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Animal House - San Jose

This project is a celebration of character, color, and storytelling, where Spanish revival architecture meets a layered, cinematic sense of play. Designed as a full family home, the space balances grandeur with warmth, creating an environment that feels both elevated and deeply lived in.


Set across approximately 4,200 square feet, the home carries a strong architectural identity, which we chose to honor while introducing moments of bold expression and unexpected detail. Our clients were inspired by the world of Knives Out, drawn to its richness, personality, and sense of intrigue. That reference point allowed us to lean into a design approach that feels collected, slightly eccentric, and full of discovery.


We approached the home as a series of layered experiences. Traditional elements, including Spanish tile, dark wood furnishings, and architectural detailing, are reimagined through the use of graphic pattern, saturated color, and playful material choices. In the entry and powder bath, black and white tile was carefully sourced to maintain a sense of tradition while introducing a sharper, more contemporary edge.


Throughout the home, vintage pieces play a central role. From hand carved Spanish eagle chairs in the entry to richly detailed hardwood furniture, each element brings a sense of history and narrative. These are paired with bold paint colors, vibrant wallpapers, and graphic moments that keep the space feeling alive, rather than preserved.


The home is also deeply personal. Custom wood and iron pieces designed by a family friend sit alongside artwork created by family members, while Southeast Asian furnishings and collected objects add another layer of cultural richness. Together, these elements create a space that feels global, intimate, and entirely unique to the family.


One of the most expressive moments lives in the playroom, designed for two young girls. Here, color and imagination take the lead. A canary yellow fireplace, coral pink ceiling, airy bubble chandelier, and layered textiles transform the room into something joyful and immersive, while thoughtful storage keeps the space functional and adaptable.


Beyond the interiors, the home extends into a backyard designed for gathering and entertaining, reinforcing the idea that this is a space meant to be shared, enjoyed, and lived in fully.


This project is not about perfection. It is about personality, warmth, and the beauty of a home that tells a story. A layered, colorful, and slightly offbeat space that feels grand, inviting, and unmistakably alive.

Animal House - San Jose

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