Sausalito Overlook

Serene Modern Living Above the Bay

This 3,500-square-foot custom residence perched on a sloped site in Sausalito, California, was a collaboration with a local developer who engaged us just as framing began. With architectural plans approved and structural platforms in place, our role was to bring the interiors and exterior finishes to life—ensuring that every element would speak to future buyers seeking refined, contemporary coastal living.

The brief was clear: create a serene, high-end aesthetic that was sleek, modern, and warmly inviting, yet restrained enough to let the architecture and views take center stage. The home, designed with a modern sensibility, features four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, with the main living spaces oriented toward extraordinary panoramic vistas—from Tiburon across the Bay to Mt. Tamalpais. Framing these views are massive Fleetwood sliding doors and matte black picture windows that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living.

We were tasked with specifying all interior and exterior finishes—from the tone of the siding stain to the exterior copper cladding that wraps the living room’s see-through fireplace. Material choices needed to be durable, sophisticated, and cost-effective, with timeless appeal that would resonate with a broad range of potential homeowners. The entry welcomes guests with Heath tile, setting the tone for a home that is grounded in natural textures and elevated details. Inside, a neutral palette of soft whites, light woods, and clean-lined cabinetry, creates an atmosphere of calm sophistication.

The layout of the home was intentionally designed to foster seamless flow, particularly between the kitchen, dining, and living areas. We leaned into that openness by specifying finishes that enhance natural light and reflect the changing colors of the Bay beyond. The gourmet kitchen features warm wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a restrained materials palette that highlights the water views rather than competing with them.

Outdoors, we designed multiple spaces for entertaining and relaxation, each connected to different sides of the home to take advantage of light and landscape throughout the day. A fully appointed outdoor kitchen with built-in BBQ and dining area extend the home’s livability. Multiple seating areas offer flexible gathering spaces that feel like a natural extension of the interior—ideal for entertaining or simply watching the sunset over Mt. Tam.

Just minutes from town yet seemingly worlds away, this home offers a modern sanctuary above the Bay. Designed to feel effortless, inviting, and elevated, it’s a space where any buyer can instantly imagine a life well-lived.