Emery Heights
Emeryville, CA
“We knew that we had goals that were going to be hard to achieve on our own.
Moving out of communal living into a smaller place, we still wanted to be able to host 30-person events inside a condo. We wanted people to be able to hang out in our bedrooms during parties, and designing for that takes a special skill.
Now the living room alone can seat 30! Nathaniel has range. All of our rooms have different themes, ranging from eccentric and cozy to sleek and modern, and even a strong and graceful masculine.
The spaces turned out better than we would have dreamed. Nathaniel is a true artist and did a great job turning our inspiration into reality.
He’s got a great eye for deals. Our place looks like we spent 3x as much as we actually did. He comes up with creative ways to save money and pulls from a wide range of sources.
He was thoughtful with little surprises, in tune with what we needed on a human level, and went the extra mile many times.”
~ Emery Heights Owner
Living Room / Dining Room
Client Challenge:
The couple had lost the excitement of spending time in their shared living space because they were unsure how to bring it to life. Although the home featured generous proportions and a beautiful view, it lacked direction and cohesion. They also had distinctly different design preferences that needed to be thoughtfully blended.
Energy Alchemist Approach:
The design harmonized both clients' personal styles while allowing the grandeur and elegance of the space to shine. The layout and furnishings were curated to celebrate the home's beautiful outlook, creating an environment that felt inviting, comfortable, and designed for gathering and connection.
Roomstyle:
Modern Minimalism with a Vintage Edge
Bedroom 1Client Challenge:
The client envisioned a modern Viking-inspired retreat centered on comfort and generous seating. He also found it difficult to part with belongings he had accumulated over many years, making it challenging to fully transform the space.
Energy Alchemist Approach:
The process combined coaching with intentional design, helping the client release items that no longer served him so the room could fully evolve. A balanced masculine aesthetic was created by softening traditional Viking influences with warmth, comfort, and refined materials, resulting in an elevated yet welcoming retreat.
Room Style:
Upscale Viking
Bedroom 2Client Challenge:
The client was unsure of the direction she wanted for her bedroom and needed guidance to uncover a design that genuinely reflected her personality.
Energy Alchemist Approach:
The room drew inspiration from nature, incorporating plants and organic textures to evoke the feeling of a tranquil forest retreat. Every design decision was made to embody the enchanting essence of a forest fairy while creating a calm and restorative sanctuary.
Room Style:
Forest Fairy
Sourcing Key
Reloved
Previously owned items sourced through thrifting, flea markets, or consignment. May also include a client's existing pieces repurposed to serve a new role.
Artisanal
Handmade by an independent artist or craftsperson, with unique character not found in mass production. These pieces may be brand new or previously owned.
New
Purchased new from a retailer or maker and never previously owned. These items are chosen to complement the overall vision of the space.