Versailles Comes to the 2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
For the monthlong event, designers mix trendy and classic looks in a 1904 house modeled after Le Petit Trianon
Gorgeous handmade wallpaper, spectacular custom light fixtures and a stunning mix of new and antique furnishings fill a historic 18,000-square-foot mansion as part of this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase, which runs Saturday, April 27, through Monday, May 27.
The house, in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, was built in 1904 and modeled after Le Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s retreat at the Palace of Versailles in France, and is a San Francisco landmark listed with the National Register of Historic Places. It’s not a bad location for nearly 50 of the West Coast’s top interior and landscape designers tasked with reimagining 33 spaces.
The annual fundraising design event benefits San Francisco University High School and features decorated rooms that aren’t intended to create a unified interior but instead to independently showcase each designer’s style. Take a peek at some of our favorite spaces this year.
2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
When: Saturday, April 27, through Monday, May 27
Where: 3800 Washington St.
Info: Check the website for hours and ticket information.
The house, in the Presidio Heights neighborhood, was built in 1904 and modeled after Le Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s retreat at the Palace of Versailles in France, and is a San Francisco landmark listed with the National Register of Historic Places. It’s not a bad location for nearly 50 of the West Coast’s top interior and landscape designers tasked with reimagining 33 spaces.
The annual fundraising design event benefits San Francisco University High School and features decorated rooms that aren’t intended to create a unified interior but instead to independently showcase each designer’s style. Take a peek at some of our favorite spaces this year.
2019 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
When: Saturday, April 27, through Monday, May 27
Where: 3800 Washington St.
Info: Check the website for hours and ticket information.
Photo by Suzanna Scott
Houghton Hall Reimagined
Designer: Jonathan Rachman Design
A recent visit to Houghton Hall in Norfolk, England, inspired Jonathan Rachman’s design for one of the largest rooms in the house. During his stay, Rachman became enamored of a roll of 18th-century wallpaper that the owners of Houghton Hall had recently discovered in the attic.
In the showcase home, a replica of that blue wallpaper made by de Gournay wraps around Rachman’s room. Other highlights include a sculptural LED chandelier by Lex Pott and a massive blue velvet ottoman that doubles as a coffee table.
Boutique Printers Keep Historic Wallpapers Alive
Houghton Hall Reimagined
Designer: Jonathan Rachman Design
A recent visit to Houghton Hall in Norfolk, England, inspired Jonathan Rachman’s design for one of the largest rooms in the house. During his stay, Rachman became enamored of a roll of 18th-century wallpaper that the owners of Houghton Hall had recently discovered in the attic.
In the showcase home, a replica of that blue wallpaper made by de Gournay wraps around Rachman’s room. Other highlights include a sculptural LED chandelier by Lex Pott and a massive blue velvet ottoman that doubles as a coffee table.
Boutique Printers Keep Historic Wallpapers Alive
Living Room
Designer: Studio Collins Weir
The husband-and-wife team of Chris Weir and Susan Collins Weir let the original architectural details in this living room shine by restoring the intricate pillars, molding and trim and then painting them a crisp white.
The designers inset large mirrors between the pillars on the room’s east wall to extend the look of the room. A custom curved velvet sofa, a contemporary chandelier and a custom marble coffee table add a modern touch to this classical space.
Shop for marble coffee tables on Houzz
Designer: Studio Collins Weir
The husband-and-wife team of Chris Weir and Susan Collins Weir let the original architectural details in this living room shine by restoring the intricate pillars, molding and trim and then painting them a crisp white.
The designers inset large mirrors between the pillars on the room’s east wall to extend the look of the room. A custom curved velvet sofa, a contemporary chandelier and a custom marble coffee table add a modern touch to this classical space.
Shop for marble coffee tables on Houzz
Photo by Douglas Friedman
The Haute Hideaway
Designer: The Wiseman Group
Designers Paul Wiseman and James Hunter transformed a former dining room into a bohemian hideaway showcasing a collection of treasured objects and custom furnishings.
The team at C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom restored the dark stained wood paneling throughout the room, making a dramatic backdrop for the Steinway piano, vintage crystal chandelier and antique octagonal table.
The Haute Hideaway
Designer: The Wiseman Group
Designers Paul Wiseman and James Hunter transformed a former dining room into a bohemian hideaway showcasing a collection of treasured objects and custom furnishings.
The team at C. Mariani Antiques, Restoration & Custom restored the dark stained wood paneling throughout the room, making a dramatic backdrop for the Steinway piano, vintage crystal chandelier and antique octagonal table.
