A Historic Home Gets A Timeless Redux In California

Revamped for the 21st century, a 1904 house in Atherton is updated without losing its historic charm.

Architect David Buergler updated a 1904 Atherton home to include extensive millwork. Classic paneling and large archways, made by Touchstone Construction, define the space and, "create the appearance of a bigger opening without taking away a wall," says the architect, who worked with the project's builder, Paul Conrado, to add a new stairway to the entry. The white-oak flooring is by First, Last & Always, and the trim and moldings were milled by White Brothers Mill.

Architect David Buergler updated a 1904 Atherton home to include extensive millwork. Classic paneling and large archways, made by Touchstone Construction, define the space and, "create the appearance of a bigger opening without taking away a wall," says the architect, who worked with the project's builder, Paul Conrado, to add a new stairway to the entry. The white-oak flooring is by First, Last & Always, and the trim and moldings were milled by White Brothers Mill.

Designer Dara Rosenfeld kept the furnishings streamlined and sophisticated in the living room, where she combined Edwin chairs by Rose Tarlow Melrose House with a custom camelback sofa upholstered with a Coraggio silk-mohair and an iron-and-limestone coffee table by Formations. The Japanese painted screens are from Imari Gallery, and the rug is by Mark Nelson Designs.

Artwork collected by the homeowners hangs in a curated grouping along the wall of the entry hallway. "It's a great way to present the pieces and creates a nice, relaxed way to enter the house," Rosenfeld says. Pillows made with Osborne & Little fabric accent a bench by Mulligan's from Shears & Window.

Buergler designed an archway to frame the dining room, where Rosenfeld centered a Rose Tarlow Melrose House dining table beneath an antique Edward F. Caldwell & Co. Baroque-style chandelier from David Duncan Antiques in New York. The custom hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk wallcovering is by Fromental.

In each corner of the dining room, Buergler designed built-in cabinets, which hold the owners' collected tableware. The cabinets flank the room's arched doorway, which looks past the entry hall to the archway of the living room. The Hepplewhite dining chairs are from the owners' collection.

Inspired by the Sir John Soane's Museum in London, Buergler designed the kitchen within an open space that includes family and dining areas. Rosenfeld paired a custom sofa by Plantation with an antique rug from Stark for the sitting area. Bar chairs by The Wicker Works pull up to the kitchen island.

The architect designed the newly expanded kitchen with an oversize island, and Rosenfeld suspended antique Holophane pendants from Ann-Morris in New York above its marble countertop. The sink and faucet are by Waterworks and pair with cabinetry by Touchstone Construction.

Just off the open kitchen, a casual dining area features a custom white-oak farm table with a plank top designed by Rosenfeld and crafted by S. Therrien Cabinetmakers. A banquette, outfitted with a seat cushion made with a Jane Churchill textile, and the owners' antique Windsor chairs offer flexible seating options. The custom dual-sash windows are by Bend River Sash & Door Company.

Inspired by a farm shed he had seen near Italy's Lake Como, Buergler designed the new garden studio with a stone façade and ample windows. Landscape architect Susan Edwards Ogle, in collaboration with landscape architect Sara Macy of Sara Macy Landscape Architect, designed the grounds with new plantings, pathways and a pool.

Light spills into the garden studio, where the wife, an amateur painter, works on landscapes and still lifes with oils, pastels and watercolors. The progression of the structure's ceiling beams echoes those found in Arkansas' famed Thorncrown Chapel, which was designed by architect E. Fay Jones, under whom Buergler once apprenticed.

In the master bedroom, Rosenfeld designed a custom Gustavian-style bed crafted by C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom and paired it with tailor-made swivel chairs, upholstered with a Manuel Canovas fabric, and a custom ottoman. A chandelier by Hélène Aumont Collection from Hewn hangs above the space, and draperies made with a Rogers & Goffigon fabric frame the windows.