Glamour Ahead: Get In on the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Take an inspiring virtual tour of 20 luxurious spaces in a Georgian mansion that push design and decorating drama to the max
A fiery orange tepee and an electric antique sign light up a playroom, a living plant wall drapes over a freestanding bathtub and 60-year-old Monterey pines grow in an elegant living room. This house of wonders isn't your average homeowner's residence — it's the 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase in an 8,000-square-foot Georgian mansion in San Francisco's Pacific Heights neighborhood.
This year's showcase highlights the talents of 27 designers in 24 individual showcase spaces. The rooms show off the designers' skills, pushing the limits and displaying their creativity. A stunning penthouse spa, a sweet chocolatier's lab and a tiny writer's retreat are just a few more things you'll find behind this historic mansion's doors. Here are some of our favorite spaces from this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Dates: April 27 to May 27
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday and Memorial Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets: $30 general admission; $25 for seniors; available at the door or online
More info
This year's showcase highlights the talents of 27 designers in 24 individual showcase spaces. The rooms show off the designers' skills, pushing the limits and displaying their creativity. A stunning penthouse spa, a sweet chocolatier's lab and a tiny writer's retreat are just a few more things you'll find behind this historic mansion's doors. Here are some of our favorite spaces from this year's San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Dates: April 27 to May 27
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday and Memorial Day, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tickets: $30 general admission; $25 for seniors; available at the door or online
More info
Dining Room
Designer: Heather Hilliard
The original oak paneling and herringbone floors help warm up Heather Hilliard's bold black and white design for this dining room. A hand-rolled porcelain chandelier catches the eye and adds a soft touch to the room's graphic lines. Cardboard sculptures by Ann Weber complement Hilliard's custom treatment on the walls above the oak panels.
Pendant: Bocci; chair fabric: Christian Fischbacher; lamp: Habité LA; bench fabric: Holland & Sherry; andirons: Tuell + Reynolds; sconces: Soane Britain; chairs, table, console: custom
Designer: Heather Hilliard
The original oak paneling and herringbone floors help warm up Heather Hilliard's bold black and white design for this dining room. A hand-rolled porcelain chandelier catches the eye and adds a soft touch to the room's graphic lines. Cardboard sculptures by Ann Weber complement Hilliard's custom treatment on the walls above the oak panels.
Pendant: Bocci; chair fabric: Christian Fischbacher; lamp: Habité LA; bench fabric: Holland & Sherry; andirons: Tuell + Reynolds; sconces: Soane Britain; chairs, table, console: custom
Master Bathroom: "A Sacred Space to Bathe"
Designer: Síol Studios
A living wall in the main bath — which Kevin Hackett and Jessica Weigley designed as a "healing wall" — holds a lush assortment of herbs, geraniums and mosses. A watering system trickles down the wall to keep the fragrant bursts of mint and lavender fresh.
Designer: Síol Studios
A living wall in the main bath — which Kevin Hackett and Jessica Weigley designed as a "healing wall" — holds a lush assortment of herbs, geraniums and mosses. A watering system trickles down the wall to keep the fragrant bursts of mint and lavender fresh.
Family Kitchen
Designer: Alison Davin, Jute Design
The house used for this year's showcase was built in the early 19th century, so the kitchen is tucked to the back and below all the main rooms. Since this isn't how people live today, designer Alison Davin aimed to create a space that a family would love to gather in. Beams, herringbone floors, a fireplace and other architectural elements make this kitchen feel like a cozy and natural extension of the other living spaces. Dark navy cabinets offer unexpected contrast to the beech countertops. Terra-cotta tile from Ann Sacks adds a more modern element on the backsplash.
Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; cabinetry paint: Midnight Blue, Benjamin Moore; window treatments: Osborne & Little; sconces: Urban Electric; pendants: Remains; tile: Ann Sacks; art: Serena Bocchino
Designer: Alison Davin, Jute Design
The house used for this year's showcase was built in the early 19th century, so the kitchen is tucked to the back and below all the main rooms. Since this isn't how people live today, designer Alison Davin aimed to create a space that a family would love to gather in. Beams, herringbone floors, a fireplace and other architectural elements make this kitchen feel like a cozy and natural extension of the other living spaces. Dark navy cabinets offer unexpected contrast to the beech countertops. Terra-cotta tile from Ann Sacks adds a more modern element on the backsplash.
Wall paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore; trim paint: Simply White, Benjamin Moore; cabinetry paint: Midnight Blue, Benjamin Moore; window treatments: Osborne & Little; sconces: Urban Electric; pendants: Remains; tile: Ann Sacks; art: Serena Bocchino
Salon
Designer: Matthew Leverone
Potted 60-year-old Monterey pines make a dramatic statement in this otherwise calm and collected space. Layers of textures from the velvet sofa, hand-knotted Moroccan rug, silk pillows and leather chair make the bright space feel soft and warm. The Monterey pines, planted in cement planters, make the room feel part of the garden just outside.
Sconce: Jonathan Browning; all furniture: custom designed by Leverone Design; rug: vintage
Designer: Matthew Leverone
Potted 60-year-old Monterey pines make a dramatic statement in this otherwise calm and collected space. Layers of textures from the velvet sofa, hand-knotted Moroccan rug, silk pillows and leather chair make the bright space feel soft and warm. The Monterey pines, planted in cement planters, make the room feel part of the garden just outside.
Sconce: Jonathan Browning; all furniture: custom designed by Leverone Design; rug: vintage
Living Room
Designer: Catherine Kwong
The striking floor in the home's main living room — inspired by Cy Twombly's iconic work — sets the scene for this simple and elegant space. Stancil Studios covered the floor in a rich navy with bold, sporadic white brushstrokes topped with a clear varnish. Designer Catherine Kwong kept the rest of the room cool and simple to draw attention to the floor. The original ceiling maintains architectural interest, while the slightly feminine but modern furniture adds to the room's understated edge.
Fringe lights: vintage, Mario Yagi; black and white photo: Henry Leutwyler; window treatments: Georgina Rice; paint: Pratt & Lambert
Designer: Catherine Kwong
The striking floor in the home's main living room — inspired by Cy Twombly's iconic work — sets the scene for this simple and elegant space. Stancil Studios covered the floor in a rich navy with bold, sporadic white brushstrokes topped with a clear varnish. Designer Catherine Kwong kept the rest of the room cool and simple to draw attention to the floor. The original ceiling maintains architectural interest, while the slightly feminine but modern furniture adds to the room's understated edge.
Fringe lights: vintage, Mario Yagi; black and white photo: Henry Leutwyler; window treatments: Georgina Rice; paint: Pratt & Lambert
Writer's Retreat
Designer: Kriste Michelini
Working with the complicated slanted ceiling in this space wasn't easy, but by using a white base for her color palette, designer Kriste Michelini created extra visual space. White grass cloth walls by Phillip Jeffries and a whitewashed floor blur the boundaries between the two surfaces and reflect the minimal natural light coming through the single window. The built-in platform bed with colorful custom pillows stands out against eclectic wallpaper from Elitis.
Pendant: Alabax, Schoolhouse Electric; skull: Ashley Tudor; wallpaper: Brit Pop, Elitis; table lamp: Barbara Barry, Baker; runner: DwellStudio; pillows: custom and Caitlin Wilson; desk, chair: Ironies
Designer: Kriste Michelini
Working with the complicated slanted ceiling in this space wasn't easy, but by using a white base for her color palette, designer Kriste Michelini created extra visual space. White grass cloth walls by Phillip Jeffries and a whitewashed floor blur the boundaries between the two surfaces and reflect the minimal natural light coming through the single window. The built-in platform bed with colorful custom pillows stands out against eclectic wallpaper from Elitis.