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
L’ Appartement
Designer: Heather Hilliard Design
Designer Heather Hilliard envisioned a gathering space for a contemporary French family when designing this room, which includes a mix of new and vintage pieces. An 18th-century tapestry called Ruins in the Park hangs on the wall above the Polar Bear sofa by Jonas. The greens and blues in the tapestry are picked up in the Ralph Pucci coffee table designed by India Mahdavi. The floor is weathered oak laid in a herringbone pattern.
L’ Appartement
Designer: Heather Hilliard Design
Designer Heather Hilliard envisioned a gathering space for a contemporary French family when designing this room, which includes a mix of new and vintage pieces. An 18th-century tapestry called Ruins in the Park hangs on the wall above the Polar Bear sofa by Jonas. The greens and blues in the tapestry are picked up in the Ralph Pucci coffee table designed by India Mahdavi. The floor is weathered oak laid in a herringbone pattern.
Photo by David Duncan Livingston
On the opposite side of the room, a new fireplace surround made of Bardiglio marble creates a dramatic focal point. The 11-foot-tall sculpture to the right of the fireplace was designed by California artist Caitlin Wylde.
On the opposite side of the room, a new fireplace surround made of Bardiglio marble creates a dramatic focal point. The 11-foot-tall sculpture to the right of the fireplace was designed by California artist Caitlin Wylde.
Main Catering Kitchen
Designers: Jaimie Belew Interior Design and David Armour Architecture
Designer Jaimie Belew and architect David Armour teamed up to create the home’s large kitchen, located in the basement. They covered the walls in all-natural limestone tiles, laid marble tiles in a checkerboard pattern for the floor and created a custom island that features a quartzite slab atop hand-carved marble pedestal bases.
What’s the Difference Between Quartzite and Quartz Countertops?
Designers: Jaimie Belew Interior Design and David Armour Architecture
Designer Jaimie Belew and architect David Armour teamed up to create the home’s large kitchen, located in the basement. They covered the walls in all-natural limestone tiles, laid marble tiles in a checkerboard pattern for the floor and created a custom island that features a quartzite slab atop hand-carved marble pedestal bases.
What’s the Difference Between Quartzite and Quartz Countertops?
The same limestone tiles cover a custom vent hood above a coral-colored range from BlueStar. A stainless steel pot rack wraps around the interior of the hood, providing easy access to pots and pans.
Photo by Christopher Stark
Marie’s Magnolias
Designer: Dina Bandman Interiors
Designer Dina Bandman created this master bedroom as an ode to Marie Antoinette. A canopy bed, chic seating area and marble fireplace stand out against handmade de Gournay wallpaper featuring white magnolias on a mauve background.
Marie’s Magnolias
Designer: Dina Bandman Interiors
Designer Dina Bandman created this master bedroom as an ode to Marie Antoinette. A canopy bed, chic seating area and marble fireplace stand out against handmade de Gournay wallpaper featuring white magnolias on a mauve background.
For an art installation that hangs over the bedroom fireplace, artist Manuel Palos dipped magnolia flowers and branches in plaster to create a stunning sculpture.
Photo by Suzanna Scott
Master Bathroom Spa
Designer: ABH Interiors
Designer Alexis Humiston intended this luxurious spa bathroom to be a space to let worries wash away. The vibrant Paradise Lost wallpaper from de Gournay infuses the space with color and pattern. The double vanity features a pair of glass vessel sinks atop a slab of gorgeous marble.
Browse glass vessel sinks in the Houzz Shop
Master Bathroom Spa
Designer: ABH Interiors
Designer Alexis Humiston intended this luxurious spa bathroom to be a space to let worries wash away. The vibrant Paradise Lost wallpaper from de Gournay infuses the space with color and pattern. The double vanity features a pair of glass vessel sinks atop a slab of gorgeous marble.
Browse glass vessel sinks in the Houzz Shop
The freestanding tub includes brass fixtures from Kohler. Draped over the tub are hand-monogrammed linens from Julia B.
Shop for freestanding bathtubs
Shop for freestanding bathtubs
Photo by John Merkl
Daydream Believin
Designer: Studio Heimat
Designers Alicia Cheung Lichtenstein and Eva Muller Bradley designed a vibrant bedroom for fictional 13-year-old twin girls, Lucy and Arianna, whom the designers imagined recently moved to San Francisco from Singapore.
Singapore’s diverse flora and fauna are reflected in the custom bed canopies. Lucite rope swings at the foot of each bed provides a perch for the girls to hang out.
