A boat house in the Bay Area that merges Bauhaus influences with warmth, character and colourful personality

A 1970s boat house is upgraded into a creative home with room for hosting friends, jam sessions and co-working. Photographed by Laure Joliet. Architecture by Regan Baker Design. Styling by Yedda Morrison.

For those of a certain age, it’s easy to imagine that looking at the interior of a boat house is somewhat like opening a Polly Pocket toy: everything tucked neatly into its own little cubbyhole or compartment. All the stuff you need—kitchen, bathroom, bed, miniature furniture, cute accessories—and nothing you don’t.

This boat house in the San Francisco Bay Area, designed by Regan Baker of Regan Baker Design, lives up to that vision. “Although it’s a small home, it’s incredibly warm, colourful and personal—a creative use of space,” says Baker of the house, which was originally built in the 1970s and completely remodelled. “The brief was to add personality and character to an existing builder-grade boat house, repurposing it for clients who love to cycle and regularly host friends and colleagues for jam sessions [combined with] a shared co-working environment.”

In the kitchen, artwork Untitled by Barry McGee and artwork Threaded Assemblage, 2024 by Lucy Williams from Berggruen Gallery, artwork from YMS Projects Gallery, stainless steel on apple ply countertops by Lust Design Fabricate, Bosch fridge, Kohler sink, Moen faucet, Clayhaus backsplash, Stuff swing arm sconce, millwork by Live Oak Cabinetry, paint Iron Ore Red 208, Caravan hand towel.

With those instructions in mind, a clear mental picture of the possible Polly Pocket version of this boat house emerges: one with a little corner containing instruments and mics; another with a big conference table or desk, chairs dotted around it. “Every nook and cranny was thoughtfully designed to maximise storage,” agrees Baker, “with rounded corners, portholes, modular furniture, and multifunctional spaces throughout.”

In the primary bedroom, Float 67, 2025 by Paul Kremer from Berggruen Gallery, Schneid pendants, Farfetch desk lamp, Drapery Guru shades, J Lars Upholstery custom bolster headboard with Maharam fabric, Live Oak Cabinetry custom bedframe and standing desk, Andreu World desk chair, Bed Threads bedding, Granite + Smoke coverlet, Designer Fluff, Block Shop throw pillow.

Like a toy, the boat house also required special thinking when it came to portability. “Swing doors and pocket doors don’t stay shut if they’re not latched,” says Baker, “and doors need to be held open by a hook or a soft, moveable door stop.” Building on a boat added even more complexity to the project.

In the media room, artwork BLOCKCHAINING, 2024 by Clare Kirkconnell from Berggruen Gallery, Rich Brilliant Willing sconces, Ravenhill Studio swing arm sconce, Entler Studio floor lamp, Drapery Guru shades, A+R Store coffee table, Demisch Danant cork lounge chair, Baboo SF swing chair, J Lars Upholstery custom sofa with Kneedler Fauchere fabric, Designer Rugs rug, Jovinas bench cushion with Kvadrat fabric, Designer Fluff throw pillow with Kneedler Fauchere and Hewn SF fabric.

“There were many design considerations because the house is on water: the tides change, causing the water to rise and fall and the house to shift and tilt; the weight distribution of cabinetry, fireplace, and furniture also needed to be balanced so that the house would sit level,” she explains. “Using a laser level didn’t work, so all measurements had to be done manually. Everything took a bit longer.” Baker continues: “Given the unique complexity of working on a houseboat, we worked with a structural engineer, Townsend Brown, to ensure everything was designed and built properly and safely.”

In addition to the constant flow of water and the boat’s buoyancy, furniture and storage solutions had to be fully attached—an approach that dovetailed well with Baker’s vision for the house, which was “inspired by [the clients’] appreciation for Bauhaus design and draws on the practical spirit and aesthetic of a boathouse,” she explains.

In the guest bathroom, Still Life with Four Bananas, 1987 by Donald Campbell from Berggruen Gallery, 2 Modern hand towel bar, Daltile Golden Hour and Arctic White tiles, Mod Walls Golden Hour shower tiles, Schoolhouse Electric sconce, 522 Industries custom mirror, West Elm bath towels, Monday Moose bath mat.