Spotlight: 1717 Webster, 2021 GRAY Awards Finalist

A closer look at 1717 Webster, one of five finalists in the 2021 GRAY Awards Residential Interior Design category.

1717 Webster

The Uptown neighborhood of Oakland, CA, is alive with cultural energy, a massively important art scene, and, most importantly, the heartbeat for social justice. Chosen to design the interiors program for the 1717 Webster multi-family housing complex, Susan Marinello Interiors knew it was important to design a space that felt like it was part of the neighborhood. Following the developer's vision, ever-present budget realities, and construction timeframes, the firm prioritized art as the connector.

Modern interior design with graphic wall art and tile accent pillar

The project site is located at the downtown core—a place of intersection both physically and culturally. The interior design reflects that energy with materials, pattern, and intentional geometry created through materiality and placement. An abundance of natural light from ample floor-to-ceiling windows brightens the space and provides a direct connection to outdoor spaces, while the interior palette includes warm-toned wood in natural white oak, spalted natural maple slabs, and terracotta hues, all balanced with select hits of soft cool tones. Large geometric tile was selected to create a piece of art that reaches towards the ceiling plane, which was then capped with a ceiling planked in warm wood. The wood canopy then stretches out beyond the façade, further reinforcing the connection between the indoor and outdoor experiences.

PROJECT DETAILS

Design Team:

Lead: Janay Koldingnes

Mikaila Johnson

Collaborators:

Construction - ETRO construction

Furniture (consultant) - Toolbox Contract

Lighting (consultant) - Above 90

Custom glazing & Hardware - Aurora Glass

Photography: Ema Peter

Date of Completion: September 2020