Emerald and sage: a san francisco family's bold design refresh
Forget beige. Emilie Munroe’s latest project in a stunning 1905 Queen Anne home in San Francisco is a vibrant testament to joyful color and unexpected luxury – and it all started with a client who initially balked at a green ceiling.
A splash of unexpected green
The initial reaction to painting the piano room and dining room in emerald and sage greens, respectively, was decidedly hesitant. “I was a huge advocate and think it makes the room,” Munroe explains, recalling the client’s initial skepticism. “Ultimately, it came down to [saying], ‘It’s just paint. We can always paint over it.’ And they absolutely loved it once it was installed.” This willingness to embrace a bold vision became a defining characteristic of the entire design.
Color as a narrative
From the front door to the living room lamps, green became a recurring motif, expertly interwoven with the family’s collection of modern art. Munroe’s approach, she says, isn’t about imposing a rigid palette; it’s about fostering a collaborative response to color and pattern. “We don’t present [the client] with a board,” Munroe explains. “We source furnishings and lay out fabrics, wallpapers, wood samples, and metal finishes, and together we create piles of our favorites. It’s a very primal response that people have to color and pattern, so I let them be driven to certain elements. Then we take those and build the house. It gives it a very nimble feeling.”
The kitchen: a functional oasis
The kitchen, anchored by a gigantic island, is a masterclass in intelligent design. The placement of the beverage fridge, strategically positioned opposite the main refrigerator, minimizes awkward encounters. “It’s opposite the main fridge, so you’re not crossing paths and bumping into each other,” Munroe notes. “The kids can grab something on their way out the door.” The cork wall, a lively gallery showcasing the family’s art, adds a touch of whimsy and personality – a deliberate rejection of the sterile, often overly polished aesthetic favored in luxury homes.
Details that matter
Beyond the bold color choices, Munroe’s strategic use of lighting—from the charcoal-painted window sashes that frame the views to the carefully curated collection of accessories—elevates the space. The meticulous attention to detail, like the whimsical creature knobs on the dresser in the primary bedroom, demonstrates a commitment to creating a home that feels both sophisticated and utterly personal. The project’s success lies in its ability to seamlessly blend historical grandeur with contemporary comfort, proving that even a 1905 Queen Anne can feel utterly modern.
Key stats
Designer: Emilie Munroe, Studio Munroe
Architect: Armour Architecture
Builder: Peter Downey Construction
Stylist: Rachel Forslund
Location: San Francisco, California
Space: A 5-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home across 7,000 square feet
Dining room refresh
Paint: Kennebunkport Green (ceiling), Winter Solstice (wainscoting and casework), Benjamin Moore
Wallpaper: Holland & Sherry
Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co.
Dining table: RH
Dining chairs: Norden Living
Area rug: Antique, Surya
Living room highlights
Sofa: A. Rudin, in Romo fabric from De Sousa Hughes
Sconces: Visual Comfort & Co.
Drapery: Custom, in Hartmann & Forbes fabric
Primary bedroom statement
Paint: Palladian Blue (walls and ceiling), Wedgewood Gray (trim and doors), Benjamin Moore
Girl’s room personality
Wallpaper: Rebecca Atwood
Powder room drama
Wallpaper: Voutsa
Entryway welcome
The entryway is designed to feel organic and inviting, utilizing a cluster of art pieces that can evolve with the family.