{"id":376494,"date":"2026-04-12T22:33:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-12T22:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/376494\/"},"modified":"2026-04-12T22:33:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-12T22:33:33","slug":"after-her-clients-past-home-went-viral-one-designer-made-sure-their-new-space-outshone-the-old","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/376494\/","title":{"rendered":"After Her Clients\u2019 Past Home Went Viral, One Designer Made Sure Their New Space Outshone the Old"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Cozy<\/p>\n

A Magenta Kitchen Shines In This California HomeChristopher Stark<\/p>\n

How does one approach the design of a new home when the house they just sold went viral<\/a> on Instagram for its covetable beauty? That\u2019s what Clara Jung\u2019s clients had to ask themselves when they sold their Bay Area abode for their forever home in San Carlos, California. \u201cThe homeowners jokingly said that having now sold that home, they had to make sure their new house outdid their prior one,\u201d the founder of Banner Day Interiors<\/a> and author of her new book, Storied Homes,<\/a> out May 12, told House Beautiful.<\/p>\n

Jung thankfully had the upper hand, having worked with these clients in the past and therefore being familiar with their style and the way they approach the design process. Their new home sits in an idyllic tree-lined neighborhood in the waterside town, standing only one level tall in the beautiful California Spanish style. \u201cAlthough the envelope of the home was perfect as is, the interior had gone through several iterations of early aughts remodels that needed a glow up,\u201d Jung explains.<\/p>\n

Most spaces needed a full gut renovation, but the kitchen and a pass-through area were the most challenging to approach. \u201cThe kitchen sat at the heart of the home, which sounds like an advantage\u2014and structurally, it was\u2014but its size made it feel unwieldy and dim,\u201d she says. As with the rest of the home, her goal here was to thoughtfully peel back those recent design choices and honor the original California Spanish architecture while bringing the abode to the present. With help from the team from Cacci Construction<\/a>, Jung leaned into the scale of this central space, anchoring it with a strong cabinetry paint color that gave the room a sense of intention and brought in a lively warmth.<\/p>\n

The original pass-through space was forgettable\u2014it gave no reason to pause and admire, which simply wouldn\u2019t do for the homeowners. To make it more interesting, Jung brought in extensive, dramatic built-ins reminiscent of a storied library, transforming the \u201cforgettable corridor into a proper room with presence and purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Character throughout the rest of the home was added with vintage furniture finds and bold colors that pull inspiration from the architectural style without mimicking it completely. Original archways dotted the interior when the homeowners first bought the property, so Jung emphasized this detail by removing heavy rectangular casement pass-throughs and replacing them with softer archways.<\/p>\n

Reviving an older home\u2019s original character is challenging enough, but add to that the weight of a previous viral sensation, and there\u2019s a lot of pressure to get everything perfect in a new home. But with trusting clients who are familiar with Jung\u2019s style, the designer was able to create yet another intriguing masterpiece. As she puts it, \u201cIt\u2019s the alchemy of the expected and unexpected that makes this house special.\u201d<\/p>\n

FAST FACTS
Designer: Clara Jung of Banner Day Interiors<\/a><\/p>\n

Stylist: Rachel Forslund<\/a><\/p>\n

Location: San Carlos, California<\/p>\n

The Space: A four-bedroom, five-bathroom home in a California Spanish style, covering 3,51 square feet.<\/p>\n

KITCHENA splurge-worthy light fixture anchors this central space.\"Modern<\/p>\n

Cabinet paint: Pickled Beet, Valspar. Cabinet hardware: Classic Brass. Pendant light: Urban Electric Co. Stools: Mater.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

While the cabinet color took a little convincing on the clients\u2019 part, this kitchen now basks in the spotlight of the finished project. When Jung\u2019s clients first moved in, it was clear that this space had experienced an early aughts renovation and was in need of a refresh. There aren\u2019t many windows in the room, so the designer had to find a way to ensure it didn\u2019t feel closed off, especially since it plays such a central role.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe goal was simple: bring it back into the light. We wanted a kitchen that felt bright, considered, and worthy of its place at the heart of the home,\u201d Jung says.<\/p>\n

\"Modern<\/p>\n

Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

Function comes first in a kitchen, so Jung moved outwards from there. \u201cPegging down the location of storage and appliances is normally the first step.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"kitchen\"<\/p>\n

Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

Jung added a millwork archway from the bar looking into the dining nook, leaning into the original architectural details of the home. Though the cabinet color is the star, the stone deserves just as much attention, says Jung, calling it \u201cintegral\u201d to the overall design.<\/p>\n

