About — Erica Katrak | Erica Katrak

01/ About

I'm a San Francisco-based designer with a deep affection for old houses and the people who take care of them. My work is eclectic, unpretentious, and rooted in respect for what's already there. I'm most at home in Victorians, Craftsman bungalows, Edwardians, and other period homes that have genuine character — the kinds of places that don't need to be reinvented, just listened to.

I bring obsessive attention, practical judgment, and a wide range of knowledge to every project: design history, materials, craftsmanship, sustainability, sourcing. I enjoy tapping into the soul of a place, and strive to create spaces that are functional, beautiful, and meant for living.

02/ Services

I specialize in Victorian, Edwardian, Craftsman, and other period homes, with an emphasis on preservation and thoughtful updates for modern livability. Every project is different, and I work selectively to make sure I can give each one the attention it deserves. Services include:

HISTORIC CONSULTING —

Research to understand the story behind a place. The period in which it was built, the materials used, what character-defining features to restore and preserve, and more.

INTERIOR DESIGN —

Space planning, style blending, design direction, and material and finish selection for residential interiors.

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS —

Cost effective reuse plans with practical knowhow to create comfortable and beautiful results with minimal impact on the environment and your wallet.

SOURCING AND PROCUREMENT —

Sourcing and guidance around furniture, lighting, textiles, tile, hardware, etc.

03/ Ethos

A SENSE OF HISTORY —

San Francisco's Victorians, Edwardians, and Craftsman bungalows carry a lot of accumulated character. We're all just passing through, and the best we can do is add ourselves to the story thoughtfully.

WASTE LESS, SPEND LESS —

Original plaster, old-growth wood floors, vintage hardware — these materials are often superior to what would replace them. Working with them is better for the environment and usually better for the budget.

PRESERVATION IS PRACTICAL —

A home that's been thoughtfully maintained and updated — rather than gut-renovated into something unrecognizable — tends to be more interesting, more livable, and more valued over time. It's a happy coincidence.

SHOP LOCAL, SHOP SMALL —

We have great craftspeople around the Bay Area. Let me introduce you to them! Working with local shops and professionals not only makes your home more unique and special, but also helps keep our shared economy healthy and reduces the environmental impact of updating your home.

BUILD TO LAST —

The choices made in a well-designed interior should still feel right in twenty years. I'm not interested in trends or getting published in Architectural Digest — I'm interested in helping people create homes that age well and are filled with character, soul, and the history of San Francisco.