Do you enjoy and appreciate home design? If so, you won't want to miss this annual event! It's a great venue to meet with local designers and to get your design juices flowing. By invitation​, designers each take on one room in a designated home (typically a mega-mansion)​ and showcase their creativity in design. It's interesting to chat with them about how their inspiration for the design came about, how they approached the project​ or​ the ​challenges they encountered. They're more than happy and enthusiastic to converse. This year was especially interesting​ since the Showcase was held in an 18,000 square foot home that was designed to be a replica of Le Petit Trianon in Versailles, once Marie Antoinette's place of refuge. Check out my photo comparing the two, and you'll see that the San Francisco version here comes pretty darn close. If you're interested in a new home, this home is currently on the market for an asking of $30million. It's located in San Francisco though, so don't​ unrealistically expect hundreds of acres of land. It's only about half an acre, and isn't even gated! Oh well, that's par for the course if you're not familiar with housing prices in San Francisco. One of the designers shared with me that the seller isn't in any rush to sell, and is waiting for the perfect buyer. I don't know about the seller, but for me, the "perfect buyer" is whoever makes a solid offer for $39 million or more. I spent well over two enjoyable hours​ exploring the showcase rooms. They're each unique in their own way, so don't expect a flow from room to room. You'll find a purple kitchen and a room that feels like a French pied-a-terre​ in another. That's the fun of it! My top two favorite rooms were the purple kitchen and ​The Haute Hideaway. Who doesn't love a kitchen with Hestan appliances in purple? And I could spend endless hours reading books by the fireplace in the large, yet cozy Haute Hideaway! Dreams can turn into reality, right? Obviously,​ many of the rooms were way beyond huge, but it was amazing to see how well the designers did with some of the smaller spaces, like the Butler's Pantry. The best thing about the Showcase is that no two years are ever the same. There's always a new featured mansion filled with completely​ new designs by new designers. If you missed it this year, there's always next year. If you've seen it this year, you won't want to miss it next year. See you ​there in 2020! read more

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This years design challenge featured the three story Pacific Heights mansion at 2020 Jackson Street in San Francisco. The rooms were a mash-up of interior design, everything from a phone-it-in bathroom wall treatment to a Duchamp tribute bathroom. The latter came complete with scissors hanging eye level from an open umbrella and scissors standing in for water in the claw foot tub. I thought some eBay seller got lucky, but It turns out this is a post-911 artistic statement made from confiscated homeland security items. The 2012 man cave was predictably dark and woody with a vintage goth appeal. Lots of re-purposed, recycled, green buzz words flying about the antique looking thingies under domed glass and well, it was really dark. Right next door was a sparkling light teen room with impossibly happy heart shaped stencils on the ceiling and heart shaped photo collage on the wall. A glowing neon sign reminded our occupant that "you only live once". Dangerous words for a hormonal teen me thinks. In the upholstery world zebra lives side by side with velvet and unnatural fibers. Good Lordy, the balcony could have had an upside down wine barrel table and nobody would notice, the view was that spectacular. Luckily the designer's vision matched the splendor of the scenery with a tented sitting area and electric candelabra. Feeling rich just standing there. The Transamerica Pyramid could be seen in the distance through the back stairway window. The conceptional award goes to the woman who designed the room with the mirrored table reflecting a geometric patterned rug. She should have handed out special Dali-vision glasses. The table appeared to be melting into the floor. Around every corner would be an arty surprise, like the tie, bow tie & cuff link set made of twisted wire. There were lots of creative light fixtures. The teen room had a mid-century-ish combo of plumbing rods & retro bulbs. The room adjacent to the balcony had a light shaped like an upside down flower bouquet, face to face with a giant display of colorful real live flowers. 2020 Jackson is lookie loo heaven. read more

