Designing Garden: A Fresh Take on a Historic Space in Bankers Hill

Pictured left: Entry view at Garden Salon, designed by Moniker Design Studio

We were commissioned to design a new salon in the charming neighborhood of Bankers Hill—an exciting step for the team as they expanded into their second location, just steps from Balboa Park. Moniker Design had the privilege of shaping a space that honored their existing salon while introducing an elevated, modern perspective for this new chapter.

Designing within a 100-year-old building naturally came with its challenges. The original plan was to uncover the historic brick walls, but multiple layers of plaster and drywall made that approach unfeasible. Rather than compromise the vision, we pivoted to a thin brick veneer. Our team carefully researched and tested options on site until we found the perfect match—one that blended seamlessly with both the palette and the character of the building. With a tight budget in mind, this choice also proved more cost-effective than attempting to reveal the existing brick.

Inspired by the salon’s name, Garden, and the building’s historic nature, we leaned into raw, tactile materials. Brick, warm wood species, natural linens, raw steel, and greenery came together to create an organic, cohesive palette—one that feels both rooted and refreshed.

Pictured above: Shampoo station designed by Moniker Design Studio, fabricated by Moniker Building Co.

People often ask us what our favorite style is to design in. While each designer brings personal preferences, our true role is to guide clients in uncovering their own style and bringing it to life. Garden is a perfect example of that philosophy—where fresh energy, thoughtful materials, and careful design transformed a historic shell into a welcoming, modern space.