The designer’s own home in the Lakeshore district of Oakland reflects an edited life of work, travel, and collecting. The Stewarts’ 1920’s colonial revival house features elements of the “California Look” punctuated by vibrant art and touches of whimsy. In the living room, a luscious still life by Impressionistic artist, Henri Van der Beck surmounts the restrained stone fireplace. For seating, Stewart selected a scroll-armed sofa, he designed for R&H in the mid 70’, upholstered in a muted floral tapestry. He companioned this with over scaled English club chairs covered in a simple beige textile. Antiques mix easily with contemporary pieces. A table scape includes Gordon Cook’s minimalistic “Ice Skater” interacting with a 19th century French staircase maquette.

Adjacent to the living room, the Stewarts often host friends in their formal dining room. A cast stone JSD “Twist” pedestal table with brescia marble top centers the space surrounded by painted cane backed fauteuils. Dominating one wall, a Japanese Mizuya cabinet provides storage. Two reverse glass paintings by Erik Martin bracket “Camembert” by abstract expressionist Paul Wonner. In the corner Linda Horning’s life sized sculpture of a woman mopping ironically observes the festive diners. For relaxed entertaining, the party retreats to the backyard and its gracious garden.