A Mid-Century Modern Home Reimagined in Portola Valley
In Portola Valley, a Willowbrook home, ballonSTUDIO reimagined a 1964 mid-century home through a thoughtful renovation that preserves its original character while adapting it for contemporary living. Guided by the philosophy of keeping what matters and removing what is unnecessary, the project opens the interior to the surrounding redwoods and brings renewed warmth and comfort to the home. The result is an elevated mid-century residence that allows its architecture and natural setting to take center stage.
Architecture That Connects Indoors and Out
Large expanses of glass open the living spaces to the surrounding trees and landscape, creating a natural connection between the interior and exterior. The boundaries between inside and outside become less defined, allowing the landscape to function as an extension of the home.
Natural light, carefully considered materials, and restrained architectural details reinforce the relationship between the home and its wooded setting.
A Thoughtful Approach to Family Heirlooms
An important part of the renovation was preserving and incorporating the family's existing art, furniture, and personal collections.
Layered throughout the home, these meaningful pieces bring history and individuality to the interiors. The collection includes artwork by renowned Bay Area artist and former owner Louis B. Baird, alongside other furnishings and objects that reflect the family's story.
Rather than treating the renovation as an entirely new beginning, ballonSTUDIO approached the project as an opportunity to bring the home's history forward.
Modern Living, Rooted in Original Character
The result is a home that feels both familiar and renewed. Original mid-century principles remain central to the design, while updated interiors create a comfortable setting for contemporary family life.
The Portola Valley residence demonstrates ballonSTUDIO's approach to residential renovation: thoughtful architectural preservation, natural materials, meaningful personal details, and interiors that feel connected to their surroundings.
About ballonSTUDIO
Founded in 2003 by Sabra Ballon, ballonSTUDIO is a San Francisco luxury interior design firm specializing in high-end residential design, interior architecture, renovations, new construction, and boutique commercial and hospitality spaces. Known for its earthy modernism, fine art integration, and architecture-led approach, the studio creates timeless, highly personalized interiors for private homeowners, families, and estate clients. Serving San Francisco, Marin County, Palo Alto, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Santa Lucia Preserve, Carmel and Lake Tahoe, ballonSTUDIO combines more than 20 years of design expertise with discreet, highly collaborative, full-service project management from concept through installation.
