Sneak Peek: 2017 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
This year’s show house, open April 29 through May 29, mixes classical flourishes and modern luxuries with ease
Living Room: April in Paris
Designer: Jonathan Rachman Design
This grand room was inspired by the famed green salon in the Paris home of French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. With its green hand-embroidered silk wall coverings from de Gournay, green upholstered furniture and green accessories, the space just might make you, well, green with envy. The stunning chandelier by Boyd Lighting features 1,000 brass “teardrops.” The ceiling is original to the house, but interior designer Jonathan Rachman and his team applied gold-leaf paint to the ceiling’s plaster medallions.
Designer: Jonathan Rachman Design
This grand room was inspired by the famed green salon in the Paris home of French fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy. With its green hand-embroidered silk wall coverings from de Gournay, green upholstered furniture and green accessories, the space just might make you, well, green with envy. The stunning chandelier by Boyd Lighting features 1,000 brass “teardrops.” The ceiling is original to the house, but interior designer Jonathan Rachman and his team applied gold-leaf paint to the ceiling’s plaster medallions.
Library: New Dutch Masters
Designer: Martin Kobus Home
Old-world elegance meets modern innovation in the wood-paneled library. The paneling is original, but designer Martin Kobus and his team stained it a dark espresso. The cognac-colored leather modular seating in the center of the room and the circular light fixture above were designed by Kobus.
A Dutch native, Kobus wanted to honor the legendary artists from his homeland, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, with two photographic portraits he created as a modern interpretation of Baroque art. The two portraits are printed on silk and mounted on custom light boxes.
Designer: Martin Kobus Home
Old-world elegance meets modern innovation in the wood-paneled library. The paneling is original, but designer Martin Kobus and his team stained it a dark espresso. The cognac-colored leather modular seating in the center of the room and the circular light fixture above were designed by Kobus.
A Dutch native, Kobus wanted to honor the legendary artists from his homeland, such as Rembrandt and Vermeer, with two photographic portraits he created as a modern interpretation of Baroque art. The two portraits are printed on silk and mounted on custom light boxes.
Dining Room: A Walk in the Clouds
Designer: Chloe Warner
“The room has such formal bones that I wanted to tone it down a bit, and make it more casual and fun for a family with so many kids,” says interior designer Chloe Warner.
A collection of paper lanterns over the dining table evokes clouds in the sky and adds a whimsical touch to the space. Warner found the midcentury dining chairs on eBay and says they were in “pretty bad shape.” She had San Francisco-based Revitaliste reupholster the chairs and powder-coat the frames in sky blue.
Designer: Chloe Warner
“The room has such formal bones that I wanted to tone it down a bit, and make it more casual and fun for a family with so many kids,” says interior designer Chloe Warner.
A collection of paper lanterns over the dining table evokes clouds in the sky and adds a whimsical touch to the space. Warner found the midcentury dining chairs on eBay and says they were in “pretty bad shape.” She had San Francisco-based Revitaliste reupholster the chairs and powder-coat the frames in sky blue.
Kitchen: Modern Farmhouse
Designer: DLC-ID
Taking up what was originally three separate rooms, the enlarged open kitchen is an ideal space for a family of 10. An island with two sinks is topped with a Caesarstone in concrete. The lower cabinets are a weathered white oak, and the uppers are covered in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball.
“I wanted the kitchen to look like it had been updated many times over the years,” says designer Jon de la Cruz. “So I added different types of cabinets and various metals throughout.” The different metals include stainless steel appliances, a blackened zinc range hood, antiqued brass hardware and a forged iron pot rack.
Designer: DLC-ID
Taking up what was originally three separate rooms, the enlarged open kitchen is an ideal space for a family of 10. An island with two sinks is topped with a Caesarstone in concrete. The lower cabinets are a weathered white oak, and the uppers are covered in Cornforth White by Farrow & Ball.
