Roving visual strategist Kate Davison’s 1920s storybook home is full of curated vignettes and clean lines—while offering lots of room to breathe and take it all in.

It was the character of the overall house that she originally gravitated toward when she found the rental on Craigslist two years ago—“quirky in the most wonderful way” with archways, stained glass, and textured plaster walls. Floor-to-ceiling, south-facing windows span both the living and dining rooms.

Kate spends half her time in Belgium with her boyfriend, and aspires to host photoshoots and assist as a prop stylist full-time. Until then, she’s cozied up in her charming home.

“I think we all have our quintessential ‘dream home,’ and as a rental, I have accepted and appreciated my current home for what it is: temporary,” says Kate. “I feel honored and incredibly lucky to live in such a beautiful place, even if it’s just for now.”

What's your favorite nook in the home?

My back porch is definitely my favorite place to spend time. Whether it’s just a few minutes in the morning while watering my plants, or hours upon end with friends and/or a sunset. The view just never gets old.

What's one detail that made this truly feel like home?

The way my home smells. It’s a small detail, and one that I don’t think many people would immediately consider, but scent and memory are so closely linked. There is nothing like coming back from a long trip and smelling the familiar scent of “home” right when you open the door. My go-to at the moment is 11 Howard by Oliver Gustav.

What's a trinket or souvenir that has a lot of meaning for you?

That’s a really tough question, because I have so many. But a repetitive theme throughout my home is my Napoleon Bonaparte collection. It started innocently enough, with a high school crush, but has developed over time into a very different kind of complex. I have Napoleonic themed everything; art, books, busts, drinking glasses, candles, even a musket ball from the Battle of Waterloo. Most have been gifted to me by friends and family over the years, and I will cherish them always.

Tips for a minimalist space?

There is a difference between collections and clutter, and that difference is adequate storage! I have so many little cabinets and cupboards to stash away my large collection of pottery, dishes, vases, etc. I still believe it’s considered minimalist, even if you still have a lot of things behind closed doors. It’s all in how you display what is visible.

What was on your checklist when designing your home? What were your must-haves, in terms of furniture and accessories?

When I first moved into my home, I felt really challenged to find ways to make the space seem more contemporary while still honoring it’s historic architecture. I replaced many of the original wrought iron light fixtures with sleek new brass ones and used modern, streamlined furnishings and accessories in juxtaposition to the classic storybook/ Spanish colonial revival elements. I love how my modern grey sofa from Article pairs perfectly with the dramatic pitched ceiling in my living room. The two work off of each other so well and create a more open and airy feel in my living room which I just love!

What items for the home would you say are most important to invest in?

I have always had a thing for nice bed linens. My bed is my heaven. Layers and layers of pure comfort. The softest sheets (always ecru). The coziest blankets. The thickest down mattress cover. And recently my new found love for Belgian linens, like my duvet from Libeco.

What are some tips on making a home photo-worthy?

I love how Instagram and Pinterest have really opened up a whole new appreciation for home design, especially the “lived-in chic” look. The interiors that are the most influential to me are the ones that are not too processed or trendy. The spaces that are achievable and that people can relate to and teleport themselves into. Playing around with looks and styles that you are drawn to naturally can genuinely develop overtime into a distinctive aesthetic that truly reflects your personality.

Best places to shop for home décor?

I shop online…a lot. Some of my favorites are Schoolhouse Electric, Ferm Living, and MADE. I have had pretty good luck with craigslist, if I know exactly what I am looking for. And a trip to the Alameda Flea Market is always fun on the first Sunday of every month!

Styled by Rosy Strazzeri-Fridman and Kate Davison (@katedavison).

Photography by Leslie Santarina (@spottedsf)

Want to get the look? Shop the Kate Davison style guide.

Appears In

My House: Visual Strategist Kate Davison’s Chic Bay Area Abode