The Latest San Francisco Decorator Showcase Wows

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It might take visitors a beat to enjoy the landscape, because all eyes will be on the home’s exterior. The dwelling was once white, but artist A.J. Oishi and Simon Breitbard Fine Arts considered the walls a canvas and covered them with a jaw-dropping trio of gigantic concentric circles. Inside, there’s a similar tension between the pull of the scenery through the large windows and the built environment. In the living room and dining room, designers decided to work in harmony with the views.

The 41st San Francisco Decorator Showcase makes history when it opens on April 28. Usually the event–which involves top Northern California design pros transforming an empty house for charity–sits high above sea level in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, Presidio Heights and Sea Cliff. This year, the house is right on the water in the Marina District. It sits at 465 Marina Boulevard, which affords it stellar views of the San Francisco Bay.

The house will be open to visitors for one month (April 28 to May 28), Tuesday through Thursday and Memorial Day. Directions are easy: When you see the oversize circles, you’ll know you are at the right place.

For example, Mead Quin went for

For example, Mead Quin went for "serene and simple" in her living room and terrace spaces. The scene is set in the living area, where a moody black-and-white video installation by San Francisco artist Jim Campbell hangs above a grand marble fireplace.

earby, designer David Bjorngaard created a dining room rich with stories reflecting the setting, in particular the Marin Headlands visible in the distance. In a material sense, the furnishings relate to the the look and feel of sandy beaches, weathered driftwood and blue water.

earby, designer David Bjorngaard created a dining room rich with stories reflecting the setting, in particular the Marin Headlands visible in the distance. In a material sense, the furnishings relate to the the look and feel of sandy beaches, weathered driftwood and blue water.

Further back, Ian Stallings relates more design tales in his trio of spaces: a kitchen outfitted with lacquered cabinets, a family room anchored by a yellow sofa and a meditation area centered around a golden buddha.

Further back, Ian Stallings relates more design tales in his trio of spaces: a kitchen outfitted with lacquered cabinets, a family room anchored by a yellow sofa and a meditation area centered around a golden buddha. "The space tells the story of a family's daily journey," Stallings says. "Up in the morning for a healthy breakfast, followed by a grounding meditation and stretch. They end the day in the family room to tell stories, or to enjoy a book or Netflix."

mint nursery by Dina Bandman with lemon tree wallpaper

The youngest member of that fictional family lives in a luxurious nursery created by Dina Bandman. The designer crafted an infant's room that eschews pink and blue colors in favor of yellow and mint hues. High notes include a custom Lucite crib and a De Gournay wallpaper featuring lemon trees (some of fruit is hand-embellished with sequins).

Upstairs, elders sleep in an elegant master bedroom designed by Jeff Schlarb. He calls it Ten Thousand Dreams, explaining,

Upstairs, elders sleep in an elegant master bedroom designed by Jeff Schlarb. He calls it Ten Thousand Dreams, explaining, "We work hard to make homes that amplify amazing lives. We uncover passions, ambitions, desires and dreams." In this scenario, that means several exclamation mark elements, including a bed upholstered in plaid wool and faux fur, a sparkling chandelier from Grey Lux and a fringed wallpaper from Hewn.

If you plan on taking selfies in this house, best to pose in the Rose Lounge by Melanie Coddington, because the blush and wine colors on the walls make your skin glow. The designer calls the room feminine, but there's also an edge in pieces like the black patent leather handbag with a flashing

If you plan on taking selfies in this house, best to pose in the Rose Lounge by Melanie Coddington, because the blush and wine colors on the walls make your skin glow. The designer calls the room feminine, but there's also an edge in pieces like the black patent leather handbag with a flashing "times up" message and the custom sofa covered by a delicate pink fabric standing in contrast with curtains sporting a bold, geometric print.

Downstairs is a pair of cozy retreats. Cynthia Spence purposely crafted an analog room that lacks high-tech features. Instead, there are earth-friendly elements from (mostly) local makers. A Ted Boerner sofa from Hewn, comfortable pillows in a riot of colors and illuminated art by photographer Margot Hartford invite mythical residents to unplug and relax. Decorative painter Elan Evans, who shares credit for the room, has made more layers of pattern with textured walls and ceilings.

Downstairs is a pair of cozy retreats. Cynthia Spence purposely crafted an analog room that lacks high-tech features. Instead, there are earth-friendly elements from (mostly) local makers. A Ted Boerner sofa from Hewn, comfortable pillows in a riot of colors and illuminated art by photographer Margot Hartford invite mythical residents to unplug and relax. Decorative painter Elan Evans, who shares credit for the room, has made more layers of pattern with textured walls and ceilings.

In the Lady Cave, Jon de la Cruz's childhood memories of creating pillow forts were the inspiration. The space is completely draped with embroidered linen fabric, giving the impression of an exotic tent. A custom channel-tufted sectional invites ladies--or anyone else--to sink in and unwind.

In the Lady Cave, Jon de la Cruz's childhood memories of creating pillow forts were the inspiration. The space is completely draped with embroidered linen fabric, giving the impression of an exotic tent. A custom channel-tufted sectional invites ladies--or anyone else--to sink in and unwind.