Words by Jamie Duddy and Jill Johnson
Step inside five stunning homes and discover the latest in interior design at the 43rd SolMateo Signature Kitchen Tour on May 16. This self-guided event runs from 10AM to 3PM and offers a rare opportunity to explore beautifully remodeled properties in Hillsborough and San Mateo—all in support of a meaningful cause.
May is Mental Health Awareness month and SolMateo is committed to bringing attention to this important topic. For nearly 50 years, SolMateo has been a proud supporter of mental health organizations on the Peninsula, with proceeds from the Signature Kitchen Tour benefiting local causes. SolMateo is the largest private donor to the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County and the StarVista Crisis Center, which operates a 24-hour helpline.
Ready to join SolMateo for a day of inspiration, beautiful designs and a chance to make a difference? Your ticket includes a full-color tour book, offering a closer look at the beautiful details and features complementing each home. Purchase tickets online at SolMateo.org.
White Colonial Dream House
This colonial home embraces both traditional elegance and warm family comfort. Walking through the front door one can see the beautifully appointed formal dining room to the left and a classical formal parlor to the right. Step a bit farther inside and be welcomed into the large kitchen, casual dining and family space. The chef’s kitchen features a large Calacatta Oro Franchi Supreme polished island with cabinets below in Benjamin Moore Mopboard Black. In custom traditional style, the kitchen cabinets are in Simply White and are enhanced by a Bianco Carrara Polished Roman Brick backsplash. With bespoke swivel chairs along the counter and custom-crafted vintage cane-backed chairs in the dining room, the space is elegantly furnished.
Nearby, the family room has been curated for comfort and style with WH Signature Elements sofas and a Jaunty Mystique Collection rug. The home combines tasteful marble and wood elements with the blues and greens of the lush outdoors, making it a true dream house.
Charming European-Inspired Ranch
Surprise and delight await as you enter this inviting ranch-style home in verdant San Mateo Park. The aged European cottage feel of the newly renovated kitchen creates a welcoming warmth, as do the views of the garden outside. Each detail works in harmony to create a bespoke English Country kitchen, from the uniquely sized backsplash tile over the sink to the charming light fixtures curated from deVol in England. The marble shelf over the range is both an elegant detail and added bit of practicality.
As you wrap up your tour, make sure to peek into the family room to appreciate the bar cabinet to the right. It blends with the room’s aesthetic, while also being excellent for entertaining. You can also step outside for a refreshing garden stroll..
Colorful French Regency
If the eye-catching front door of this French Regency home, painted in Benjamin Moore’s Mystic Grape, is any indication of what’s to come, prepare to be wowed! Passing through the main home’s accessible foyer, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors invite you into the backyard where you are greeted by an enormous azure swimming pool and a cheery, newly-completed ADU painted in a bright coral.
This gem of a retreat sparkles in a vibrant palette of blues and greens. A large covered patio is surrounded by mature trees and lush greenery. The fully equipped kitchen features all-stainless appliances, accented by indigo blue Wilsonart slab laminate lower cabinets and topped with crisp white quartzite counters. Hand-cast unlacquered brass dogwood flower pulls, originally sculpted in clay, adorn the white upper cabinets. Artfully glazed stoneware raku tiles, in a symphony of variegated blues, complete the backsplash and frame the windows. This accessory unit is a perfect addition for entertaining, both inside and out.
Contemporary Mediterranean Retreat
Nestled within a timeless Mediterranean-style estate originally built in 1930 and meticulously remodeled in 2024, this enchanting home epitomizes versatile living. Bathed in natural light, the airy interior seamlessly integrates views of lush gardens and the serene Bay from nearly every vantage point. From the jewel-box teal powder room off the foyer to the sueded wall finish in the game room and the deep blue of the media room, thoughtful use of color and texture reigns supreme in this well-designed family home.
The spacious, bright kitchen features contemporary selections like state-of-the-art appliances and a custom Escalante 5 pendant light, harmoniously blending with classic materials such as honed Caldia marble counters, zellige ceramic tile and a plaster hood, creating a culinary haven ideal for both daily family life and grand soirées.
Outside, a meticulously landscaped Mediterranean sanctuary beckons, offering a picturesque backdrop for relaxation, entertaining and cherished family moments. This seamless flow of light and color, effortlessly connects indoor elegance with tranquil outdoor splendor.
Old-World Spanish Colonial
This Spanish Colonial residence blends timeless architectural elements with contemporary design, creating a dynamic and functional space for a busy family. The exterior is distinguished by a grand, front-facing arched window and a terracotta-tiled roof, epitomizing classic Spanish Colonial architecture. The interior is adorned with intricately-carved banisters and doors, reflecting the rich heritage of old-world craftsmanship.
The bright and airy kitchen features a soothing palette of blues and grays. Catering to culinary needs with a Viking stove and Waterstone fixtures, this space also acts as a family gathering spot with custom Shaker cabinets, Vadara quartz countertop and porcelain tile floor. A thoughtfully designed pass-through bar area with a Biseau Verdigris Blend Hexagon Gloss tile backsplash is a striking connection between the kitchen and the entryway, facilitating effortless entertaining.
Throughout the residence, bold accents of blues and greens infuse rooms with depth and character, reflecting contemporary design trends while maintaining a timeless appeal. This home stands as a testament to the enduring allure of Spanish Colonial design, thoughtfully updated to meet the demands of modern family living.
solmateo.org
Editor’s note: This story corrects an erroneous version of the Old-World Spanish Colonial description that appeared in the May 2025 print edition.