Pendant: Alabax, Schoolhouse Electric; skull: Ashley Tudor; wallpaper: Brit Pop, Elitis; table lamp: Barbara Barry, Baker; runner: DwellStudio; pillows: custom and Caitlin Wilson; desk, chair: Ironies
Soaking Bath
Designers: Willem Racké and Emilie Munroe
Although designers Willem Racké and Emilie Munroe knew the mirrors covering the walls of this bathroom had to go, they didn't want to deal with the mess and chaos that would come with a demolition. So Racké painted large pieces of canvas in his studio and had them applied to the mirrored walls, leaving a few select spots open for flashes of mirror. Munro worked with local company Dogfork Lamp Arts to design the chandelier. From the hallway looking in, each light looks like a bubble floating in the air.
Chair: Coup d'Etat; accessories: Sue Fisher King; carpet: Flor
Designers: Willem Racké and Emilie Munroe
Although designers Willem Racké and Emilie Munroe knew the mirrors covering the walls of this bathroom had to go, they didn't want to deal with the mess and chaos that would come with a demolition. So Racké painted large pieces of canvas in his studio and had them applied to the mirrored walls, leaving a few select spots open for flashes of mirror. Munro worked with local company Dogfork Lamp Arts to design the chandelier. From the hallway looking in, each light looks like a bubble floating in the air.
Chair: Coup d'Etat; accessories: Sue Fisher King; carpet: Flor
Teen Girl's Room
Designer: Applegate Tran Interiors
Designer Gioi Tran created this room with a specific character in mind: an artistic teenage girl rebelling against a beauty-queen mother. The bold room takes an edgy approach to typical "princess" decor. A map of London on the ceiling inspires dreams of travel, faux-finished walls add abstract color and a custom bed is wrapped with string.
Desk, nightstands, bed, dog bed, desk stool: Applegate Tran Furniture; lounge chair, nightstand lamps: Coup d'Etat; headboard fabric: Elitis; bed linens: Kearsley; accessories: Paxton Gate; decorative painting: Willem Racké; floor tiles: Armin Maier
Designer: Applegate Tran Interiors
Designer Gioi Tran created this room with a specific character in mind: an artistic teenage girl rebelling against a beauty-queen mother. The bold room takes an edgy approach to typical "princess" decor. A map of London on the ceiling inspires dreams of travel, faux-finished walls add abstract color and a custom bed is wrapped with string.
Desk, nightstands, bed, dog bed, desk stool: Applegate Tran Furniture; lounge chair, nightstand lamps: Coup d'Etat; headboard fabric: Elitis; bed linens: Kearsley; accessories: Paxton Gate; decorative painting: Willem Racké; floor tiles: Armin Maier
Dressing Room
Designer: Shelley Cahan
Just inside the teenage girl's room (previous photo), designer Shelley Cahan used a mix of vintage and modern elements to create a playful dressing room. Kravet geometric wallpaper came first, dictating the rest of the design. A Sozo Studio custom closet system is covered in herringbone fabric with a laminate finish for extra visual texture. A vintage-inspired light from Arteriors pays tribute to the home's original style.
Art: Lost Art Salon; chair, side table: Ironies
Designer: Shelley Cahan
Just inside the teenage girl's room (previous photo), designer Shelley Cahan used a mix of vintage and modern elements to create a playful dressing room. Kravet geometric wallpaper came first, dictating the rest of the design. A Sozo Studio custom closet system is covered in herringbone fabric with a laminate finish for extra visual texture. A vintage-inspired light from Arteriors pays tribute to the home's original style.
Art: Lost Art Salon; chair, side table: Ironies
Maker's Mark Retreat
Designer: Kelly Hohla, Jeffers Design Group
A mix of materials marks this room, designed as a joint study. Starting with a custom wood credenza by New York artist Michael Coffey, designer Kelly Hohla used beautiful Holland & Sherry fabrics and a stunning machine-cut hide wall by Kyle Bunting to add subtle texture. The space combines vintage and modern, and feminine and masculine, elements to create an inspiring workspace.
