unexpected guests: lauren & patrick godfrey.
today on unexpected guests we’re visiting one extraordinary renovation. from the outside lauren and patrick godfrey’s san francisco home looks like the rest of the charming victorians in ashbury heights. but once inside, you’re surprised by this gorgeous modernized loft-like home with floor to ceiling windows exposing the whole house to some of the city’s best views. both lauren and patrick work in a creative capacity which may explain their excellent taste — lauren is a creative director at R/GA, and patrick is Managing Partner, President at Godfrey Q and Partners. their home is filled with an amazing art collection — lauren and partick like to give each other artwork as gifts — and one of a kind pieces that make it completely unique and beautifully eclectic. here’s a look.
what are a few of your favorite things to do in your neighborhood?
We live near Buena Vista Park and have been in this neighborhood for under a year so we’re still exploring. Favorite things to do include going on hilly walks around the hood with my dog Petunia and my husband Patrick, playing tennis – we have 3 great public courts nearby, and cruising down to Nopalito for margaritas and carnitas.
Do you have a secret spot or off the beaten path place in San Francisco you think we should know about?
I letterpress as a hobby and one of my favorite off the beaten path spots in the city is the San Francisco Center for the Book in Potrero Hill. You can take letterpress classes there and then rent time on one of their several vintage presses to do projects on your own.
Also, I’m not sure how secret they are, but there are a few wine shops in town that specialize in European wine which is what my husband and I have leaning towards these days. Dig, Terroir and Biondivino are my favorites.
What’s your day job?
I’m a creative director at R/GA, but I wouldn’t say it’s a day job… more like day and into the night.
What are your top three etsy, handmade or online shops?
On etsy I’d say Yee Haw for letterpress and want to give a shout out to my friend Jeannine’s shop Thwap. Handmade/online (and local to San Francisco) I really love everything from Hello Lucky.
[ meet ‘the general’ – a find from the now defunct x21 in the mission district. ]
What’s your favorite possession?
That’s tough, but I think it might be a framed menu from El Bulli. It’s not the menu itself that I cherish, but what it represents which was a ridiculous, spontaneous, international adventure with some of our best friends. Not to mention the most insane meal of my life.
What five things can’t you live without?
My husband Patrick, my dog Petunia, my wonderful friends and family, and as this is starting to sound like an acceptance speech — I’ll throw in Tacolicious on Valencia.
If you could go shopping with anyone in the world, who would it be?
Maya Seely and Susan Greenleaf. The most badass shoppers I know.
What bores you to death?
I’m never really bored… even on a conference call there’s always Words with Friends.
• photos by helynn ospina and victoria smith.
Absolutely gorgeous! This neighborhood gets such beautiful light and the photos capture it well. I love how you’ve treated the artfully arranged books under the glass of your coffee table like the precious objects they are! And, wait, that portrait is Jennifer Beals from Flashdance, right?? Amazing.
it’s got such great light and views! and yes – they found jennifer beals at the flea market!! :)
Beautiful! You have to find out the source of that lovely multi-colored chevron/triangle throw…
Hi Jenny,
The throw is Missoni home, purchased at Atys in San Francisco.
swoon swoon swoon! <3
keith richards <3 EF YES
Beautifully curated space. Love the vinyl. Where do you hide the turntable?
the turntable and a whole stereo system in just out of frame on the lower level of the house. :)
Great ‘visit’! And how fun, I have exactly the same coffee grinder!!
Gorgeous home! Patrick and Lauren have amazing tastes. Envious!
hi victoria.
omg so many smiles in this post. jennifer beals. eddie. and *BIG SMILE* the Maira Kalman on the table.
this is why i cannot stay away from your ever-delicious bloggy blog blog.
smiles.
michele
Oh my. They have some very very cool stuff! :)
omg the clear coffee table – must know where to get
Hi Richelle,
The table is from Cassina http://www.cassinausa.com/contemporary/269_mex_tables.html
I am wondering where you purchased that amazing couch and the two chairs?
Hi Caitlin,
The couch is the Andy sofa from B&B Italia and the chairs are from my husband’s grandparents – vintage Danish modern.
there is something about this home that just sparked a bout of inspiration for me! very lovely.
lauren and patrick – beautiful home!
victoria and helynn – amazing photos!
i have a question for lauren: do you have any advice for someone who is looking to break into the digital advertising world? i’m very familiar with r/ga’s work, and would love to explore internship/mentor programs at this agency! i’d love some feedback and/or words of wisdom!
xxxx
Oh my gosh. That table is fabulous (and fabulous is not a word I use often)!
Wonderful to see a home so beautifully curated yet still comfortable.
Taste, restraint and humor – lovely!
Lovely space! Do you know where the grey and white rug is from? I love the pattern!