Words by Jennifer Jory
Mediterranean-style homes dot the Peninsula like architectural gems, boasting good bones and delightful details like tile work. But how do you update these old-world classics to make them functional for modern families? Designer Christin Gregersen finds ways to inject new life into these traditional spaces with bold colors, lively patterns and thoughtful accents. “I love solving these kinds of puzzles,” Christin says of a recent project in San Mateo featuring an older Spanish Mediterranean home. “We’ve added a contemporary vibe for a growing family’s lifestyle.”
Christin got to work transforming the family’s home with fresh updates that bring continuity to the rooms. “It’s a smaller space, so everything is connected,” she says. “The rooms need to speak to each other without being too matchy.” To bridge the spaces seamlessly, Christin applied a similar color pattern throughout the home using a Mediterranean palette of blue, white and gold—all with a modern twist and bolder patterns.
She reflected the family of four’s personality and love of travel by wallpapering the dining room in a vibrant blue pattern that includes hidden turtles, a nod to their Hawaiian vacations. “I enjoy working with clients and bringing out their character, making sure their homes are very individualized,” remarks Christin. For a family of music-lovers, it was important for them to have easy and functional access to their tunes. “In the living room, we placed a custom console to house their record collection,” she points out. “The kids can easily reach it to play their music.”
On the top of Christin’s list of key considerations was ensuring the smaller home has enough storage for an active family. “I think the challenges are also the fun parts of the job,” she says.
Christin created a custom, Spanish-inspired cabinet in the entry to hide clutter and, in the dining room, she included a long credenza to store tableware and linens. She hung open shelving in both the living and dining rooms to boost continuity, adding even more storage opportunities. “The custom floating shelves blend into the wall so the owners’ collection of art pops,” Christin says.
With a living room that doubles as a family room, Christin selected a deep, velvet sofa in navy blue where the family can snuggle up and watch movies together. To complement the color palette, she hung a large, colorful oil painting over the sofa titled Point Reyes, created by her artist husband Ian Norstad. Christin and Ian met in San Francisco after running the Bay to Breakers race. “We just started talking and soon we were watching the solar eclipse that night together,” Christin recounts. She also has an artistic bent and dabbles in watercolors, which comes in handy when she needs to sketch projects.
One of the major transformations Christin completed for the San Mateo project included removing the heavier light fixtures and replacing them with modern wall and ceiling lights, visually lifting the ceiling. “We chose a brass chandelier for the dining room that was sculptural, simple and fun,” she explains. “I enjoyed adding a little saturation and moody light to the space. We also added charcoal drapes in the master bedroom and traditional accents to ground the room and provide calm.”
Originally from Canada, Christin grew up in Ottawa and studied sociology. However, her creative side won out and she moved to San Francisco to pursue her masters in interior design at the Academy of Art University. “Coming to San Francisco definitely opened up my eyes,” she recalls. “San Francisco has such interesting history, amazing buildings, details and a great design culture. Studying and working in the City, I had the opportunity to be creative with trade essentials such as millwork and cabinetry.”
Christin’s creative juices have spilled over into other artistic endeavors. Recently, she launched Fennel Home, her own collection of textiles made by hand by U.S. artisans. “Pillows, textiles and draperies are a big part of the design process,” asserts Christin. “They add a lot of personality to a project.” She works with single-batch weavers using all-natural materials like hemp, merino wool and cotton. “I am amazed at these people who can create beautiful textiles by hand,” she says. Christin uses only natural fibers for her pillows and throws, making them soft and textural.
With a creative style that’s far from rigid, Christin strives to make homes that are comfortable rather than showplaces. “Things are timeless if you love them,” she says with conviction. “Even with art—it doesn’t have to match the room if it speaks to you.”
Christin applauds the current moment in design, which incorporates vintage treasures and more color. “I want people to feel like it is a joy to come home.”