A boat house merging Bauhaus influences with character and colourful personality
In the living room custom Malm fireplace, Kuzco lighting, Live Oak Cabinetry peg wall and shelving, Hewn SF skylight fabric, Eero Aarnio original bubble chair with Luna textiles, Jovinas Upholstery in Citrine colour, 2Modern laptop table, Lady Yard ottoman with Kneedler Fauchere Honolulu, Flamingo, Jovinas upholstery fabric, J Lars Upholstery custom sofa with Perennials Fabrics fabric, Nordic Knots rug, Citta throw pillows.
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.
Galanter & Jones deck chair and side table.
This boat house in the 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 Luxy 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 Berggruren 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 Kirkconnel 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 the guest bedroom, custom desk by Live Oak Cabinetry, paint Chicago Blues 804 and Chantilly Lace OC -65, Barn Light Electric desk sconce, Millwork and musphy bed by Live Oak Cabinetry, roller shades by Drapery Guru, Design Within Reach desk chair, artwork Untitled, 2023 by Stephen Beal.
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 another view of the living room custom Malm fireplace, Kuzco lighting, Live Oak Cabinetry peg wall and shelving, Hewn SF skylight fabric, Eero Aarnio original bubble chair with Luna textiles, Jovinas Upholstery in Citrine colour, 2Modern laptop table, Lady Yard ottoman with Kneedler Fauchere Honolulu, Flamingo, Jovinas upholstery fabric, J Lars Upholstery custom sofa with Perennials Fabrics fabric, Nordic Knots rug, Citta throw pillows.
Working with Kasten Builders, she layered materials such as rope, wood, and chrome with a bold palette informed by the surrounding water, sky, and greenery. “Blues, wood-toned oranges, and greens brought the outdoors in, and pops of chartreuse add a playful, unexpected edge and celebrate the spirit of the Bauhaus era: functional, simple, and rooted in basic forms and primary colours.”
Examples include custom millwork by Lust Design Fabricate and a custom sofa and platform bed in the primary bedroom, which both maximises storage and the feeling of living on a boat. A media room and gym/weight room fulfill specific client requests, as do the versatile, open shared spaces. “There are many places for those working from the house to perch, and a custom peg wall in the living room and entry allows for flexibility,” notes Baker.
In another view of the kitchen, artwork Untitled by Barry McGee and artwork Threaded Assemblage, 2024 by Luxy 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.
Like many homes, boat or otherwise, the kitchen has become the heart of the space. “It’s the hub, but also the best view of the upper floor—you get to appreciate all the textures and colours together,” says Baker. “I love the stainless steel counters over an exposed apple ply, and how the cabinet design mimics the round barrel vault ceiling.”
In another view of the primary bedroom, Float 67, 2025 by Paul Kremer from Berggruren 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.
In terms of charm and functionality, the boat house matches a Polly Pocket, while its design clearly exceeds any toy that ever existed. The built-in bar, the red kitchen, the yellow- and blue-tiled bathrooms: you can imagine them all in a palm-sized version of the house—but getting to live amongst them is what makes this boat house such a treasure.
In the primary bathroom, Farrow and Ball Harlotte’s Locks No 28. paint and Live Oak Cabinetry vanity, White Oak vanity countertop, Kast sink, Brizo faucet, Clayhaus shower and floor tiles in River Rock, Fireclay Tile wall tile in Blue Velvet, Urban Electric ceiling mount light fixture, Mohd wall sconce, 522 Industries custom mirror.
In the reading nook, Live Oak Cabinetry millwork, paint colour Iron Ore Red 208, Kavdrat bench upholstery, Citta throw pillows.
In the dining room, Live Oak Cabinetry custom table top, Bauhaus 2 Your House table base, Comerford Collection chairs.
In another view of the kitchen, artwork Untitled by Barry McGee and artwork Threaded Assemblage, 2024 by Luxy 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.
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.
In another view of the media room 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.
In another view of the guest bedroom, custom desk by Live Oak Cabinetry, paint Chicago Blues 804 and Chantilly Lace OC -65, Barn Light Electric desk sconce, Millwork and musphy bed by Live Oak Cabinetry, roller shades by Drapery Guru, Design Within Reach desk chair, artwork Untitled, 2023 by Stephen Beal.
In another view of the living room custom Malm fireplace, Kuzco lighting, Live Oak Cabinetry peg wall and shelving, Hewn SF skylight fabric, Eero Aarnio original bubble chair with Luna textiles, Jovinas Upholstery in Citrine colour, 2Modern laptop table, Lady Yard ottoman with Kneedler Fauchere Honolulu, Flamingo, Jovinas upholstery fabric, J Lars Upholstery custom sofa with Perennials Fabrics fabric, Nordic Knots rug, Citta throw pillows.
In the coffee bar, stainless steel on Apple Ply, Lust Design Fabricate countertops, Mavam coffee system, Espresso Parts pitcher rinser, Kohler sink, Moen faucet, Bert & May backsplash, Rich Brilliant Willing sconces, Live Oak Cabinetry millwork, paint colour Iron Ore Red 208.
In another view of the primary bedroom, Float 67, 2025 by Paul Kremer from Berggruren 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.
Another view of the fireplace and living room.
In the powder room, Fireclay wall tile, Anne Sacks terrazzo tiles, Flos pendant, vanity millwork by Live Oak Cabinetry in eve green 2024-20 paint, Lust Design Fabricate custom towel bar, Kohler mirror, Cameron Marks hand towel.
The music room and in the gym, custom closet doors by Live Oak Cabinetry, paint Chantilly Lace OC-65, hardware by Park Studio LA.
The entry alcove.
Rope wall by Lust Design Fabricate, millwork bench and table by Live Oak Cabinetry, bench upholstery by Pierre Frey, Jovinas Upholstery.