Highlights from the 2024 San Francisco Decorator Showcase
Author:Anh-Minh LeThis is familiar territory for the house at 2898 Broadway: In 1989, it served as the San Francisco Decorator Showcase and, starting this weekend, it does so once again. The interiors, however, are unrecognizable from the event held 35 years ago—thanks to the 28 design firms that spent the past several months reimagining the Dutch Colonial mansion, inside and out. From its perch in Pacific Heights, the views overlooking the Bay are spectacular (this is Billionaire’s Row after all). For art and design enthusiasts—or local looky-loos who want to check out a multimillion-dollar estate—there’s plenty more to behold across the four floors that are part of the 2024 Showcase.
An Entry to Remember by Nancy Evars of Evars Collective
Indeed, interior designer Nancy Evars appointed the foyer in memorable fashion—incorporating a number of women-led lines represented by her boutique showroom, Evars Collective. With a ceiling sheathed in Faye Bell’s Agate, She She’s Freebirds motif appearing on the wall panels and the upholstered mirror, and Little Greene Paint’s Adventurer (an aubergine hue) used on the doors and trim, the space successfully sets the tone for what awaits: lots more color and pattern.
Jewel Box Kitchen by K Interiors
Consider this the fun kitchen—the one on the main level, where guests might gather to grab a cocktail or bite before settling into neighboring sitting and dining areas. Kristen Peña of K Interiors packed this sliver of a space with eye-catching details, such as a decorative ceiling by Caroline Lizarraga, cabinet pulls by Hoffman Hardware, Peña made stools covered in a Zak+Fox textile, floor tiles by Linda Fahey and Murano glass sconces from Coup D’Etat.
The Study by Jay Jeffers, with Willem Racké
It’s been 17 years since interior designer Jay Jeffers last designed a Showcase room, and it’s wonderful to see him back—especially with Willem Racké, the decorative painter responsible for the study’s faux-bois collage-esque ceiling treatment. With furnishings of varying age and provenance, among the standouts are a verdigris-and-wicker Chris Wolston side chair and a pair of vintage Guillerme et Chambron chairs upholstered in a textured Romo fabric.
Photo by Christopher Stark.
To the Dark and the Endless Skies by AubreyMaxwell Design
As suggested by its name—taken from the lyrics of Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”—AubreyMaxwell’s bedroom is all about music and memories. The duo behind the firm, Marcus Keller and Robbie McMillan, designed the walnut stereo cabinet, which holds LPs that Keller inherited from his father. On the opposite side of the soulful space, photographer Richard Mosse’s pink-tinged I Shall Be Released contrasts the lovely, weathered floral wallcovering.
The Observatory by Jon de la Cruz of DLC-ID
Photo by John Merkl.
Jon de la Cruz of DLC-ID went bold in one of the home’s biggest rooms. Let’s start with the artwork that greets you: kites by Ai Weiwei (above a kid-sized table and chairs) and diptychs by Joe Rudko (made with found photos). Then there are the multiple sofas upholstered in Rubelli’s Monet, a printed chenille with vibrant bursts of greens and blues (and, in some instances, further punched up with tassel trim). Give yourself ample time to not only appreciate the design elements in here, but also to gaze out the panoramic folding glass wall.
Elysian Gaze by Peruri Design Company
Photo by Bess Friday.
When it’s time for a break from the lively patterns and palettes, head to Sindhu Peruri’s primary suite, which channels Greek and Roman romanticism. Classical and contemporary harmonize—including a handpainted silk de Gournay wallcovering, a custom bed fabricated by Chop Wood Co, sculptural Tomas Graeff mirrors and a chandelier by ceramist Elsa Foulon. Curves abound, imbuing a softness that adds to the space’s soothing quality. The Serene Soak—anchored by a terra cotta-hued tub—is accessed through a rotunda featuring Caroline Lizarraga’s decorative painting.
If you’re in the market for an 11,155-square-foot Dutch Colonial mansion, located at 2898 Broadway, good news: It’s for sale. Or, if you’re short of the $32 million asking price, buy a ticket ($35-$45) to marvel at the 19th-century residence. The Showcase is open April 27 to May 27, 2024, with proceeds benefiting University High School’s financial aid program. Purchase tickets to tour the home in person HERE and stay tuned for additional room features in the coming weeks.