Wools, linens: Holland & Sherry; vintage chairs: Coup d'Etat; hide and hair wall: Kyle Bunting; credenza: Michael Coffey; lamps: Herve van der Straeten
Designer: Kelly Hohla, Jeffers Design Group
A mix of materials marks this room, designed as a joint study. Starting with a custom wood credenza by New York artist Michael Coffey, designer Kelly Hohla used beautiful Holland & Sherry fabrics and a stunning machine-cut hide wall by Kyle Bunting to add subtle texture. The space combines vintage and modern, and feminine and masculine, elements to create an inspiring workspace.
Wools, linens: Holland & Sherry; vintage chairs: Coup d'Etat; hide and hair wall: Kyle Bunting; credenza: Michael Coffey; lamps: Herve van der Straeten
Garden Courtyard: "Birds of Prey"
Designer: Davis Dalbok and Brandon Pruett, Living Green
Using art outdoors is unexpected, but that's often what makes a courtyard work. Davis Dalbok and Brandon Pruett of Living Green worked with Jane Richardson Mack to place six pieces of an antique Japanese screen in silver-leafed glass, shown here at the upper right of the photo. The images of Asian birds of prey on the screens helped create the framework for the rest of the garden.
There was minimal planting space in the courtyard, so Dalbok and Pruett used all the vertical space they could. Each living wall explodes with conifers, maples, mosses, collectible Japanese maples and rare miniature baobab-type trees. Dyeing the gray concrete with a warmer terra-cotta hue made the patio feel less industrial and more natural.
Felted marble planter: Luciano Tempo; cement planter: Kimberlee Keswick; art installation: Jane Richardson-Mack; living wall system: Flora Felt; chairs: Michael Taylor
Designer: Davis Dalbok and Brandon Pruett, Living Green
Using art outdoors is unexpected, but that's often what makes a courtyard work. Davis Dalbok and Brandon Pruett of Living Green worked with Jane Richardson Mack to place six pieces of an antique Japanese screen in silver-leafed glass, shown here at the upper right of the photo. The images of Asian birds of prey on the screens helped create the framework for the rest of the garden.
There was minimal planting space in the courtyard, so Dalbok and Pruett used all the vertical space they could. Each living wall explodes with conifers, maples, mosses, collectible Japanese maples and rare miniature baobab-type trees. Dyeing the gray concrete with a warmer terra-cotta hue made the patio feel less industrial and more natural.
Felted marble planter: Luciano Tempo; cement planter: Kimberlee Keswick; art installation: Jane Richardson-Mack; living wall system: Flora Felt; chairs: Michael Taylor
Master Sitting Room
Designer: Zoe Hsu
Before she had even claimed her room in the showhouse, designer Zoe Hsu wanted to use this gemsbok horn chandelier in her design. The piece has a primitive look that complements the Schumacher snakeskin wallpaper in this sitting room. The room is designed for someone to transition from getting ready in the morning at the vanity in the corner to enjoying a glass of wine at night in front of the fireplace.
Chandelier: Coup d'Etat; wallpaper: Schumacher; ottoman: custom; mirror, sconces: Ironies; fireplace stone: All Natural Stone
Designer: Zoe Hsu
Before she had even claimed her room in the showhouse, designer Zoe Hsu wanted to use this gemsbok horn chandelier in her design. The piece has a primitive look that complements the Schumacher snakeskin wallpaper in this sitting room. The room is designed for someone to transition from getting ready in the morning at the vanity in the corner to enjoying a glass of wine at night in front of the fireplace.
Chandelier: Coup d'Etat; wallpaper: Schumacher; ottoman: custom; mirror, sconces: Ironies; fireplace stone: All Natural Stone
Master Bedroom
Designer: Philip Silver
Designer Philip Silver uses an Eastern philosophy in his interior designs; no major piece of furniture sits against a wall. Instead the bed's plush headboard and a silver screen form a passageway from the spacious bedroom into the adjacent master bath. Holland & Sherry fabrics and plush Michaelian & Kohlberg rugs make for a soft and sumptuous sleeping space.
