Iron bedframe: Arhaus
Chair: Passion Decor
Iron bedframe: Arhaus
Chair: Passion Decor
Galloway keeps a collection of fashion photographs in the bathroom. While reflecting on working at FIDM and how that has influenced his decorating decisions he says, "I do presentations on trends and I'd say that having access to design websites and magazines influences me, either consciously or subconsciously."
Red phone booth: Signals.com
Red phone booth: Signals.com
From left to right: Johnny, Begonia, and Jason at home.
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More:
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