DINING NOOKFrench doors open to the patio and provide stunning views.\"Dining<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Schumacher. Built-in paint: Deep Royal, Benjamin Moore. Hardware: Classic Brass. Dining table chairs: West Elm. Rug: Nordic Knots. Pendant light: Urban Electric Co. Floor: Cl\u00e9 Tile.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

What was once an expanded hallway is now a beautiful place to pause. \u201cWith French doors opening onto the patio and fireplace beyond, the views were already exceptional\u2014the space simply needed to be designed around them,\u201d Jung says. To help draw people in, she added custom millwork, which also serves as a way to ground the space. The butterfly wallpaper and chartreuse rug add character, while the deep blue shelves and wooden banquette create warmth, all while functioning as an inviting place to gather and dine.<\/p>\n

DINING ROOMDefined by a barrel ceiling, the architecture sings.\"Modern<\/p>\n

Dining table: Jacob May. Dining chairs: Gubi. Pendant light: Riloh. Rug: Armadillo.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

Opposite the large art piece on the wall is an equally large arched window, a signature of the California Spanish style. \u201cWe wanted to keep things simple and let the original details shine,\u201d Jung says. \u201cMuch of this furniture we brought from their prior home\u2014a testament that solid quality pieces can work in new environments.\u201d<\/p>\n

LIVING ROOMA vaulted ceiling allows for furniture of a larger scale.\"Cozy<\/p>\n

Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. Rug: Loloi. Sectional: Clad Home. Chair: Four Hands. Ottomans: Lulu and Georgia. Fireplace tile: Cl\u00e9 Tile. Chandelier: Shades of Light. Console: Four Hands. Sconce: Allied Maker.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

Comfort came first in the design of this grand hangout area, so Jung went with an oversized sectional that proportionally fits in the space. Because of the vaulted ceiling and wall of windows, the designer could also fit in a larger fireplace without it looking out of place.<\/p>\n

FAMILY ROOMVintage armchairs and an old grandfather clock bring an old-world vibe.\"Modern<\/p>\n

Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. Rug: Armadillo. Coffee table: Croft House. Couch: Lawson Fenning. Chairs: vintage. Ottomans: Nicky Kehoe. Chandelier: Blueprint Lighting.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

After walking through the entry, you come into this inviting family room. \u201cThe clients like to do adult entertaining here, so I knew it would be important that the seating be comfortable,\u201d Jung adds. The modern chandelier creates a playful juxtaposition with the vintage chairs.<\/p>\n

POWDER ROOMCurved details emphasize the decorative archway.\"Bathroom<\/p>\n

Wallpaper: Anna Glover. Vanity: custom. Sink fixtures: Studio Ore. Mirror: Jamie Young. Sconce: In Common With.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

The arch relief behind the vanity was already in this jewel box of a powder room, and there\u2019s no way Jung was going to remove it when the curved detail is echoed throughout the entire home. With the darker wallpaper and brass accents, Jung embraced a moody vibe.<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BEDROOMHints of the home\u2019s Spanish roots can be found in this space.\"Bedroom<\/p>\n

Wall paint: Selvedge, Farrow & Ball. Roman shade: custom. Bed frame: custom. Bedding: Nicky Kehoe. Bench: Arteriors. Rug: Jaipur Rugs. Sconces: Blueprint Lighting.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

With an abundance of natural light, the designer didn\u2019t hesitate to imbue this primary bedroom with a moodier atmosphere, relying on a rich palette of burgundy and blue to add dimension to the space.<\/p>\n

PRIMARY BATHROOMA simple cosmetic makeover made this ensuite shine.\"Bathroom<\/p>\n

Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. Flooring: Stone Center Online. Shower tile: Bedrosians. Shower and sink fixtures: Kohler. Pendant light: Mullan Lighting. Vanity: Rejuvenation. Mirror: Jamie Young.Christopher Stark<\/p>\n

Jung thankfully didn\u2019t have to gut this primary bathroom, opting for mostly cosmetic changes instead to give it a refresh. She explains that the custom shower curtain is one of her favorite elements, as it \u201cimmediately elevates the overall vibe of this bathroom.\u201d<\/p>\n

About the Designer<\/p>\n

Clara Jung first entered the professional sector in the corporate law industry, but she soon realized that her creative side wasn\u2019t feeling fulfilled and decided to follow her passions to pursue a career in interior design. She opened her studio, Banner Day Interiors<\/a>, to add color and an elevated whimsy to her clients\u2019 homes through thoughtful details that reflect their lives. Her first book, Storied Homes<\/a>, is out in May 2026.<\/p>\n

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