Interior Designer Lane McNab's Guide to Blending San Francisco Bay Area History and Modern Living

In the heart of the Bay Area, where fog-kissed hills meet the sparkling waters of the Pacific, lies a city unlike any other. San Francisco, with its iconic Victorian houses, steep streets, and rich cultural tapestry, presents a unique canvas for interior designers. Among those who have mastered the art of creating unique San Francisco interiors, our founder Lane McNab stands out as a visionary who seamlessly blends the old with the new. Her approach to San Francisco interior design captures the city's essence, creating spaces that are as timeless as they are contemporary. McNab's expertise in designing for historical homes and her knack for balancing modern and traditional design elements have made her a go-to designer for those seeking bespoke home design in the Bay Area.

Lane McNab, founder and principal of Lane McNab Interiors, brings a unique perspective to the world of San Francisco design. With a background that spans from opera singing to hands-on construction management, McNab's approach to interior design is as multifaceted as the city she calls home. Her journey from the stage to the design studio has infused her work with a deep appreciation for drama, storytelling, and the power of creating transformative experiences in Bay Area homes.

The San Francisco Aesthetic: A Delicate Balance

San Francisco's architectural landscape is a testament to its rich history and forward-thinking spirit. From the ornate Victorians of Alamo Square to the sleek high-rises of SoMa, the city's buildings tell the story of its evolution. For Lane McNab, designing in San Francisco is about more than just creating beautiful spaces—it's about preserving architectural character while modernizing San Francisco homes to meet contemporary needs.

"I love merging modern design with historic architecture," McNab explains. "As with almost anything, the tension between opposites, when done well, can make each aesthetic that much more beautiful." This philosophy is at the core of her approach to San Francisco interiors, where she often finds herself working with homes that have stood the test of time but need to accommodate modern lifestyles.

When clients are looking to incorporate modern design, one of McNab's go-to rules for historic architecture is to maintain the envelope in the tradition in which it was built—with one notable exception. "I love the contrast of historic millwork and architectural details paired with really sculptural, modern hardwired fixtures," she says. This approach allows the home's original character to shine while introducing contemporary elements that speak to current design sensibilities.

Lighting the Way: A Signature Touch

For Lane McNab, lighting is more than mere illumination—it's a transformative element that bridges classical architecture with contemporary living. Her designs often feature carefully selected fixtures from trusted artisanal manufacturers, with Urban Electric being her frequent first stop for projects.

The importance of quality lighting anchors McNab's design approach. This commitment to exceptional illumination is evident in her Berkeley Spanish revival project, where she transformed the dining and living rooms with expertly chosen Allied Maker fixtures. The project demonstrates how thoughtful lighting creates layers of sophisticated warmth throughout a home. Even the transitional spaces received careful consideration—the hallways feature Urban Electric pieces that turn what could be simple passageways into integral parts of the home's design story.

McNab's discerning eye for quality manufacturers reflects her commitment to timeless design. "Using modern fixtures in warm finishes is a beautiful way to maintain a connection to the past," she notes. Visual Comfort stands among her trusted sources, particularly for their masterful work with warm metallics. "Warm bronzes and aged brass are our go-to, and choosing quality over fast furnishings or fixtures when possible makes a huge difference." Her selection of these enduring pieces reflects a deeper design philosophy that values lasting craftsmanship over temporary trends.

The Victorian Canvas: A Perfect Backdrop for Modern Art

With its ornate detailing and embellishments, San Francisco's Victorian home design provides McNab with the ideal backdrop for introducing modern elements. "Victorian architecture—which San Francisco is known for—provides a beautiful backdrop for adding in modern touches," she explains. "One hallmark of Victorian style is highly ornate detailing with embellishments added into the architecture and millwork whenever possible."

Traditionally, these embellishments were painted in multiple vibrant colors, often with integrated gold leaf. McNab sees this as an opportunity to create striking contrasts. "With this starting point, a modern light fixture with a sculptural form can feel like a work of art," she says. This juxtaposition of old and new not only respects the home's history but also brings it firmly into the present day.

Respecting the Past, Embracing the Future

McNab's philosophy extends beyond mere aesthetics. She approaches each project with a deep respect for the original architecture, viewing herself and her clients as stewards of history. "When we tackle a historic home renovation, I avoid stripping out the historic details or painting them," she explains. "Instead, I favor finding the best way for them to coexist with the contemporary elements we’re incorporating."

This approach requires a delicate balance and a keen eye for detail. McNab and her team often find themselves researching the specific architect of a home, studying the details they were known for incorporating, as well as those of their contemporaries. This deep dive into historical context allows them to seamlessly integrate new elements that feel authentic to the home's origin while meeting modern needs.

Designing with a Sense of Place

For McNab, designing in San Francisco is about more than just creating beautiful interiors—it's about capturing the city's essence. "As a student of cultural history, I have a tendency to fall in love with the narrative journeys of the cities I live in," she says. This passion for storytelling through design is evident in her approach to each project, whether it's a Victorian home design or an Edwardian-style interior.

When tackling a home with a particular architectural pedigree, McNab delves into the context of its origins. She considers not just the history of the home itself, but also the history of its neighborhood and what life was like when it was being designed and built. This comprehensive approach ensures that her designs are not just visually appealing but also deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of San Francisco.

