Project Highlights: Jewel Box Rooms

February 25, 2025
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5 min read

Whether it be a laundry room, a powder room, a small galley kitchen or even a walk-in closet, smaller spaces can often be overlooked when it comes to home design. But, upon closer look, it’s evident that many are missing the opportunity to give these smaller rooms a big impact. A Jewel Box Room is just that: A smaller, more intimate space that packs a powerful design punch by incorporating elements like fun wallpapers, bright colors, unusual lighting or unique flooring.

While FORMA specializes in large-scale projects, we enjoy the challenge that Jewel Box rooms provide. Here, we break down our favorite Jewel Box spaces we’ve delivered at FORMA.

Jordan Park Residence: The Dining Room

Jewel Box

The Big Picture

Encased in a creamy shade of Farrow & Ball’s Chappell Green, this Jewel Box dining room features ornate wall coverings, a whimsical chandelier and an abundance of greenery both within and without. The overlapping of textiles and colors creates its own style, meshing contemporary with traditional to bring this space to life.

At a Closer Glance…

Visions of peacocks, winding vines and flowering blooms make up this storybook wallpaper from de Gournay. The washed jade backdrop pairs perfectly with the Chappell Green paint behind it while highlighting the traditional molding and paneling.

Finishing Touches

Sleek scones from Articolo Studios illuminate the intricate patterns and bold hues that this truly one-of-a-kind dining room has to offer. Vintage French chairs with large, bold geometric shapes contrast perfectly against the Elizabeth Eakins rug that showcases thin stripes in complementary neutral tones.

Behind the Scenes

Setting this room apart from the others and transforming it into its very own jewel box experience truly started from the foundation. When it came to the renovations, FORMA was careful to keep the original charm of this family home by recreating and restoring the classic and traditional detailing. In the dining room specifically, our team replicated the existing paneling and molding while also adding a jib door to the kitchen.

After the structural work was complete, our team was tasked with creating a smooth, pristine background for the wall coverings that would be installed on the paneling. Next, adhesive was applied and the wall coverings were delicately applied, tying the entire room together.

Credits

Builder: FORMA Construction

Interiors: Katie Spalding Interiors

Architect: Chambers + Chambers

Styling: Yedda Morrison

Landscape Design: Elizabeth Everdell, Everdell Garden Design

Photography: Paul Dyer

2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase: The Jewel Box Kitchen

Luxe materials, precious metal finishes and rich woods all brought together by a dramatic color palette create an alluring atmosphere that’s all its own. The Jewel Box kitchen featured in the 2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase House brings together historic charm with modern sophistication.


Playing with Color

These unique *company name* tiles hold shades of aubergine, dusty emerald and polished gold—bringing pops of color that stand out while tying in the remaining design elements. The organic shape of each tile is intentional and brings a familiar nostalgic warmth to the space.

Natural Elements

Large marble slabs from Da Vinci Marble run along the textured walls in an elegant swoop, mimicking the scalloped hood above the stove. Gold hardware on the deep walnut cabinets, the expert appliances and the smaller decorations marry the aesthetics together.

Introducing Contrasting Patterns

Delicately draped curtains are strategically placed in the pantry closet behind the wood-framed doors. The large-scale, intricate pattern is in a neutral tone, allowing it to blend into the space while still making a statement. Just a touch of playful detail transforms this simple and practical pantry into a statement piece in this space.

Working From the Ground Up

The San Francisco Showcase gives builders a unique situation—complete months, sometimes years, of work in a very short time frame. The FORMA team was ready to get right to work! To transform this once outdated and cluttered kitchen into the sultry and moody Jewel Box Kitchen, we tore out the floors and replaced them with statement, handmade tiles and created custom pieces like the scalloped oak hood and the dramatic marble backsplash.

Credits

Builder: FORMA Construction

Interiors: Kristen Peña, K Interiors

Photography: Christopher Stark

North Point Residence: The Wine Bar

This marina-style home that dates back to 1931 was in need of a makeover. This home rebuild and addition included multiple expansions after taking the home completely down to the studs, lifting the structure, cribbing it and replacing the foundation.

After the large-scale construction was complete, it was time to focus on the individual rooms—in this case, the pass-through butlers pantry.

It’s All in the Details

A bold, teal wallpaper from the Netherlands creates the perfect high-impact backdrop for the custom stainless steel cable wine rack imported from Canada. A deep emerald green paint was selected for the base cabinets to compliment the walnut countertops and shelves. Discreet accent lighting was installed, illuminating the small, intimate space.

Credits

Builder: FORMA Construction

Architect: SAW // Spiegel Aihara Workshop

Interiors: Heidi Kim, Heidi Kim Interior Design

Photography: Paul Dyer


Why choose FORMA

At FORMA, we have years of experience delivering high-end remodels and new builds in San Francisco. We partner with the best architects and designers to guide you through this process, making it a seamless experience with your dream end result.

Please reach out to us today to discuss your project and discover how we can help you create the kitchen of your dreams.