One of a kind boxes in brass and reclaimed Clairo walnut by Paul Benson for Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)

Union Square may be San Francisco’s main shopping district, reaching all the way towards Montgomery on the East, Market Street on the South, and Bush Street on the North, but lots is also happening on the West side between Powell and Van Ness where many interesting shops have popped up in recent years.  Among my favorites is Floréal L’Atelier on Taylor, run by the fabulous Dominique Pfahl who not only creates the most amazing floral creations, but also sells unusual naturalist home decor, unique jewelry, and one of a kind pieces by artists such as Dave Meeker whose work I collect.  In addition to being a regular at the de Young Museum’s Bouquets to Art, über creative Dominique has also been an important part of our installations for DIFFA’s DINING BY DESIGN, which would not have had the same impact without her amazing contributions.

“Delight” knife bowl by Dave Meeker and “Eggelier” light fixture comprised of branches, ostrich and turkey eggs, feathers and lichen by Dominque Pfahl for Dining by Design 2007 (Photo: Kandi Carol)

Interior of Floréal L’Atelier (Photo: courtesy of By Hand and Heart)

Backsplash made from branches and moss by Dominque Pfahl for Dining by Design 2010 (Photo: Crystal Shafer Waye)

Up a block on Post is Cheeko  B, the pet boutique owned by Kattya and Patrick Breitenbach that has everything for the sophisticated pooch or feline, from gourmet treats to designer toys, apparel and accessories.

Cheeko and Frankie at Cheeko B (Photo: Patrick Breitenbach)

On Sutter at Silverman Gallery, artist, curator and gallerist Jessica Silverman has with, what I would call, a keen eye and plenty of chutzpah, staged exhibits of emerging and mid-career artists from around the country and from as far as Germany and Israel.  I love Yuval Pudik’s meticulous and surreal pencil drawings!  The gallery has grown tremendously since the opening in 2006, and Jessica has participated in many prominent shows including the Paris Art Fair, FIAC, NADA in New York and Miami, SF20/21,  and ART COLOGNE.  Get on her mailing list to learn about upcoming shows.

“some of my equals” by Yuval Pudik (Photo: courtesy of Silverman Gallery)

“Overload” by Conrad Ruiz (Photo: courtesy of Silverman Gallery)

Right across the street Matt McNamara and Teague Moriarty of the Michelin-starred Sons & Daughters opened Sweet Woodruff, serving a small and casual rotating menu of house-made food in a rustic corner space, which was designed for a quick bite at the bar counter or gourmet carry-out.  I must tell you that the lemon tart is very addictive!

Sweet Woodruff’s open kitchen (Photo: Katie Jones of Everything Reconsidered)

Brie and apple sandwich (Photo: Off the Menu)

Worth a quick hike one more block up the hill on Bush is Town Cutler, owned by chef Galen Garretson who has worked with some of the best in the business including Tyler Florence and Michael Tusk.  He decided to open his shop after realizing that San Francisco is lacking good knife sellers. Town Cutler not only carries the best professional quality artisan knives, but also offers expert sharpening services and classes on the subject.  Everyone should know how to sharpen their tools!  Last year Galen was also invited to be part of the pop-up shops at SF20/21, curated by Stanlee Gatti, which showcased contemporary designers, artists, and artisans as the entrée to the show.

Galen Garretson teaching a class (Photo: courtesy of Mi Piace Kate)

A fellow participant of the pop-up shops was the multi-talented Matt Dick who is well known for his many talents in textile and clothing design, fashion branding and product development.  Under his newly created label of Small Trading Company he has designed uniforms for Bardessono, Bar Agricole, and Blue Bottle, and has created shop concepts for LVC, International Orange and Harputs Market.  Stop by at MatoCreative on Post for Matt’s unique designs in indigo denim, recycled Levi’s, white canvas with leather, and burlap.

Goods at MatoCreative (Photo: courtesy of MatoCreative)

Right next door is In Fiore, a perfumery and apothecary for your skin.  Owner Julie Elliott has created a seductive line of face and body care with pure floral oils and essences.  Choose from a beautifully presented collection of perfume “solides” in branded brass compacts, complexion treatments, body balms, and bath and body oils.  The scents will captivate you the moment you enter.

