Jessie Black
Interior Designer/Owner, Jessie Black Boutique
After opening her eponymous boutique four years ago in the Pacific Heights neighborhood, it didn’t take long for Jessie Black to amass an extensive list of clients requesting her interior design services. “People were asking me to recreate similar surrounds in their own homes,” she says. Black’s decorating style emphasizes timeless luxury showcased through a serene and understated palette of neutral hues, natural materials and layered textures. “Wood, white and sunlight are my favorite design ingredients,” she says. When the designer is not cultivating her next project or expanding her business (she recently added custom furniture design), she’s busy discovering local artisan brands and craftsmen, such as Gerhard Ceramics, Fells/Andes and Carolynn Haydu, to introduce in her boutique. Here, the Bay Area resident gives us a tour of her go-to spots in the city.
7 a.m. I like to start the day with an early morning stroll through the Presidio with my dog, Max. It’s the absolute best part of my day. Occasionally, I’ll head to SoulCycle or Yoga Tree beforehand. Exercise helps me clear my mind so I can calmly tackle anything that comes my way.
9 a.m. We have so many cute cafes in San Francisco, so I like to have my morning meetings in coffee shops. I adore As Quoted, especially since it’s just up the road from my boutique. The banana muffins are the best! Rose’s Cafe or Le Marais Bakery (for a croissant) are also my favorites.
11 a.m. If I am sourcing accessories for a client, I love nothing more than staying local. I always start on Sacramento Street and then expand my search from there. This street has really evolved over the past few years. Sue Fisher King, Anyon and The Future Perfect are a few of my top places to shop for projects. I also love Hudson Grace for entertaining items. New boutique Found by Maja always has such unique treasures, while Poetica Art & Antiques carries an array of vintage finds.
1 p.m. I’m currently working on an exciting design project in The Pacific building, so I often stroll Fillmore Street for a quick lunch. Each time I plan to try some place new but Jane is my usual haunt.
3 p.m. After checking in at the boutique, I’ll head to the San Francisco Design Center. McGuire is one of my favorite showrooms. It’s fresh, earthy and modern. I really like De Sousa Hughes, too. I also always try to pop by Coup D’Etat if I am on the hunt for a bold statement piece.
7 p.m. After work, I’ll meet up with girlfriends or I’ll end the day with a casual dinner with my husband. I love cozy home-cooked dinners but with so many great restaurants, we are more often compelled to head out. My favorite is a casual pasta or pizza at Fiorella. We also love 1760, Cala or Nico.
