Tour an Interior Designer and a Painter's Art-Filled, Victorian Home in San Francisco

For a city that’s famously only 7-by-7 miles, San Francisco carries a lot of history, a lot of stories — and even more dreams. One dream that’s come true in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights neighborhood is that of Swiss-born interior designer Eva Bradley, co-founder of Studio Heimat, and her husband, artist Cory Bradley. The creative couple’s Victorian home boasts 3,000 square feet, including five bedrooms, a generous outdoor space, breathtaking views and a historic, century-old facade.

"The home is over 100 years old and the front facade is original, as far as we know. [The home] was renovated in 2013 to a more sleek, modern design. The remodel was originally done for a couple, so the choices in detailing and finishes were conducive to their lives." Getting it into shape for a family of five — including Cashus, the family’s beloved dog — meant a lot of work with organization and flow, as well as paint colors and lighting.

"I hope what comes through when you see this home, is that we are making this a space for our family to thrive in," Eva says. Each design decison, down to the artwork that fills their walls, is an act of love.

Fittingly for the heart of the home, the house’s front doors open up into the kitchen. Light and airy, the quintessentially California-style kitchen is one of Eva’s favorite designs. "The flamed black granite countertop is lined with Thomas Hayes’ Iron and Rolled stools — a convenient spot for the kids to sit for breakfast, lunch and snacks," she muses. But the updates aren’t purely aesthetic. As a mom of two, there’s a purpose behind every addition in this room. "With two kids, a dog and two working parents, the flows and schedules of each person is taken into consideration," she explains. "There is a custom cabinet in the kitchen that serves as our breakfast center with coffee and morning staples where the kids can help themselves to cereal."

A cozy yet elegant dining room for four is a perfect example of how a luxurious space can avoid feeling cold. Though Eva admits that her Swiss background prepared her for life with white walls, she felt the drive to surround her family with color, and art was the perfect remedy. The text wall art in shades of green behind the dining room table was a commission the designer obtained with the message, "and remember I will always love you."

"A sentiment I feel deeply," the designer says, "and tell my kids every day."

"I have been collecting art since moving to New York City for school," Eva says. "It is even how I met Cory. He was the very first artist I purchased a commission from, before we ever started dating." That first piece still hangs in the playroom of their two young sons, Brooklyn and Apollo, as part of the litany of artworks that fill the home, including these two pieces also by Cory. One celebrates their son Brooklyn and the second is an enduring tribute to Cashus, practicing his model pose, that hang above the Rio low table by Charlotte Perriand, one of Eva’s favorite designers.

Small architectural details like the short staircase between the living and dining rooms are part of what makes this home so charming. For Eva, it was a perfect foil to play against while crafting the look of the home. "Balancing the modern architecture of the interior with the historic facade to make it livable for my family and our lifestyle was a challenge," she confesses. "We added softness in the choice of furniture. [Its texture and curves help] balance out the rectilinear architecture."

Eva is fast to name the living room her favorite space in the home. "The balance is perfect!" she cheers. "I love how everything came together. It feels inviting, comfortable, chic and playful all at the same time." A beautiful mix of neutrals, cool blues and warm browns, its comfortable and cozy seating is designed with family time in mind. "It’s a wonderful room for the family to play games together," she says, "and when the doors to the balcony are open on a nice day it is really the best feeling and best family time."

The boys' room offers a space of infinite whimsy. Two A-frame poster beds placed end-to-end give the room a fun and adventurous feel. A special touch behind the beds is a wallpaper mural that Cory painted and Eva turned into wallpaper. "Cory did a mural that combined [Hahnen mountain,] from my home in Switzerland with one of my favorite spots in California, Big Sur," Eva smiles.

The mural isn’t the only painting Cory made for his kids’ room. Behind the stuffed animal on the equally adorable graphic nightstand from Made Goods, a small painting of a bee adds to the fun of the room — and the animal theme — possibly helping to inspire the family’s next generation of artists.

Eva and Corey’s own bedroom is just as colorful, energetic and adventurous as the one shared by their two boys. Patterns dance and play on nearly every significant surface, from the rugs and curtains to the wallpaper and dresser drawers. "I claimed this room as my oasis," the designer states. An assortment of colorful artwork adorns the walls above the quirky and interesting tchotchkes that line the dresser. Among her favorite elements in the room Eva lists: "the wallpaper in the nook, the collection of art on the walls and my school thesis lounge chair in the corner." The chair was part of Eva’s final project at the Fashion Institute of Technology — made in homage to designer Charlotte Perriand.

Eva extends her oasis into the main bath. A minimalist space, the bathroom is hailed by the designer as her, "streamlined retreat and self-care haven." The modern, sharp-angled tub, combined with dark tile floors and a solitary, marble side table, is comforting in its simplicity and its serenity. The austere space's one flourish is a line of colorful lip art tracing down the wall; it ranks high on Eva’s list of favorite things.