Skin treatments at In Fiore (Photo: courtesy of Roxana Illuminated Perfume)

The neighborhood is also the home of two fashion designers, each very different from the other.  Joseph Domingo is known for his elegant couture gowns that have graced socialites and celebrities alike.  But Joseph has also designed unique garments for many charitable causes, and can conjure beauty from the most humble of materials, even condom wrappers.  His atelier is open by appointment only.

Gown made from condom wrappers in the window of Joseph Domingo’s atelier (Photo: K. Demoro)

A little further down on Sutter is Christopher Collins’ headquarter.  The Project Runway Season 8 contestant sells his designs at Neiman Marcus and stores around the country, but his boutique is the place to go for a one-of-a-kind ensemble by the talented designer.

A coat by Christopher Collins (Photo: courtesy of Christopher Collins)

On the way towards Van Ness the newest kid on the block has made its debut this week, Cavalier by A list interior designer Jay Jeffers.  Jay has owned his design studio in my neighborhood for a few years now, but just recently he decided to add a retail store to the front of his award-winning space on Post Street.  Business and life partner Michael Purdy serves as the Creative Director for Cavalier, which celebrates their shared passion for all that is singular and luxurious.  The shop showcases a curated collection of masculinely hued vintage, new and bespoke furniture, lighting, accessories and art, and it is the exclusive source for Jay Jeffers’ own collection of California-made upholstery, furniture and lighting.

Vintage bar car with unique objects and design books at Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)

Jay and Michael also worked with designers and artisans from around the world to create limited editions solely available at Cavalier.  Among them are master metal smith Paul Benson, one of my personal favorites, and plaster sculptor Stephen Antonson who is well known for his work for Dessin Fournir.

One of a kind boxes in aluminum, brass and reclaimed Clairo walnut by Paul Benson for Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)

In the spirit of of offering the best of the best the owners sought out preeminent producers of everything from home decor to jewelry and tea.  Cavalier represents Merida’s new custom-woven wool Sweater Collection rugs, limited edition acrylics by Alexandra Von Furstenberg, vessels and objects by ceramicist Shizue Iamai, jewelry by Alex & Lee, and handcrafted blends from Bellocq Tea Atelier.  Look out for more to be added every month as the Jay and Michael travel the globe to add fresh wares.

Vignette of furniture, art and objects at Cavalier (Photo: Drew Altizer)

So if you are shopping on Union Square go slightly off the beaten path to what insiders call “Union Square West” and visit these unique purveyors of what you did not know your heart would desire until you have seen it first hand.  You will be a fan too!

Cheers,

I am excited that we are part of One Kings Lane new program “Vintage & Market Finds”, which was launched this month and features antique and vintage furniture, lighting, textiles, floor coverings, tabletop, wall decor, books, art and accessories from dealers and designers around the country.  New items go up daily and will stay for remain on sale for five days unless someone snatches them up sooner, as it was the case today when three of my six items listed this morning already sold.  Very exciting!

I collected 12 Imari bread and butter plates for Randolph & Hein’s table I designed for DIFFA’s Dining by Design in 2007.  They held the card and gift each guest received.

 Installation for DIFFA’s Dining by Design in 2007 (Photo: Kandi Carol)

Vintage Japanese Imari plates

Table detail with Imari plates and centerpiece by Dave Meeker (Photo: Kandi Carol)

These three pickle forks were part of my collection of antique silver and mother of pearl flatware I have gathered over many years. The pickle fork was a mid-Victorian invention.  The Habits of Good Society, published around 1859, said “Never touch anything edible with your fingers.” Typically, the outer tines are barbed to grasp the pickle more firmly.  Since pickling has become very popular recently it is no surprise that these sold quickly.  Look out for more mother of my pearl flatware to go on sale soon.

Three different antique silver and mother of pearl pickle forks

The periwinkle blue lusterware wine glasses with sterling silver scroll designs were a find during a weekend trip to Healdsburg.  I loved the color and pattern!

