Southern Accent
A Historic Palo Alto Home Reimagined for Family Life
Located in Professorville, one of Palo Alto’s most historic neighborhoods, this 1906 Colonial Revival home has been thoughtfully reimagined to support the evolving needs of a growing family. Known for its tree-lined streets and early Stanford University faculty residences, Professorville is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, placing careful constraints on how homes within the district can change.
When the homeowners first purchased the house two decades ago, its classic character and setting immediately resonated. Over time, however, a family of two grew to six, and the once-charming layout began to feel restrictive. After searching unsuccessfully for a move-in-ready alternative, the couple chose to stay and invest in a sensitive renovation that would allow the home to grow with them.
They turned to Fergus Garber Architects, led by partners Gina Dixon and Catharine Garber, along with interior designers Tiffany Mansfield and Lisa O’Neil, and general contractor Chad Lencioni, to guide the transformation. The architectural approach preserved the historic, street-facing façade while allowing greater flexibility elsewhere on the site.
Because of the home’s historic designation, the front elevation remained largely intact. Behind it, however, the design introduced a more open and connected plan, including a newly excavated basement level and improved indoor-outdoor relationships through a covered side porch. These changes dramatically improved flow, light, and usable space while respecting the home’s architectural legacy.
While the floor plan evolved, the interiors were intentionally grounded in the character that first drew the homeowners to the house. Having previously lived in New Orleans, the couple wanted to capture the warmth, charm, and layered richness of Southern homes, interpreted through a modern lens. The design team embraced this influence with a palette inspired by a watercolor portrait of the husband’s mother, which now anchors the main living space.
Color and pattern play an expressive role throughout the home. Rich hues are balanced with lighter elements, creating rooms that feel both lively and comfortable. In the primary bathroom, deep blue tile contrasts with crisp white walls, while the lower-level family room leans into a darker, cozier atmosphere with charcoal-toned walls and brass accents. Rather than fighting the basement’s natural qualities, the designers embraced them, creating a space that feels inviting and relaxed.
Pattern is woven throughout as well, from Moroccan-inspired tile in the kitchen backsplash to English and French references in upholstery and finishes. Custom cabinetry, fretted glass details, and built-in furnishings reinforce the home’s sense of craft and continuity.
One of the most beloved additions is the covered side porch, a space that feels distinctly Southern while perfectly suited to Palo Alto’s mild climate. Designed for year-round use, the porch includes areas for dining and lounging, along with a ceiling fan, fire pit, and curtains to modulate weather. Bifold doors blur the boundary between inside and out, making the porch a natural extension of daily life.
Today, the renovated home reflects both its history and its future. Rooted in place yet responsive to change, it tells the story of a family and a house evolving together. The result is a historic Palo Alto residence that feels welcoming, layered, and enduring, a next chapter written with care.
Original article by Lauren Gallow