I was SO thrilled to be included in the special press preview of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2019 this year, as it was definitely the largest SF Decorator Showcase yet! With 43 designers completely renovating ‘Le Petit Trianon”, a classic SF mansion at 3800 Washington St., just south of the Presidio, this might have been the most impressive showcase yet.
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase benefits the financial aid program of San Francisco University High School, and doubles as a unique way for the Bay Area’s best interior designers, architects and artists to showcase their style, and what’s next in the world of interior design. And let me tell you, there is a LOT to take in. As a designer (mostly fashion) myself, I can draw quite a bit of inspiration from the rooms, from the unique mix of colors, to print mixing, to the fluidity of combining modern shapes with historic architecture.
Favorites of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2019
I couldn’t possibly feature all 43 designers in this post, but I did want to highlight a few who stood out to me, whose designs felt fun, risky, and an escape from every day design. My hope later on it to design something based on one or two of these rooms, using their bold, adventurous design as inspiration for my own creations!
Living Room by Studio Collins Weir
What I loved most about this room is the airiness the designers achieved, with a room with such an insane amount of thick moulding. The ‘before’ in this room was intense and dated, but by giving the entire room a fresh coat of bright white, adding in giant mirrors to literally mirror the windows, and using modern light fixtures, the room is completely transformed. I also loved the bold crimson hue of the curved sofas; it took a space that could have read as too stark or cold, and turned it into the perfect entertaining room!
Marie’s Magnolias by Dina Bandman Interiors
It would be hard for Dina to top her Lemondrop Lullaby nursery from last year, but she’s created another stunning space with her classic and whimsical feminine retreat. The focal point is the gorgeous handpainted faux marble fireplace, as well as the always standout De Gourney wallpaper that Dina imagined into a 3D sculpture that climbs up the mantle and ceiling. Plus the room is full of tasty treats and macarons, who doesn’t want to spend all their time in this delicious spa like setting?
The Ballroom by Applegate Tran Interiors
This space was truly eye-catching. Completely refinished in high gloss black with layered in high-contrast natural stone patterned tile work, the ballroom came alive with the clever use of historical modern art. What is historical modern art you ask? 3D acrylic frescos and a stage with a plaster 18th century women’s dress form of course! I would never go to a bar again, instead choosing to host my ladies over for a swanky after-hours cocktail soiree!
Master Spa by ABH Interiors
But really, doesn’t every home need a master spa designed as if in a 1960’s rural tropicale? Another room with stunning de Gournay ‘Paradise Lost’ wallpaper, this room shows how letting the walls do the work can sometimes be the most impactful way to decorate. I particularly love the different moulding colors; how a darker blue was used to ground the room, versus a lighter blue to keep the airy paradise illusion moving upward.
Entertainment Room by Jonathan Rachman Design
This room was clearly a play on the ‘more is more’ theme, and I couldn’t get enough of it. I am always drawn to colorful excess when it’s well done like this, because truly, it is hard to do. Plus I love it as a counterpoint to the minimalism that is so rampant in today’s design. Another de Gournay wallpaper here, but shockingly it almost takes a backseat to all of the other bright colors, textures and artifacts in this room!
Plant Atrium by Brandon Pruett Design
This plant and landscape designer did a truly impressive job taking such a heavy, historical building and breathing life into it. When you reach the top floor of this 4 level San Francisco mansion, just close your eyes and inhale all the fresh air from his plant installation, which beautifully mirrors the stained glass ceiling in the atrium. All it needed was one single chair for me to sit and read.
So there are 6 of my favorite rooms that I saw in the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2019, but believe me, there are so many more of beautifully designed rooms waiting for you, that I wish I could share. The showcase is open April 27-May 27, and you can buy your tickets or donate directly through the SF Showcase website here!