Vintage lusterware wine glasses

So keep visiting my storefront and the Vintage & Market Finds homepage for new arrivals.  There are tons of new treasures daily tempting even me like the Ibex coffee table base that also sold this morning.  Some of my favorite local colleagues on One Kings Lane are lighting manufacturer Dogfork, interior designer Jonathan Rachman, and antique dealers Tod Donobedian and Michael Donaldson.

Cheers,

I may not drive, but I love beautiful cars, especially classic cars.  So I can very much relate to my friend Paul Benson whose amazing furniture is very much inspired by the elegant hand-built automobiles he saw visiting the Concourse d’Elegance every year while growing up.  But so many mass-produced cars have been lacking in design and have not inspired excitement.  However, certain larger edition models throughout the short history of the automobile industry still stand out, even if they were not hand-built.  Among them are the iconic Porsche 911, and last week we lost its creator Ferdinand Alexander Porsche who died in my home town of Salzburg at the age of 76.  The 911, which was originally named the 901, but had to be changed because Peugeot had already patented the zero for its own cars, was introduced in 1963.  Now in its 7th version, the 2012 model has retained its timeless original lines, truly an example of the endurance of great design.

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche with his Porsche 911 (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

2012 Porsche 911 Carrera S (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

Cut-Away of the Porsche 956C (Image: courtesy of Porsche AG)

The Porsche family always had strong roots in Austria.  The company’s founder Ferdinand Porsche was born in 1875 in Maffersdorf (Vratislavice and Nisou), Bohemia, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and he spent his early career in Vienna, starting at an electrical company at the age of 18 and then joining Jacob Lohner & Co. a manufacturer that produced luxury coaches for Emperor Franz Joseph I, as well as for many other European royals.  In 1898 they began the construction of automobiles, and their first design, the “System Lohner-Porsche” that Ferdinand Porsche co-designed, was powered by two electric motors.

 ”System Lohner-Porsche” in 1900 (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

Then in 1906 Austro-Daimler, the Austrian subsidiary of the German Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, hired Ferdinand Porsche as their chief designer.  There he pioneered aerodynamic designs for race cars, developed army trucks, designed Zeppelin engines, and in 1911 created the famous Prinz Heinrich model, named after Emperor Wilhelm II’s  younger brother Prinz Albert Wilhelm Heinrich of Prussia, who was an automobile enthusiast and staged the Kaiserpreis, which was a precursor to the German Grand Prix.  While in Vienna, Ferdinand Porsche also received his honorary doctorate degree from the Vienna University in Technology, prior to transferring to Stuttgart, Germany to work for Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, which later merged into Daimler-Benz, where he also designed the famous Volkswagen VW Beetle.  In 1931 he founded his own firm with his son in law and investor Anton Piëch.

Ferdinand Porsche winning the Prinz Heinrich race of 1910 at the wheel of the car he designed (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

During the Second World War the Porsche design company moved to Austria, their headquarters to Gmünd in Carinthia and a workshop to Zell am See, south of Salzburg. During the occupation, Ferdinand’s son Ferry and his sister Louise, wife of Anton Piëch, established the Austrian Porsche Konstruktionen GesmbH in Gmünd to protect their father’s lifework and later transferred the company to Salzburg.  While Louise and husband Anton Piëch were negotiating imports for the Volkswagen beetle, Ferry Porsche and his father Ferdinand went back to Stuttgart where in 1950 to found the sportscar factory, today known as the Porsche AG.  In Salzburg Louise took over the reigns after the deaths of both Ferdinand Porsche and her husband and grew the company by expanding into dealerships across Austria.  The company developed into today’s Porsche Holding, which was founded in 1971 as the corporate umbrella of the Austrian Porsche concern.