Bed linens: Frette; side tables: Gary Hutton; blinds: Hartmann & Forbes; glass lamps: Jan Showers; mirror screen: Niermann Weeks; bed suite: Ted Boerner
Designer: Philip Silver
Designer Philip Silver uses an Eastern philosophy in his interior designs; no major piece of furniture sits against a wall. Instead the bed's plush headboard and a silver screen form a passageway from the spacious bedroom into the adjacent master bath. Holland & Sherry fabrics and plush Michaelian & Kohlberg rugs make for a soft and sumptuous sleeping space.
Bed linens: Frette; side tables: Gary Hutton; blinds: Hartmann & Forbes; glass lamps: Jan Showers; mirror screen: Niermann Weeks; bed suite: Ted Boerner
Atelier
Designer: Antonio Martins
Designer Antonio Martins turned this upstairs nook into an elegant take on a man cave. Martins saw the owner of the house as a lover and collector of antiques — particularly old tools. A wall covered with old carpenter planes and boxes full of antique tools just hint at the start of the collection. Basic materials help maintain the upgraded man-cave vibe. The walls are upholstered with burlap, and the wood-framed floors are inlaid with steel tiles.
Woodwork: Fabian Fine Furniture; acacia bookshelf lamp: Fuse Lighting; chair: Phoenix, Johanna Spilman; burlap installation: Troy H Maher Wallcovering
Designer: Antonio Martins
Designer Antonio Martins turned this upstairs nook into an elegant take on a man cave. Martins saw the owner of the house as a lover and collector of antiques — particularly old tools. A wall covered with old carpenter planes and boxes full of antique tools just hint at the start of the collection. Basic materials help maintain the upgraded man-cave vibe. The walls are upholstered with burlap, and the wood-framed floors are inlaid with steel tiles.
Woodwork: Fabian Fine Furniture; acacia bookshelf lamp: Fuse Lighting; chair: Phoenix, Johanna Spilman; burlap installation: Troy H Maher Wallcovering
Atelier Alcove
Designer: Jaimie Belew
Inspired by Alexander McQueen and the San Francisco ballet, designer Jaimie Belew created a charming sketching room to stoke creativity. Toning down ballet's typical pink into a warm blush, Belew custom designed a desk with acrylic drawer fronts and a bronze glass top. Luminescent trim adds an extra glow. Linen-upholstered walls (which also serve as built-in bulletin boards) and parquet marble flooring add welcome natural touches.
Designer: Jaimie Belew
Inspired by Alexander McQueen and the San Francisco ballet, designer Jaimie Belew created a charming sketching room to stoke creativity. Toning down ballet's typical pink into a warm blush, Belew custom designed a desk with acrylic drawer fronts and a bronze glass top. Luminescent trim adds an extra glow. Linen-upholstered walls (which also serve as built-in bulletin boards) and parquet marble flooring add welcome natural touches.
Water Closet
Designer: Kelley Flynn
The pattern of this black and white fabric wall covering emulates the crown shape of the chandelier. Along with the upholstered walls, a wallpapered ceiling and a mosaic marble floor emanate restrained luxury in this powder room. A hand-forged table by Shawn Lovell Metalworks provides a pretty shelf in a small space.
Chandelier: Julie Neill; wall fabric: Fern Tree, Schumacher's Kelly Wearstler collection; sheer window covering: Great Plains; wallpaper: Sloane Stripe, Ralph Lauren; flooring: tile, Artistic Tile
Designer: Kelley Flynn
The pattern of this black and white fabric wall covering emulates the crown shape of the chandelier. Along with the upholstered walls, a wallpapered ceiling and a mosaic marble floor emanate restrained luxury in this powder room. A hand-forged table by Shawn Lovell Metalworks provides a pretty shelf in a small space.
