Oakland Hills

The owners, longtime admirers of the Oakland Hills’ sweeping vistas, were seeking a home that balanced serenity with modern sophistication. After leaving a larger, more traditional property elsewhere in the Bay Area, they set their sights on a 2001-built hillside residence—chosen not only for its extraordinary, panoramic views of the Bay and city skyline, but also for its quiet, wooded setting and architectural potential. The home offered strong bones and timeless appeal, but its finishes and layout were ready for a thoughtful refresh to align with contemporary living.

Rather than a full remodel, the owners pursued a soft renovation focused on elevating the overall aesthetic, enhancing functionality, and improving the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design vision centered on creating a clean, modern environment that respected the home’s original character while introducing refined materials, updated lighting, and improved spatial flow. Working within the unique constraints of a hillside property—and navigating the permitting and logistical considerations inherent to the Oakland Hills—the team delivered a transformation that is both subtle and striking.

Highlighted features include an updated European-inspired kitchen with modern appliances, refreshed millwork, designer lighting selections, and a curated palette of high-quality finishes. Wide-plank hardwood floors, new surfaces, and expanded glazing moments help brighten and unify the interior. Smart home upgrades bring the residence into the current era, offering seamless control of lighting, climate, audio, and security from any mobile device. Outdoors, enhanced terraces and view decks further embrace the home’s stunning surroundings, creating spaces that capture the beauty of the hills from sunrise through the glow of the evening skyline.

The result is a sophisticated, modernized home that revitalizes the best of California indoor-outdoor living while honoring the original design and setting that make the Oakland Hills so exceptional.