Instagram fame's shadow: designer battles viral past to craft san carlos sanctuary
The ghosts of Instagram fame haunted the clients of Banner Day Interiors, Clara Jung, as they embarked on building their dream Home in San Carlos, California. Their previous residence had become a viral sensation, and now, they demanded an even bolder statement for their new, expansive property – a challenge Jung deftly met with a masterful blend of heritage and contemporary design.
Reclaiming the california spanish soul
The initial canvas – a meticulously crafted California Spanish estate – possessed inherent beauty, but years of early-aughts renovations had obscured its original character. Jung's strategy wasn't demolition, but a delicate restoration, peeling back layers of stylistic excess to reveal the Home’s authentic essence. The kitchen and a key pass-through area proved particularly demanding, requiring a complete overhaul while respecting the Home’s architectural DNA.
“The kitchen, at the heart of the Home, initially felt unwieldy and dim,” Jung explained. “We needed to anchor it with intention, injecting warmth and a sense of purpose through a strong cabinet color – Pickled Beet, a surprisingly bold choice that the clients initially resisted.” The result? A dramatically revitalized space, far removed from the dated aesthetic of its predecessors.
A corridor transformed
Perhaps the most striking transformation occurred with the original pass-through. Once a forgettable corridor, Jung reimagined it as a statement room, incorporating extensive built-ins inspired by a storied library. “It was about elevating the mundane into something truly memorable,” she stated. “We wanted to create a space that demanded attention, a testament to the power of thoughtful design.”
Throughout the Home, Jung skillfully blended vintage finds with vibrant colors, drawing inspiration from the California Spanish style without resorting to imitation. Original archways, originally concealed, were meticulously restored, offering a subtle yet significant nod to the property’s history. This emphasis on detail, alongside the careful selection of high-quality materials – from the stone in the kitchen to the bespoke shower curtain – speaks volumes about Jung’s commitment to enduring design.
Key details: a designer’s palette
Designer: Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors Stylist: Rachel Forslund Location: San Carlos, California Space: A four-bedroom, five-bathroom home covering 3,51 square feet.
Kitchen highlights
Cabinet Paint: Pickled Beet, Valspar Cabinet Hardware: Classic Brass Pendant Light: Urban Electric Co. Stools: Mater
Dining nook details
Wallpaper: Schumacher Built-in Paint: Deep Royal, Benjamin Moore Hardware: Classic Brass Dining Table Chairs: West Elm Rug: Nordic Knots
Dining room statement
Dining Table: Jacob May Dining Chairs: Gubi Pendant Light: Riloh Rug: Armadillo
Living room comfort
Wall Paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore Rug: Loloi Sectional: Clad Home Chair: Four Hands Ottomans: Lulu and Georgia
Family room vintage
Wall Paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore Rug: Armadillo Coffee Table: Croft House Couch: Lawson Fenning
Powder room charm
Wallpaper: Anna Glover Vanity: custom Sink Fixtures: Studio Ore Mirror: Jamie Young
Primary bedroom elegance
Wall Paint: Selvedge, Farrow & Ball Roman Shade: custom Bed Frame: custom Bedding: Nicky Kehoe
Primary bathroom refresh
Wall Paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore Flooring: Stone Center Online Shower Tile: Bedrosians Shower & Sink Fixtures: Kohler
About the designer
Clara Jung transitioned from corporate law to interior design, recognizing a deeper creative fulfillment. Banner Day Interiors focuses on adding