Palo Alto, CA
Warm modern

Completed while serving as Studio Director of Interiors at Sutro Architects, this home was envisioned as a calm and grounded environment for a family with four children. The client was drawn to a predominantly white interior, seeking a space that could offer a sense of quiet within the rhythm of daily life.

The material palette was approached with intention, layering board-formed concrete, split-face stone, eucalyptus wood, and soft textiles to bring warmth and depth to the restrained backdrop. The entry stone wall serves as a tactile introduction, reflecting the client’s connection to nature while anchoring the interior in texture.

Moments of restraint shape the overall experience of the home. In the living room, the absence of artwork above the fireplace creates a sense of pause, allowing proportion and material to carry the space. Throughout, the design supports a balance between activity and stillness, creating an environment that feels both composed and lived in.

Interiors: Joo Y. Oh while Studio Director of Interiors at Sutro Architects
Architect: Sutro Architects, Joo Y. Oh & Stephen Sutro
Contractor: Von Clemm Construction
Landscape: Ground Studio
Photographer: John Merkl