“I wanted the kitchen to look like it had been updated many times over the years,” says designer Jon de la Cruz. “So I added different types of cabinets and various metals throughout.” The different metals include stainless steel appliances, a blackened zinc range hood, antiqued brass hardware and a forged iron pot rack.
The kitchen’s open pantry has floor-to-ceiling shelves made of American black walnut. “The shelves are like great big cutting boards; they’re virtually indestructible,” de la Cruz says.
The black and white limestone floor tiles are from Haussmann Stone.
The black and white limestone floor tiles are from Haussmann Stone.
The kitchen’s bay window alcove includes a custom built-in banquette. The bench seats are covered in leather, and the backs are covered in antique grain sack fabric from Belgium. The ceiling and walls are covered in a Thibaut wallpaper that mimics the look of marble.
With the addition of three sheepskin-covered stools, the large banquette can accommodate up to 10 guests, or in this case, one big family.
With the addition of three sheepskin-covered stools, the large banquette can accommodate up to 10 guests, or in this case, one big family.
The home’s side entrance leads directly into the kitchen. Each of the 10 custom coat hooks sports the name of one family member. De la Cruz added wood paneling to the walls and the ceiling in this area. The kitchen’s window frames and doors are painted in black lacquer.
Stair Landing: Deconstructed Delight
Designer: Elan Evans
The walls of the home’s grand central staircase feature the work of decorative wall artist Elan Evans. Created out of gold-leaf paper, the pattern was inspired by M.C. Escher’s artwork Liberation (1955). It also reflects the condition of the house when Evans first saw it before the remodel: “It felt like the home was deconstructed; the first floor was traditional, while the upper floors had been taken apart over the years and reflected a more modern lifestyle.”
Designer: Elan Evans
The walls of the home’s grand central staircase feature the work of decorative wall artist Elan Evans. Created out of gold-leaf paper, the pattern was inspired by M.C. Escher’s artwork Liberation (1955). It also reflects the condition of the house when Evans first saw it before the remodel: “It felt like the home was deconstructed; the first floor was traditional, while the upper floors had been taken apart over the years and reflected a more modern lifestyle.”
Master Bedroom: Serenity Now
Designer: Martin Group
The serene master bedroom is awash in soft neutrals to create a calming atmosphere. The ceiling features a custom mural of a cloudy sky created by Willem Racké Studio. Interior designer Beth Martin was inspired to create the room’s sculptural chandelier after viewing an exhibition of Swiss sculptor Diego Giacometti’s plaster-coated steel chandeliers at the Picasso Museum in Paris. The new gas fireplace has an antiqued glass surround.
Designer: Martin Group
The serene master bedroom is awash in soft neutrals to create a calming atmosphere. The ceiling features a custom mural of a cloudy sky created by Willem Racké Studio. Interior designer Beth Martin was inspired to create the room’s sculptural chandelier after viewing an exhibition of Swiss sculptor Diego Giacometti’s plaster-coated steel chandeliers at the Picasso Museum in Paris. The new gas fireplace has an antiqued glass surround.
Master Bathroom: Glamour Spa
Designer: Cecilie Starin Design
“Everyone wants a spa-like master bathroom,” says interior designer Cecilie Starin. “I wanted to make sure it was glamorous too.” The floating vanity’s waterfall countertop and square brass pulls (from Liz’s Antique Hardware) up the luxury factor. The gold-framed custom mirrors were designed by Starin; they can slide several inches in both directions to block the sun or change the view. The master bath’s walls are covered in Caesarstone intended to look like marble.
Designer: Cecilie Starin Design
“Everyone wants a spa-like master bathroom,” says interior designer Cecilie Starin. “I wanted to make sure it was glamorous too.” The floating vanity’s waterfall countertop and square brass pulls (from Liz’s Antique Hardware) up the luxury factor. The gold-framed custom mirrors were designed by Starin; they can slide several inches in both directions to block the sun or change the view. The master bath’s walls are covered in Caesarstone intended to look like marble.