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My dogsitter is also an interior designer, and invited me to tag along to the 2008 showcase house on Sunday. While not a decorator, I passionately love architecture and was in sheer heaven wandering through this Italianate-style mansion in Pacific Heights. From its original bones (Tiffany skylight, marble stairs, bronze entry ceiling) to modern marvels on display from the talented artisans sponsoring each room, this was decadent looky-loo'ing at its finest. Well worth the $30 (which benefits University High, BTW). Now if I'd only had $2K to spare, I would have SO bid on a certain painting in the silent auction in the basement. Runs through Memorial Day. read more

San Francisco Decorator Showcase - 2008's Design House at 2820 Scott Street. (Photo: SFGate.com). - Art Tours Near Me - San Francisco, California

To be honest, I had no idea what the Decorator Showcase was. But I had been riding my bike by this damn abandoned mansion in SF, the Le Petit Trianon at 3800 Washington Street, for close to the last decade. And each time I would stop and wonder, what the f*#$ are they doing with one of the most lavish houses in California? It's just sitting there empty and rotting. So one day, when I rode by and saw a lot of well dressed people queuing up, I slammed on my bike brakes and inquired. It was a funny scene, my sweaty biking body chatting up some well-heeled chap about the most expensive property in SF. They directed me to the Designer website and, well, I came down a day later. Again, I had no idea what was going on inside with the designers, I just wanted to see the house. Sure, the $40 price to get in was pricey, but it is tax deductible. Once inside, I was blown away by not only the magnitude of the house, but also by the fact that each room was lovingly designed by a different person and firm. Each room was an extravagant masterpiece in its own right; the colors, the patterns, the aromas, the minibars in every room, the grand ballroom, the (wo)man cave downstairs. Holy moly, the house is practically perfect, if not highly expensive. In fact, on top of the 30 million price, the 330k in annual property tax, I mentioned out loud, "I wonder what it costs to maintain this baby." A reply from a stranger standing nearby shot back immediately "If you are asking you can't afford it." Well, no shit I can't afford it. No one of here can. But that brings me to another point, many of the designers have attitudes that will put a rock star persona to shame. Just severely uptight people. I get it, creatives can be emotional. I'm creative too. But jeez, some of these people were way, way too much. Nonetheless, I didn't let that vibe deter me from the enjoying the one and only time I would be in one of the most magnificent homes in SF. I look forward seeing what house they will present next year. Until then... PS Single guys hint: These events may have the highest women:men ratio in the entire bay area, times five, especially during the weekday. read more

Always an inspiration! This year was especially fun because I was able to participate (in a small way) by assisting the fabulous decorative painter (and my good friend) Lynne Rutter with her Vintage Laundry with the vintage naughties & unmentionables. Her design was so fun & many folks would end up hanging out in the space. My favorites: Vintage Laundry (natch), The soft sueded bedroom by Ironies & the seriously sexy Dining Room By Steven Miller. That Mural, The chairs. Gimme! I have a special relationship with the house (see my Seconds to Go review) & was able to wear clothes original to the house for the opening party. How cool is that! Why not 5 stars? This year was really "too exclusive" as the homeowner prevented many of the more avant guard of design ideas from coming to fruition. Censorship is rough, people. read more

The SF Decorator Showcase yearly event is on it 30th year! This event usually takes place in Pac Heights, Presidio Heights, or Sea Cliff area of SF. Each year a house is seeked out or donated to showcase the work of over 30 Northern California's top interior & landscape designers. The top-to-bottom renovation of these fine proprieties is a must see for architectural lovers, interior design enthusest, or anyone who wants a rare look inside one of San Francisco's most elegant homes/Mansions. All proceeds benefit (SFUHS) University High School, so it is a write-off. Following your tour is a silent auction. I personally don't attend this benefit to give money to SFUHS since it is already a very wealthy school. But who am I to judge RICH kids need better Edumications tooooooooooooooooo! This event runs mind to late April to mid to late May. $30 general admission; $25 for seniors, @ the door . Group rates available and must be arranged in advance by calling (415) 447-3137. read more