Chandelier: Julie Neill; wall fabric: Fern Tree, Schumacher's Kelly Wearstler collection; sheer window covering: Great Plains; wallpaper: Sloane Stripe, Ralph Lauren; flooring: tile, Artistic Tile
Penthouse Retreat and Terrace
Designer: Karen Villanueva
Designer Karen Villanueva started her penthouse design with the stunning city view as inspiration. Bringing in natural elements, soft foggy grays and natural tones helped create a calming area that’s well suited for a spa break. Two massage tables fit perfectly, but they can fold up easily to create room for yoga and meditation.
Designer: Karen Villanueva
Designer Karen Villanueva started her penthouse design with the stunning city view as inspiration. Bringing in natural elements, soft foggy grays and natural tones helped create a calming area that’s well suited for a spa break. Two massage tables fit perfectly, but they can fold up easily to create room for yoga and meditation.
Guest Bathroom: "Elysium"
Designer: Alfredo Gregory
To create a bathroom free of constraints, designer Alfredo Gregory eliminated as many walls as possible. The resulting open-concept space is designed so that every item can get wet. Unlike paint, cement walls and a Venetian plaster ceiling won't peel or fade with time. Encaustic cement floor tile from Waterworks is crackproof. Gregory also custom designed a cement sink, a glamorous light fixture and a contemporary toilet to complete the room.
Designer: Alfredo Gregory
To create a bathroom free of constraints, designer Alfredo Gregory eliminated as many walls as possible. The resulting open-concept space is designed so that every item can get wet. Unlike paint, cement walls and a Venetian plaster ceiling won't peel or fade with time. Encaustic cement floor tile from Waterworks is crackproof. Gregory also custom designed a cement sink, a glamorous light fixture and a contemporary toilet to complete the room.
Chocolatier's Lab
Designer: Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt
This narrow space between the kitchen and the main hall was once a butler's pantry, connected to the main dining room through a swinging door. Inspired by her family's love of cooking and making candy, designer Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt created a chocolatier's lab here. Custom cantilevered glass shelving holds equipment for distilling syrups and sugars. Gray cabinetry and durable marine hardware contrast with the cool white Calacatta marble counter.
Shelves, window: Bonny Doon Art Glass; cabinetry: Brown Felicetta; fabric: Coraggio; hardware: EM Hundley; marble: IRG; paint: Pratt & Lambert; carpet: Stark
The 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs April 27 to May 27. More info
Designer: Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt
This narrow space between the kitchen and the main hall was once a butler's pantry, connected to the main dining room through a swinging door. Inspired by her family's love of cooking and making candy, designer Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt created a chocolatier's lab here. Custom cantilevered glass shelving holds equipment for distilling syrups and sugars. Gray cabinetry and durable marine hardware contrast with the cool white Calacatta marble counter.
Shelves, window: Bonny Doon Art Glass; cabinetry: Brown Felicetta; fabric: Coraggio; hardware: EM Hundley; marble: IRG; paint: Pratt & Lambert; carpet: Stark
The 2013 San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs April 27 to May 27. More info
Designer: Martha Angus and Eche Martinez
Taking to heart the idea that every kid is an artist, Martha Angus and Eche Martinez turned one of the home’s living rooms into an incredible playroom full of fun and color at every turn. A bright orange baby alpaca tepee, foam-filled furniture from Art Basel, a vintage sign above the fireplace and light fixtures made out of Kid Robot toys are playful elements that could work only in a bold room like this. Windows that had an unfortunate view were covered up with stick-on screens. A box full of fake dynamite adds one final over-the-top twist.
Faux bois painting: Katherine Jacobus; window treatments: inkjet print on vinyl, Fast Signs; sconces: custom, Martha Angus and Eche Martinez, Urban Electric; chairs, stools: Maarten de Ceulaer, Industry Gallery; art above fireplace: Charles James Gallery