Zac Posen and Harrison Ball Restore a Historic Telegraph Hill Cottage
How Did They Handle the Home’s Structural Quirks?
Fashion designer Zac Posen and his partner Harrison Ball have transformed a neglected 1850s sea captain’s cottage on San Francisco’s Telegraph Hill into a deeply personal home. With guidance from interior designer Ken Fulk, the couple embraced the building’s quirks and history, turning a long-term rental into a layered, lived-in space that honors its past while reflecting their creative spirits. The project was completed in late 2026 and featured in a recent magazine profile.
Breaking News
Hollywood Elite Honor Carpenter, Theron, and Domingo at Academy Museum Gala
The Next Generation of Collagen: Small Peptides, Big Claims
The Impending Rise of Cobalt Blue in 2027 Fashion
The Secret to a Flawless Autumn Complexion is Sunscreen LayeringThe cottage, perched on one of the city’s most iconic hills, had fallen into disrepair after years as a rental property. Posen and Ball saw potential in its crooked walls, uneven floors, and original details, choosing to preserve rather than erase its imperfections. Ken Fulk helped them balance historic integrity with modern comfort, selecting furnishings and textiles that complement the home’s asymmetry. The couple filled the space with art, books, and collected objects, creating rooms that feel both curated and intimate. Posen noted that the attic, once used for storage, now serves as a quiet retreat where he sketches designs.
What Role Does Personal History Play in the Design?
Instead of leveling floors or straightening walls, the couple worked with the cottage’s natural slants and slopes. They chose low-profile furniture that sits comfortably on uneven surfaces and used rugs to soften transitions between rooms. Original windows were restored, and period-appropriate hardware was sourced to maintain authenticity. Ball explained that fighting the building’s character would have been a mistake, saying, „We wanted to live with its story, not erase it.” The result is a home where every angle feels intentional, even when it defies convention.
The couple filled the cottage with items that reflect their individual journeys and shared life. Posen incorporated swatches of fabric from past fashion collections into pillows and upholstery, while Ball displayed ceramics and photographs from their travels. Ken Fulk encouraged this approach, suggesting that meaningful objects bring warmth to restored spaces. The dining table, for instance, holds a centerpiece made from driftwood collected during a trip to Big Sur. These touches make the home feel less like a museum and more like a chronicle of their lives.
Why did they choose this particular cottage? They were drawn to its history, location, and the opportunity to restore something overlooked by others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did they make any major structural changes? No, they focused on cosmetic and functional updates while preserving the original layout and materials.
How long did the restoration take? The project spanned approximately two years, with work completed in late 2026.