Guest Bedroom: Artistic Retreat
Designer: Jaimie Belew Design
This avant-garde bedroom features a wall covered in preserved moss that requires no upkeep. The canopy bed sits atop a platform covered in a mural by decorative painter Linda Horning. The mural combines an African savanna landscape and images from American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. “I wanted the mural to reflect the traditional character of the home and the artistic bent of the room,” says interior designer Jaimie Belew.
The two sculptural lights leaning against the wall were designed by Belew. They are powder-coated metal with LED strips attached to the back.
Designer: Jaimie Belew Design
This avant-garde bedroom features a wall covered in preserved moss that requires no upkeep. The canopy bed sits atop a platform covered in a mural by decorative painter Linda Horning. The mural combines an African savanna landscape and images from American pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. “I wanted the mural to reflect the traditional character of the home and the artistic bent of the room,” says interior designer Jaimie Belew.
The two sculptural lights leaning against the wall were designed by Belew. They are powder-coated metal with LED strips attached to the back.
Teenage Daughter’s Room: Sweet and Moody
Designer: K Interiors
Designer Kristen Peña created this bedroom with a 13-year-old girl in mind. “It’s the age where you feel somewhere in between childhood and young adulthood,” Peña says. “There’s a push and pull going on, and I tried to re-create that sense in the room.” The playful pink-and-black hand-printed wallpaper from JuJu Papers and the fluffy felted wool bedding speak to the innocence of childhood. The black accent wall, hanging macramé lights and leather strap chairs are geared to the stylistic senses of an emerging young adult.
Designer: K Interiors
Designer Kristen Peña created this bedroom with a 13-year-old girl in mind. “It’s the age where you feel somewhere in between childhood and young adulthood,” Peña says. “There’s a push and pull going on, and I tried to re-create that sense in the room.” The playful pink-and-black hand-printed wallpaper from JuJu Papers and the fluffy felted wool bedding speak to the innocence of childhood. The black accent wall, hanging macramé lights and leather strap chairs are geared to the stylistic senses of an emerging young adult.
Little Kids’ Room: Adventure Time
Designer: Studio SHK
Designed to encourage youthful exploration and wonder, the children’s room features an ombré wallpaper from Calico that “evokes an African sky at dawn,” says designer Sherry Hope-Kennedy. To strengthen the effect, muralist Cody Blocker drew wildlife scenes that one might find on a safari. Tree forts inspired the custom bunk bed.
Designer: Studio SHK
Designed to encourage youthful exploration and wonder, the children’s room features an ombré wallpaper from Calico that “evokes an African sky at dawn,” says designer Sherry Hope-Kennedy. To strengthen the effect, muralist Cody Blocker drew wildlife scenes that one might find on a safari. Tree forts inspired the custom bunk bed.
In one corner of the room, a custom termite mound-shaped enclosure made out of multiple layers of wood provides a fun space for a child to hide. “Everyone is adding tepees to kids’ rooms today,” Hope-Kennedy says. “I wanted to try something a little different.”
Carved gym rings hang from the ceiling, adding another playful touch.
Carved gym rings hang from the ceiling, adding another playful touch.
Guest Bathroom: Wonder Wall
Designer: Geddes Ulinskas Architects
Among the home’s five bathrooms, a true standout is this well-lit loo by designer Adele Salierno. The resin wall behind the double vanity features 400 drinking glasses that have been turned on their sides and inserted halfway into the wall. The wall is backlit with LEDs to create an illuminated showpiece.
Vanity: Waterford, Cambria
Designer: Geddes Ulinskas Architects
Among the home’s five bathrooms, a true standout is this well-lit loo by designer Adele Salierno. The resin wall behind the double vanity features 400 drinking glasses that have been turned on their sides and inserted halfway into the wall. The wall is backlit with LEDs to create an illuminated showpiece.
Vanity: Waterford, Cambria
Office: Refined Refuge
Designer: CME Interiors
Created for the man of the house, this sophisticated office is intended to be a refuge to read, listen to music and meet with a friend. Designer Chris Eskra says that the live-edge wood desk from Coup D’Etat was the first piece he purchased for the room and that its refined elegance set the tone for the design. The custom wall finish was created by Linda Horning, who added five layers of paint to achieve the desired texture and effect.
