Plywood Penthouse | Corona Heights, San Francisco

This penthouse remodel transforms humble materials into something refined and unexpected. At its heart is a kitchen detailed in plywood — layered over simple IKEA cabinetry — that elevates low-cost components into custom design.

Playful tilework runs throughout, from a moody ‘cave bathroom’ clad in dark slate, to a Mediterranean-inspired shower with bright blue mosaic. Generous skylights and large windows flood the interiors with light, opening views out over Eureka Valley and the Castro.

The result is a light-filled, material-rich home where everyday details find new life — reflecting the warmth and distinct character of its owner.

Photography: Kevin Short