PORTOLA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Interior designer Sabra Ballon of ballonSTUDIO partnered with Butler Armsden Architects to reimagine a mid-century residence for Serra Simbeck—whose brother, Lewis Butler, Principal at Butler Armsden, has long been a mentor to Sabra. His influence, and the siblings’ shared architectural sensibility, shaped the project’s guiding ethos.
The renovation enhances the home with increased height, improved circulation, and a fluid indoor–outdoor relationship. Material choices—warm woods, concrete counters, and Heath tile—honor its mid-century roots while grounding it firmly in contemporary California craft. A new ADU adds adaptable space for guests, family, and remote work, supporting modern living without compromising the site. The great room opens directly onto a redwood canopy, offering a striking visual connection to place—the landscape effectively becoming an ever-changing mural through expansive glass.
The project brings together legacy, mentorship, and thoughtful modernization—an authentic reexamination of mid-century architecture for the way people live today.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Download professional room photography here.
VIDEOS
DRAWINGS
Project drawings can be downloaded here.
CREDITS
Interior Design by Sabra Ballon, ballonSTUDIO | @sabraballon | ballonstudio.com
Architecture by Butler Armsden Architects | @butlerarmsden_architects | butlerarmsden.com
Photography by Adam Potts | @adampottsphoto | adampottsphotography.com
Styling by Mikhael Romain | @mikhaelromain | mikhaelromain.com
Videography by Dane Deaner | @danedeaner | danedeaner.com
KEY VENDORS
Lorem Ipsum - Lorem Ipsum
ABOUT SABRA BALLON
Founder and Principal Designer
With decades of experience spanning interior design, architecture, construction, set design, and production design, Sabra Ballon is a holistic designer known for her seamless integration of these disciplines. As the Founder and Principal Designer of ballonSTUDIO, Sabra has made a significant impact on the design community. Her unique blend of earthy modernism with a hint of glamour has consistently won the admiration of her clients. Her expertise extends to luxury residential, boutique hospitality, and commercial projects throughout San Francisco and California. Notably, Sabra's transformative vision has enhanced hotel interiors in renowned destinations such as San Francisco, Hawaii, and Las Vegas, including establishments like Hotel Nikko, Hilton Hotels, Hawaii Prince, and Del Webb properties.
Raised in Palo Alto, Sabra studied undergraduate design at UCLA and received a Master of Architecture at UC Berkeley. Drawing inspiration from the diverse cultures of Africa, Asia, and Europe, Sabra embraces a global perspective that enriches her work. Her fascination with Ancient Roman architecture, design, and decoration adds a timeless depth of her designs.
PUBLICIST
Lisa Davis
DAVIS GONTHIER
415.793.3334
lisa@davisgonthier.com
Instagram: @davisgonthier