Oakland’s Century-Old Tudor is given a Jet Set Makeover

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Written By Jim J Neal

Marni Epstein-MervisLooking at Tiffany Thompson’s portfolio, no one would guess that interior design wasn’t her initial career choice.
According to Thompson, the decorator from Portland, Oregon, “I got into design while I was working in marketing at Nike.” “After redecorating an office at Nike, I was asked to decorate some vice presidents’ offices, and it became a side-interest.” Thompson launched Duett Interiors three years ago.
She was recently tapped to decorate the Oakland home of a friend’s mom. The client was a first-time homebuyer and a tech executive who had moved from New York to be closer to her children and grandchildren. The four-bedroom Tudor-style home of 2,500 square feet was purchased by the client in the 1920s. It is far more spacious than the ultra-contemporary glass penthouse that she used to live in.

Thompson recalls that the bright dining area features a custom-made robins egg blue banquette. “The place was in excellent condition and didn’t need any renovations, but it was completely white and very bare bones.” We wanted to have fun with color and texture because the client lives alone.
Thompson wanted to bring warmth and life to the home. Thompson says that the house was meant to be a place where her family can create memories. Comfort was also a top priority. Even though the property was purchased by my client recently, it feels like it has been in their family for many years.”
Thompson used limewash and plaster throughout to enhance the idea of time-worn history. Thompson says that the walls had some texture from being quite old so she kept it. “I love the irregularity.”

Thompson used a soft limewash color throughout the house. A hand-painted table and brass lantern from Morocco add character to a guest room; an onyx-and-oak cocktail table from Portugal is paired with a leather-and-brass sideboard from South Africa in the living room; and another South African find–an ostrich-feather-and-velvet sofa–commands attention in the primary bedroom, a serene space whose walls and ceiling are adorned with a soft pink plaster. Thompson says that Thompson’s client is passionate about Europe, South Africa and Morocco so Thompson wanted to use this space as a way of bringing in some of her favourite places.

The homeowner has treasured items from around the world in a guest bedroom. Marni Epstein-MervisIn fact the overall palette, which features pops of orange, green and pink, was also inspired by her passion for traveling the world as well as the colorful murals found in the area. The designer says that they found the right balance between modern living and preserving the home’s history.
Thompson explained that she wanted to give the client the freedom to fill in the gaps. “I prefer not to rush a project to completion. I prefer to let it be a little unfinished and let the client finish the job.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://tophouseimprovement.com/decor/rustic-elegance-in-a-california-farmhouse-2/