Designer: CME Interiors
Created for the man of the house, this sophisticated office is intended to be a refuge to read, listen to music and meet with a friend. Designer Chris Eskra says that the live-edge wood desk from Coup D’Etat was the first piece he purchased for the room and that its refined elegance set the tone for the design. The custom wall finish was created by Linda Horning, who added five layers of paint to achieve the desired texture and effect.
Hallway Bar: Curiosity Closet
Designer: Krista Hoffman Design
Designer Krista Hoffman says that a recent visit to Rembrandt’s House Museum in Amsterdam inspired the design of the hallway bar. “There’s one room in his house that’s filled to the brim with all these curiosities he had collected during his lifetime,” Hoffman says. “I wanted that same eclectic collected look for the bar.” Hoffman spent months gathering accessories online and from antiques shops all over the country to display in the space. The bar has blue lacquer built-ins and custom brass hardware. A metallic wallpaper from Paper Mills lines the back wall.
Designer: Krista Hoffman Design
Designer Krista Hoffman says that a recent visit to Rembrandt’s House Museum in Amsterdam inspired the design of the hallway bar. “There’s one room in his house that’s filled to the brim with all these curiosities he had collected during his lifetime,” Hoffman says. “I wanted that same eclectic collected look for the bar.” Hoffman spent months gathering accessories online and from antiques shops all over the country to display in the space. The bar has blue lacquer built-ins and custom brass hardware. A metallic wallpaper from Paper Mills lines the back wall.
Laundry Room: Blue-and-White Bliss
Designer: Dina Bandman Interiors
If you think washing your clothes or your dog is a chore, this laundry room created by designer Dina Bandman may change your mind. The blue-and-white room features hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, a window treatment from Lee Jofa and porcelain tile floors from Country Floors.
Countertop: Ella, Cambria
Designer: Dina Bandman Interiors
If you think washing your clothes or your dog is a chore, this laundry room created by designer Dina Bandman may change your mind. The blue-and-white room features hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper, a window treatment from Lee Jofa and porcelain tile floors from Country Floors.
Countertop: Ella, Cambria
Third-Floor Lounge: Sky Lounge
Designer: Catherine Kwong Design
The lounge on the home’s top floor enjoys breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, so designer Catherine Kwong created a serene and comfortable perch to take in the sights. A massive built-in sectional has a white oak base and cushions covered in a custom green-gray fabric from Kravet. The paneled wall is also white oak that has been given a light gray wash.
The 2017 San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs April 29 through May 29. More info
More
Past Meets Present at 2017 Pasadena Showcase House
San Francisco Decorator Showcase: Fresh Takes on Bold Design
Designer: Catherine Kwong Design
The lounge on the home’s top floor enjoys breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay, so designer Catherine Kwong created a serene and comfortable perch to take in the sights. A massive built-in sectional has a white oak base and cushions covered in a custom green-gray fabric from Kravet. The paneled wall is also white oak that has been given a light gray wash.
The 2017 San Francisco Decorator Showcase runs April 29 through May 29. More info
More
Past Meets Present at 2017 Pasadena Showcase House
San Francisco Decorator Showcase: Fresh Takes on Bold Design
When: Saturday, April 29, through Monday, May 29
Where: 2698 Pacific Ave., San Francisco
Info: Check the website for hours and ticket information.
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase is celebrating its 40th anniversary in grand fashion. The 11,000-square-foot Classical Revival house, built in 1904 by architects Newsom & Newsom, has been reimagined by some of the region’s top interior designers. The decorated rooms are not intended to create a unified interior but instead to showcase each designer’s style.
This year’s home belongs to a blended family of 10, so creating rooms to comfortably and stylishly accommodate the large family was a priority for many of the designers. Visitors to the show house enter through an impressive rounded front portico with columns and an ornate balustraded roof.