The Great Room Challenge: A Case Study in Evolution

One of the unique challenges McNab often faces in San Francisco is incorporating modern additions within historic homes. A current project perfectly illustrates this challenge: restoring a historically significant Craftsman home in the South Bay, including a large, working kitchen and great room.

"When a narrative for renovations like this doesn't have an actual historical origin, I will create one in order to follow a possible alternate universe evolution that would lead to the design we are presenting," McNab explains. For this particular home, which was originally a summer house for a family at the turn of the last century, McNab and her team are maintaining a casual historical vibe to reflect its "getaway cabin" origins while imagining how it might have evolved to include more modern amenities.

"By studying historical, large working kitchens of manors from the day, we are creating a story that gives a sense of place and a connection to the past as we add historical elements to a somewhat modern invention," she says. This approach allows for the integration of contemporary features like an open-plan living area while maintaining the home's historical integrity.

The San Francisco Influence: Geography, Weather, and Culture

San Francisco's unique geography and microclimates play a significant role in McNab's design decisions. The city's famous fog, steep hills, and varying temperatures from neighborhood to neighborhood all factor into her choices of materials, color palettes, and space planning.

"In San Francisco, we're always designing with light in mind," McNab notes. "The fog can create a soft, diffused light that's beautiful but can also make interiors feel dark. We often use reflective surfaces and light colors to maximize natural light, especially in north-facing rooms."

The city's indoor-outdoor lifestyle also influences McNab's designs. She often incorporates large windows and glass doors to bring in views of the city or create seamless transitions to outdoor spaces, allowing residents to make the most of San Francisco's mild climate.

Living Room from Lane’s Tiburon Views Remodel Project

Sustainability and Quality: A San Francisco Ethos

San Francisco's commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with McNab's design philosophy. "I believe the best way to take care of the planet is to say goodbye to disposable culture," she states. "Invest in quality that speaks to you and will last for generations. The most sustainable design is the design you love and will keep forever."

This approach not only resonates with environmentally conscious San Franciscans but also results in interiors that stand the test of time. McNab focuses on sourcing high-quality, locally made furnishings and materials whenever possible, supporting the Bay Area's rich community of artisans and craftspeople. This commitment to quality extends to her use of custom furniture for historic homes, ensuring that each piece not only fits the space perfectly but also complements the home's original character.

Palo Alto Craftsman Bedroom Project Showcasing Guild by LMI’s Manta Bed and Kanu Console Table

The Art of Contrast: Making History Pop

One of the most striking aspects of McNab's work is her skillful use of contrast. By juxtaposing modern elements against historical backdrops, she creates interiors that are both respectful of their past and excitingly contemporary. "The tension between opposites, when done well, can make each aesthetic that much more beautiful," she reiterates.

This philosophy is evident in her choice of artwork for historic homes. McNab often selects bold, contemporary pieces that stand out against ornate Victorian details, creating a dialogue between different eras and styles. The result is interiors that feel curated and collected over time, rather than stuck in a particular period.

Neighborhoods as Inspiration

San Francisco's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character, provide endless inspiration for McNab's designs. From the bohemian vibe of the Haight to the maritime history of the Marina, she draws on the unique flavors of each area to inform her design choices.

"When we're working on a home in a particular neighborhood, we always consider the local context," McNab explains. "In Noe Valley, for example, we might incorporate more modern elements to reflect the area's tech-savvy residents, while in Pacific Heights, we might lean more towards traditional elegance with contemporary twists."

This neighborhood-specific approach ensures that each home not only reflects its owners' personalities but also feels authentically rooted in its San Francisco location.

The Future of San Francisco Design

As San Francisco continues to evolve, so too does its design landscape. McNab sees the future of San Francisco interiors as a continued conversation between the city's rich history and its innovative spirit. "The challenge and excitement of designing in San Francisco lies in finding new ways to honor our architectural heritage while embracing cutting-edge design and technology," she says.

McNab predicts a growing emphasis on smart home technology seamlessly integrated into historical settings, as well as an increased focus on flexible spaces that can adapt to changing needs—a lesson learned from recent global events.

Conclusion: A Symphony of Design

Lane McNab's approach to interior design in San Francisco is much like the city itself—a beautiful symphony of contrasts. Just as her background in opera informs her sense of drama and timing in design, her deep appreciation for San Francisco's history and culture shapes her unique aesthetic.

Through her work, McNab doesn't just create interiors; she crafts experiences that tell the story of San Francisco—its past, present, and future. By balancing respect for historical architecture with a forward-thinking approach to modern living, she ensures that each home she touches becomes a true reflection of both its inhabitants and the city they love.

In a place as dynamic and diverse as San Francisco, Lane McNab's designs stand as a testament to the enduring power of thoughtful, contextual interior design. Her Bay Area design tips, such as preserving architectural character while modernizing San Francisco homes, have become invaluable to homeowners looking to update their spaces without losing their home's unique charm.

San Francisco Modern Victorian Living Room Design

As San Francisco continues to grow and change, designers like Lane McNab play a crucial role in preserving the city's unique character while pushing it forward. Through her work in balancing modern and traditional design, she ensures that the homes of San Francisco remain as captivating and multifaceted as the city itself—a true reflection of the San Francisco spirit. Whether working on Victorian home design, Edwardian style interiors, or contemporary spaces, Lane McNab Interiors continues to set the standard for bespoke home design in the Bay Area, creating unique San Francisco interiors that stand the test of time.

Terri BriggsNovember 7, 2024