One of the most entertaining things you can do. Apart from the jaw-droppingly gorgeous rooms and breathtaking views, the enormous and alluring Pacific Heights mansions and their tennis courts and linen closets, the people who live fofr the Decorator Showcase are incredibly entertaining. Case and point: Three women wearing pastel-colored hats with matching pastel pant suits approached me and my friend, zooming in on our obvious showcase-newbie-status and absence of Chanel. "May I help you?" one shriveled-apple, pastel-suited woman asked me with pursed lips. "Um...just here for the showcase," I shrugged. She offered a smile, but her Botox prevented much expression. "Alright, well, there is no picture-taking allowed beyond the gate." Oookay... Next up, a group of women analyzing a painting in the "Parlour" room. Woman 1: "Oh look, Christie...A painting of...what are those musicians called? Maharajis?" Woman 2: "Maharajis...oh! You mean mariachis! Yes, those are mariachi-players. Dan and I saw them when we were in Spain." Woman 1: "I'm sure you could rent a group for your next event, huh?" I practically fell over and knocked into a marble statue. While I felt incredibly out of place, I must say snooping around exquisitely-decorated mansions was amusing, but the crowd was even more entertaining. Bottom line- it's worth a look! read more

This event features work by TOP interior and landscape designers and is one of the top Show Houses in the country. Proceeds benefit University High School's financial aid program. An annual MUST DO! read more

This is my 4th year attending the Decorator Showcase, and even though some years are better than others, I always enjoy seeing how the "other half" lives. One of the best things about it is getting to see inside a San Francisco mansion, with its history and architectural details. This year's house was built in 1927 in the Italian Renaissance style, and its presence and size is something to behold. I like seeing the kept details from the original house like the servants' bells and garage. The fact that a builder could look at that slope and figure out how to build a stone mansion on it is beyond me - it is some kind of engineering miracle. Different interior and landscape designers have a chance to show off their skills and interpret a room, keeping in mind the owners of the house and the use of the room, so it will appeal to your "Project Runway" soul, but done by professionals. I especially liked Kendall Wilkinson's Master Bedroom with its dramatic deep teal walls and accents of bold orange - brilliant window treatments, too. The other standout was Tish Key, who did the Tea Room, Butler's Pantry and Kitchen using what was there but updating it just enough to be more useful, and adding a chandelier or mirrored surface for a touch of elegance. But there are interesting things in every room - take the natural simplicity of the Girl's Bedroom with amazing textures and all of the furniture custom made by the designers Kate McIntyre and Brad Huntzinger. Or the Vintage Laundry Room which kept the same walls and paint as in the original house. This year, admission ($30) also gets you the audio tour, which is nice for some background and explanation when you want it - there are also docents throughout. It was through one of them that I learned that the homeowner, now an elderly woman who has lived in the house since childhood, visits the house every day. If you like a bit of history, a bit of style, and a lot of inspiration, the Decorator Showcase is a good way to spend an afternoon. You'll be surrounded by the "ladies who lunch" and perhaps their mothers and daughters, who, as Nicole R. points out, are as entertaining as the decor. Shopping on Sacramento and a meal at Garibaldi's afterwards is a great way to cap off your visit. read more

i've been for the past 3 yrs, so it's getting dull. the design is somewhat formulaic: have a room with an animal theme (dog/fish/horse), there's always the room with the bird-cage, a room with venetian marble walls, a few of the same art pieces, a mirror that has a television inside it. although the laundry room/wet bar was nice. the people are sometimes nice, though some are annoying/snotty/rude. read more

Very disappointing. Looking over the "before" photos in the showcase catalogue - seeing the wonderful blank canvases these designers had to work with - I am almost depressed at the results. I live a few blocks away, and honestly, the average house here is better decorated than this "showcase" house. I feel sad even writing this. read more