Our Destination: Home project was a complete gut renovation of a 1979 condo in Palo Alto, CA. Our frequent traveler clients loved the location of their home, but its dated design and cumbersome layout were no longer meeting their needs. Both of my clients travel for work and were in need of an updated, peaceful, and beautifully designed space where they could reconnect when they get home.

Together, we created a plan that would allow them to entertain guests more easily and truly empower them to relax after returning from their travels. By redesigning the layout, renovating the kitchen and bathrooms down to the studs, and infusing bold color and personality throughout, we created a vibrant, modern condo interior design that reflects who they are.  This Palo Alto home renovation is a beautiful example of how a fresh layout that blends original design elements while embracing bold, new concepts can completely redefine a space. 

The Challenge: Defining style and curating a functional floor plan.

During one of our first conversations, the client said they loved all the archways in my other work—often original to older homes—and they wanted to add them to their home. This was a perfect idea and worked with the Spanish-style architecture of the building. 

The home’s original layout was a bit tricky—tight walkways, jogging angled walls, high, outdated stairstep ledge features, and a cramped, closed-in kitchen severely hampered the functionality of the main living spaces. It was our job to help our clients define their style while also reimagining the spaces for better connection between the dining room and the kitchen.

The Answer: Taking a cue from the artwork. 

The MMID onboarding process accounts for lifestyle, functional needs, and aesthetic preferences, and the visual cues of our clients’ homes and existing art informs every project design direction. Our clients’ art collection was a great starting point for defining their design style for this condo remodel in Palo Alto. We took a cue from the punches of color and the sense of drama in each piece for the project’s color palette. In the dining room, you can see the yellows and greens in the artwork above the table carried into the ochre dining chairs, green sofa, and beautiful warm brass accents in the kitchen. 

The primary and guest bathrooms are other examples of bringing a little drama to the space. Each of my clients ran point on working with me to design these bathrooms. For the primary bath, she requested white marble, and we landed on a serene and glamorous look. In the guest bath, he opted for a dramatic, dynamic, and moody aesthetic. We settled on brass fixtures, dark green tile, and a touch of Art Deco. 

Our clients enjoy teasing each other about who has the better bathroom. Together, these choices showcase how modern condo interior design can reflect the personalities of each client while unifying the overall home.

The Result: A customized and color-infused home.

From statement fixtures to coveted archways to bold kitchen islands and signature bathrooms, it was so fun to create a place where my frequent flyer clients could be at home with one another. We meticulously curated every element of the layout for maximum functionality and show-stopping moments. 

The result is a warm, vibrant home designed for connection and relaxation. Key features include:

• A curved peninsula countertop for flow and entertaining.
  
• Custom pocket doors that nod to Victorian drama.
  
• Architectural details throughout the home that bring a sense of history.
  
• Sliding doors that enhance natural light and connection to the outdoors.

What was once a dated condo is now a bold, personalized home where every detail has been considered. This Palo Alto home renovation gave our clients the ability to come back from their travels and truly feel grounded.

We’re proud that this project earned several ASID Design Excellence Awards, celebrating its success in both design and functionality

Kind words

“As the owner of this home, I have to say that Melinda worked some magic. It is shocking seeing the before and after photos.”

We are so proud that this project took home several awards from the Bay Area ASID for design excellence. 

• Award 1
• Award 2
• Award 3
• Award 4 

Special thanks to our vendors and trades. 

• Bertazzoni and Bertazzoni usa
• All Natural Stone
• Vintage Bath and Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures and California Faucets
• Trella Studio and de sousa hughes and Studio Van Den Akker
• Hammerton Studio
• Khrome Studios
• Ann Sacks and @annsacks_sf
• TruStile
• Vintage Bath and Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures
• All Natural Stone
• Emtek
• House of Rohl and Rohl
• Vintage Bath and Cabochon Surfaces & Fixtures
• All Natural Stone
• Emtek

Planning a condo remodel in Palo Alto or elsewhere in the Bay Area? Explore how MMID blends architecture, art, and function in our award-winning projects.