Daydream Believin
Designer: Studio Heimat
Designers Alicia Cheung Lichtenstein and Eva Muller Bradley designed a vibrant bedroom for fictional 13-year-old twin girls, Lucy and Arianna, whom the designers imagined recently moved to San Francisco from Singapore.
Singapore’s diverse flora and fauna are reflected in the custom bed canopies. Lucite rope swings at the foot of each bed provides a perch for the girls to hang out.
The opposite wall of the bedroom includes a pink neon sign that lights up to reveal the name of the room, Daydream Believin. Hot-pink grasscloth covers the walls, while the ceiling features wallpaper that mimics the look of clouds.
Photo by John Merkl
The Wo-Man Cave
Designer: Kelly Hohla Interiors
Designer Kelly Hohla says this space is inspired by a modern-day Lady Boss who needs a place of her own to unwind after a long day at the office.
Abstract floral wallpaper, a large contemporary sectional and a built-in bar create the ultimate getaway. A black-and-white area rug from Mark Nelson Designs anchors the scene.
The Wo-Man Cave
Designer: Kelly Hohla Interiors
Designer Kelly Hohla says this space is inspired by a modern-day Lady Boss who needs a place of her own to unwind after a long day at the office.
Abstract floral wallpaper, a large contemporary sectional and a built-in bar create the ultimate getaway. A black-and-white area rug from Mark Nelson Designs anchors the scene.
Photo by Christopher Stark
Classically Modern
Designer: Scott Robert Design
Talented newcomer Scott McMahan let the materials shine in this classically modern hallway, which features a black lacquered ceiling that reflects the warm glow from the brass chandelier.
The custom floor is laid in a chevron pattern and includes a mix of oak and patinated steel planks. The flooring continues up the back wall to create a dramatic focal point.
Classically Modern
Designer: Scott Robert Design
Talented newcomer Scott McMahan let the materials shine in this classically modern hallway, which features a black lacquered ceiling that reflects the warm glow from the brass chandelier.
The custom floor is laid in a chevron pattern and includes a mix of oak and patinated steel planks. The flooring continues up the back wall to create a dramatic focal point.
Ballroom
Designer: Applegate Tran Interiors
The mansion’s basement features a ballroom that designers Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran transformed into a chic space with multiple seating areas, a bar, a dance floor and a stage.
The walls in this lounge-y room are covered in high-gloss black paint, and the refinished floors are stained ebony. A giant faux tiger skin rug made from shag carpeting is a fun statement.
Designer: Applegate Tran Interiors
The mansion’s basement features a ballroom that designers Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran transformed into a chic space with multiple seating areas, a bar, a dance floor and a stage.
The walls in this lounge-y room are covered in high-gloss black paint, and the refinished floors are stained ebony. A giant faux tiger skin rug made from shag carpeting is a fun statement.
The opposite side of the ballroom includes a stunning bar made out of wood and marble. The three brass-and-leather bar stools came from Coup d’Etat. The wall behind the bar features a backlit storage unit for champagne bottles.
The Gardens
Designer: Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Landscape designer Jarrod Baumann completely transformed the fenced backyard. Gravel and grass laid in an abstract lily design cover the ground. The lily was an important flower to many royal families of Europe. In the center of the garden is a large marble sculpture by Yoko Kubrick.
Designer: Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Landscape designer Jarrod Baumann completely transformed the fenced backyard. Gravel and grass laid in an abstract lily design cover the ground. The lily was an important flower to many royal families of Europe. In the center of the garden is a large marble sculpture by Yoko Kubrick.
A wooden deck at one end of the backyard is surrounded by a grove of magnificent redwood trees. The contemporary outdoor table, chairs and ottomans are from Paola Lenti.
See more photos from this year’s showcase
More on Houzz
12 Sustainable Gardening Ideas From Landscape Design Pros
6 Stylish Bathroom Trends Emerging in 2019
Look for contemporary outdoor furniture
Search for landscape designers
See more photos from this year’s showcase
More on Houzz
12 Sustainable Gardening Ideas From Landscape Design Pros
6 Stylish Bathroom Trends Emerging in 2019
Look for contemporary outdoor furniture
Search for landscape designers
The mansion was built for Marcus and Cora Koshland, a prominent San Francisco family that made their fortune in wool and textiles. Upon completion, the Koshlands opened the home with a lavish Marie Antoinette costume ball. They also hosted many concerts and musicales, including performances from then-child prodigies Isaac Stern and Yehudi Menuhin.
Find architects near you on Houzz