A complete renovation of a historic 1916 Tudor Revival home in Palo Alto, reimagined as a warm, art-filled retreat that blends East Coast tradition with West Coast ease.
The Hamilton Residence in Palo Alto is a 6,000-square-foot, top-to-bottom renovation designed for a young family transitioning from the fast pace of New York City to the relaxed, tree-lined calm of Northern California.
Originally built in 1916 by a timber baron, the home’s Tudor Revival bones — rich gumwood, mahogany, and timeless architectural detailing — are thoughtfully paired with modern furniture, playful color, and a museum-worthy contemporary art collection. The result is a sophisticated yet deeply comfortable home that honors its history while embracing fresh California living.
The homeowners wanted a residence that respected the property’s historic Tudor character but still reflected their modern sensibilities, energetic family life, and extensive art collection.
The challenge lay in blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary furnishings, introducing more natural light, and reworking the floorplan to better support work, play, relaxation, and hosting — all without disrupting the home’s original charm.
The redesign gracefully marries historic architecture with modern comfort. Two original sun porches were transformed — one into a bright home office and the other into a dedicated children’s playroom. Half of the second floor now houses a serene master suite, while the expansive attic was converted into a media room and additional guest bedrooms.
Warm neutrals, earth tones, and rich natural textures — including horsehair, hides, leather, suede, and coffee-toned wood floors — create a calm, consistent palette throughout the home. A broad distressed-leather daybed in the entry sets an immediate tone of relaxed sophistication.
The clients’ extraordinary art collection becomes an integral design element, juxtaposing modern, postmodern, and contemporary works — from Robert Rauschenberg and Sol LeWitt to Jenny Holzer, Donald Judd, and Ryan McGinness — against the home’s traditional backdrop. This interplay between old and new delivers a home that feels curated, inviting, and uniquely personal.
The Groves & Co. team doesn’t just design spaces—they create environments that tell a story. Their expertise and collaborative approach made the process seamless, and the end result is a space that inspires everyone who walks through our doors.
Working with Groves & Co. was a transformative experience. Their team brought our vision to life with such precision and artistry, creating a home that feels both elevated and deeply personal. Every detail was thoughtfully considered, and the final result surpassed our expectations.
