You guys, I saw the most amazing house yesterday. Elle Decor magazine has created a showhouse in San Francisco’s ritzy Saint Francis Woods neighborhood. They gathered the city’s preeminent interior designers and had them each decorate an area of the 5,000 square-foot mansion. I wanted to move in immediately.
My favorite part—although everything was truly gorgeous—was the downstairs, decorated by Erin Martin. It’s a large, open area for TV-watching, lounging in front of the fireplace, and mixing up a drink. The room featured my favorite rug of all time—Domino magazine (which I still mourn) did a “Found It!” piece on a similar (possibly identical) rug and I fell in love (check out the detail shot in the gallery). Somehow, though the room was meticulously appointed, it gave me that “We’re in the basement!” feeling that you got when you were a kid. Is that just me? It’s kind of that wild feeling that makes you believe anything goes, but really you’re about to get yelled at for being too rowdy. There were just enough whimisical touches, like the old-timey photos with drawn-on mustaches and eyebrows, and a giant ball of rope. And the chandelier is just jaw-dropping.
The developer is Regina Callan of RBR Development, which is known for sustainable practices. The house features solar panels that match the original terra cotta roof, LED lighting and Silestone countertops. I’ll let you check out the rest for yourselves (design credits after the jump). If you’d like to see it in person, the house is open to the public on weekends from November 4 through the 21 from 10am until 4pm. Admission is $30 if purchased before November 12, $35 at the door. Tickets are available from (and all proceeds go to) the San Francisco Junior League.
Credits generally match the order of the slideshow:
Living room by Gary Spain, who is creative director at Restoration Hardware. Favorite feature: the amazing coffee tables were found someplace in Texas. He told me Restoration Hardware is replicating them.
Entry foyer, office and upper hall by Kendall Wilkinson. Favorite feature: the chandelier at the top of the stairs—it’s the spherical one with the many tiny lights. Amazing! Also love the star ceiling sconces. And in the office, the painting she chose with the blue upholstery of the chairs is perfection.
Master bedroom suite by Jay Jeffers. Favorite feature: the custom made aluminum bar cart by Paul Benson. Because every bedroom needs a bar cart! I also loved the upholstery on the benches at the foot of the bed and how it played off of the large hassock in front of the fireplace. The striking photograph above the fireplace is by Katie Grannin.
Second bedroom by Elizabeth Martin. I didn’t get to spend much time in this room, but my favorite feature was the minimalist metalwork bed.
Youth bedroom by Grant K. Gibson. This room was so much fun, and Grant was a major sweetheart. Favorite feature: the amazing wallpaper. Second favorite: the Keep Calm and Carry On poster.
Guest bedroom and deck by Suzanne Tucker. Wow. Favorite feature: the amazing twin four-poster beds, which were gifted to Tucker by fashion icon and San Francisco native Nan Kempner. Michael Taylor originally placed them in her city bedroom.
Family room and lower level by Erin Martin. Martin worked in orphanages around the world before becoming a designer, so it’s no wonder I’m so attracted to her creation. Actually I think she is my new girl crush. As I mentioned above, this was my favorite space in the house. I loved the dark mirrored walls and I love the fact that there is something for everyone in this room: even a bar!
Kitchen and breakfast room by Palmer Weiss. This was everything you want in a kitchen: bright, colorful, light, cheery. It made you want to be awake, eating and chatting with your family. Favorite feature: the amazing curtains! Also, another of my favorite rugs.
Exterior landscaping by Surfacedesign. I didn’t get many photos of the exterior, and tragically I didn’t get any of my favorite feature: the fountain (but I’m going back to the house tonight for a cocktail party, so I’ll try again!). I also loved how green and lush the foliage was. More pics TK for sure.
Dining room by Steven Volpe. I can’t even decide what my favorite feature was: The enormous water photograph, the round dining table, or the giant wood cabinet? Oh, and the blue wall paper! All gorgeous.
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