Overview of the 46th San Francisco Decorator Showcase
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase returns for its 46th installment, open from April 26 to May 26, 2025, featuring the creative contributions of 19 leading interior and landscape design firms. Set in a stunning five-level residence in Pacific Heights, this year’s showcase highlights the evolution and diversity of design talent in the Bay Area.
Historical Context of the Showcase Residence
Originally built in 1902, the property was designed by architect Thomas Paterson Ross as a Tudor Revival three-flat, intended as a multi-family investment for Carrie Gummer, a notable figure whose late husband had achieved significant success in banking. Over the years, the building transitioned from a rental space occupied by affluent tenants to a single-family home following several ownership changes.
Transformation and Recent Renovations
A pivotal renovation occurred in 2009, led by architect Louis Felthouse and designer Matthew MacCaul Turner, significantly altering the house’s design identity. The Tudor characteristics were replaced by a classically-inspired French limestone exterior. However, some interior elements preserve the essence of its Tudor origins, albeit with contemporary adaptations. This transformation resulted in a spacious eight-bedroom home, complete with expansive city and Bay views from its multi-level rooftop terrace.
Significance of the Showcase
The San Francisco Decorator Showcase has been a prominent fundraising event since 1977, supporting the financial aid program of San Francisco University High School, amassing over $19 million to date. This venue not only serves as an exhibition of stylistic interpretations but also a platform for trend forecasting through the newly designed spaces.
Design Highlights
Among the standout spaces is a reimagined wood-paneled living room by designer Geoffrey De Sousa. This area features a striking blush pink curled-arm sofa paired with Todo Modo slipper chairs, designed in 1993 by Jean-Michel Wilmotte for the Louvre. These chairs allow patrons to easily view artworks without needing to change seats, highlighting functionality alongside aesthetic appeal.
Conclusion
The 2025 San Francisco Decorator Showcase promises an engaging exploration of design innovation, set within a historically rich locale. By bridging past elegance with contemporary ingenuity, this event highlights the dynamic nature of interior design and its ongoing evolution in one of America’s most iconic cities.
