My Houzz: City Condo Is Set to Entertain

William Aldinger found a place that had everything on his wish list for a home in San Francisco, including two bedrooms, a top-floor location and a balcony. “I also wanted a place where I could have friends over for dinner and drinks. And I knew I wanted something newly constructed,” he says.

Aldinger’s busy work schedule meant he needed some help to transform the apartment into a home and a place where he could entertain. Interior designer Juli Baier provided that help. “He told me that he had absolutely no time and felt he didn’t have a vision for how to develop the space,” says Baier. After looking on Houzz for inspiration, she discovered that her client was attracted to wood and an industrial look. That set the stage for a space that reflects Aldinger’s style and love of entertaining while showcasing his collections of whiskies and wine.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: William Aldinger
Interior designer: Juli Baier
Location: San Francisco
Size: 1,000 square feet (93 square meters), 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

BEFORE: A condo in a newly constructed building allowed Aldinger and Baier to start from scratch.


AFTER: Baier warmed up the main room with a comfortable sofa, a textured rug and a fantastic armchair. Aldinger’s sister is an artist, and one of her large pieces hangs over the sofa.

Sofa: 9th Street Designer Clearance; coffee table base: Wine Country Craftsman; table glass: Lon’s Glass; side table: Passion Decor Furniture; rug: HD Buttercup; floors: DuChateau Floors; painting: Krie Alden


Although the condo’s main living space is essentially one large room, a reading lamp and a comfortable chair create an intimate corner.

Eames lounge chair, ottoman: Herman Miller; side table: Passion decor; floor lamp, rug: HD Buttercup; velvet drapes: West Elm; sheer drapes: DeLany & Long


The dining area needed to be central to the space but not take over. A small, irregularly shaped table with thin, X-shaped legs surrounded by clear chairs keeps things open.

Table: Menlo Hardwoods; sea urchin pendant lamps: Holly Hunt Lighting; chairs: Louis Ghost, Kartell; flatware: Nambé


Steel and wooden shelves hold Aldinger’s favorite liquors nearby. Aldinger likes to keep a good selection of bourbon, scotch and Japanese whiskeys, which range from the mundane to the extremely rare.

Shelves: Combine9; bar fridge: Sub-Zero and Wolf


The mirror was custom made by Baier. The island, made of reclaimed wood, was found at a local flea market.

Nero Bar Stools: Advanced Interior Designs


The compact kitchen blends in with the rest of the space. White upper cabinets keep it from feeling closed in.


Aldinger has always been fascinated by Japanese culture and was thrilled to have found a World War II noncommissioned officer’s sword at an auction. It’s set off by the console and the painting above it.

Painting: Krie Alden


The second bedroom is used as a home office. A San Francisco Giants jersey signed by pitcher Tim Lincecum hangs in a place of honor.

Desk: Hold It Contemporary Home; rug: S H Frank & Co.


The shelves, custom designed by Baier, hold pieces from Aldinger’s travels and also show off his love of history. One photo shows the unveiling of an American U-boat in Chicago and bears the signatures of all of the crew members.

Shelf components: Gyford; glass for shelves: Lon’s Glass & Mirrors; Icicle Table Lamp: LumiSource; desk: Hold It Contemporary Home


After visiting the Chateau Beychevelle winery, Aldinger purchased a label he recognized from his father’s wine collection, from a 1975 bottle with the same name, then framed it and hung it in his entry.


The guest bathroom is energized by an unexpected print.

Wall covering: Lee Jofa; fixtures: Duravit; tile: D&J Tile


The master bedroom is a calm, comfortable and distinctly masculine space.

Bed cover, shams: Peacock Alley; velvet throw: Patrice Booth; bedside lamps: Bently, The Home Depot


BEFORE: The fireplace was hanging on the wall without being integrated into the room.


AFTER: Baier had shelves built to fit the space and surrounded the fireplace with a custom-built brushed-steel frame.

Fireplace: Modern Flames; shelves: Restoration Hardware; wall covering: Manila hemp in Peacock Blue, Phillip Jeffries; velvet throw: Patrice Booth


Peacock-blue walls continue from the master bedroom into the master bathroom.

Wall covering: Manila hemp in Peacock Blue, Phillip Jeffries


The deck may be small, but it is large enough for entertaining a friend or two.

Table, chairs: Janus et Cie; planter: Jay Scotts


The Marlow, the building Aldinger’s condo is located in, was completed this year.


“I really enjoyed working with Juli [seen here], as it was great to bounce ideas off of a professional who knows how to take a broad vision and make it a reality,” says Aldinger.


Aldinger pours from his collection. He likes to serve Scotch and whiskey because “you can try small amounts, and once you open a bottle, it never goes bad,” he says.

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