Design Vie

I made it to the showcase and am FINALLY writing about it!  The house was absolutely stunning and such a treat to walk through.  It is so inspiring to see so many designs carried out.  Perhaps someday I’ll have a room in the showcase  Here are some pictures from this year’s showcase.  When you’re done here, check out Grant Gibson’s post as he has some great pictures he took himself.   The images below are courtesy of sfgate.com and California Home + Design as I was afraid to take pictures (and too distracted by looking at everything)….

Sitting Room from Benjamin Dhong Interior Design – You can’t see the level of detail in this room from the picture so you must see it in person!

Sitting Room from Michael Burg Interiors

Sitting Room by Brian Dittmar Design, Inc.

Quiet Room by Lushart Decorative Painting & Murals

Sitting Room by The Charles de Lisle Workshop

Guest Bedroom by Wick Design

Sitting Room by Cecilie Starin Design Inc.

Retreat by Philpotts & Associates, Inc.

Front Garden by Neo-American Gardens – White roses graced the garden the day I was there which set the home of beautifully.

What did you think of the Showcase?

How many opportunities do you have to walk through a stunning Pacific Heights home that has been outfitted by the most talented designers and architects? Fortunately, if you live in the Bay Area you get this opportunity each year by going to the Decorator Showcase which has historically been in a different home in Pacific Heights each year. Here, designers and architects get to design each of the rooms. It’s a great chance to see the latest design trends and a variety of styles. The Showcase is from May 1 through May 31 and tickets are available at the door ($30). Proceeds benefit the financial aid program at San Francisco University High School – so you are doing a good deed as well! Here are some pictures from last year’s Showcase. I absolutely loved all of the muted creamy gray walls. I can’t wait to go to this year’s and update y’all!

Exterior

Family Room by Leverone Design

Breakfast nook by Leverone Design

Kitchen by J. Weiss Design

Her Study by Benjamin Dhong Interior Design

Master Bedroom by Cecilie Starin Design

Teenage Girl’s Room by Palmer Weiss Interior Design

Penthouse by Heather Hilliard Design

Wallpaper has made its comeback and can be a truly stimulating layer for any room. De Gournay has been outfitting walls for the past few decades with 19^th century hand painted designs. However, its anything but old and tired. De Gournay’s wallpaper ranges from chinoiserie, panoramic scenes to textured coverings. Panels can be completely customized with colors and scenes as they are made to order. Yes, they are pricey but with the staying power of three centuries, I don’t think you will tire of it anytime soon. Check out de Gournay’s interesting story here with Claude Gurney’s vision. Here are a few images of the stunning wallpaper.

i love the movement in this wallpaper

how cool is the Haymarket Hotel in London - i want to stay here on my next visit

the Shooting Room at the Haymarket Hotel again

a bathroom fit for a queen

Now that your house is cleaned out from that Spring Cleaning, nothing will make it feel more fresh than fresh flowers.  In fact some rooms just don’t seem complete without a little floral arrangement.  This is one of the easiest things you can do – just pick up some flowers on your weekly run to Trader Joe’s, the grocery store, the corner mart or perhaps you’re so lucky to have a flower stand nearby.  You don’t even need a fancy vase – you could use a water goblet, mint julep cups or a bowl.  In some of the rooms below, the flowers completely finish them off.

you don't even have to use flowers - leaves make a dramatic statement

a compote dish makes a nice vase

a single bowl, a single flower and a few votives

loving the blue vase and it wouldn't be the same without the flowers

flowers on your desk will always cheer you up