1951 Porsche 356 SL Gmünd aluminium Coupé (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

Three generations of Porsche: Ferry Porsche with Ferdinand Alexander Porsche and a portrait of Ferdinand Porsche
(Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

Ferry’s son Ferdinand Alexander Porsche grew up in Stuttgart and went into the family business at the age of 22, working in the body design department.  In addition to designing the 911 he also shaped the 904, which he considered his favorite work.  After the company went public in 1971 Ferdinand Alexander founded his own industrial design company Porsche Design Group, which he later moved to Zell am See, Austria where the family still owns the well-known ”Schüttgut” estate, where he was also buried just a few days ago.  Under the Porsche Design brand, the prolific designer conceived classic accessories, such as watches, eyewear, writing utensils, and under “Design by F. A. Porsche” he collaborated with numerous manufacturers to create consumer goods, such as cutlery for Chroma, a radio for Grundig, a grand piano for Bösendorfer, a hard drive for LaCie, household appliances for Siemens, and even streetcars for the city of Vienna.

Porsche 904, renamed Carrera GTS (Photo: courtesy of Porsche AG)

Porsche Design studio in Zell am See (Photo: courtesy of Porsche Design)

Design sketch for the P’6520 Compass watch (Image: courtesy of Unique Watch Guide)

P’6520 Compass watch, designed in 1978 (Photo: courtesy of Unique Watch Guide)

P’8480 folding sunglasses, designed in 1980 (Photo: courtesy of Porsche Design)

P’3613 pipe (Photo: courtesy of Porsche Design)

G200A radio by “Design by F. A. Porsche” for Grundig (Photo: courtesy of Grundig)

301 knife by “Design by F. A. Porsche” for Chroma (Photo: courtesy of Chroma)

ULF (Ultra Low Floor) streetcar by “Design by F. A. Porsche” for the city of Vienna (Photo: courtesy of Public Transport)

Ferdinand Alexander Porsche said, “Good design should be honest. Design must be functional, and functionality must be translated into visual aesthetics, without gimmicks that have to be explained.”  That was the essence of his work, and he those in his family who came before him, are leaving us with their amazing legacy of combining innovative technology with timeless design; and surely the next generation will continue to do so as well.

Cheers,

Sketch of a guest room by Albert Hadley

Over the weekend I heard the sad news that on Friday we lost the brilliant Albert Hadley.  He was one of the greatest designers of more than one generation and also the kind of man who has only ever received praises, and deservedly so.  He was not only admired, he was loved! Many titles have been bestowed upon Mr. Hadley: Gentleman, Icon, Legend, Pioneer, Innovator, Tastemaker, Trendsetter, and Teacher.  He has mentored many prominent interior designers including Bunny Williams and David Easton, whom I had the pleasure of interviewing for “Tea With Claudia”.  Bunny called him “a gentle, creative genius who is part Peter Pan”,  David Easton said that he taught him about the sensibility of comfort, and David Kleinberg, when asked what Albert Hadley had that others didn’t, “Manners, taste, generosity.  Everything you hear about him is an understatement”.  To say that the he will be missed is clearly an understatement!  The iconic designer’s own quotes are small lessons in design and style.  While he was a leader of the old guard, when decorators were still a rare breed and interior design was a luxury only reserved for a select few, Mr. Hadley’s advice and interiors remain equally timeless.

Bunny Williams and Albert Hadley in 2009 at the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse (Photo: Maria Quiroga)

David Easton and Albert Hadley in 2010 at the “Rooms with a View” (Photo: courtesy of David Easton)

A modernist at heart, the “Dean of Decorators” was known for a sense of style and color that exuded a pure confidence and warmth.  Whether at McMillen, where he got his start, or with Sister Parish at Parish-Hadley, which he co-founded, or at Albert Hadley, Inc., which he formed at the age of 79, he has designed for some of the biggest names in American society and history, for such families as the Astors, the Rockefellers, the Whitneys, the Mellons, and the Gettys, as well as Babe Paley, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Ambassador and Mrs. Henry Grunwald, Oscar de la Renta, Mike Nichols and Diane Sawyer, just to name a few.  Mr. Hadley’s design was not only held in high regard by his clients, but also many of the most prominent designers today have been inspired by his work.

Let me share some of Mr. Hadley’s interiors and those of the ones who have followed in his footsteps with the same verve and assuredness.

Albert Hadley’s sketch for Brooke Astor’s red lacquer and brass library

The library for Brooke Astor designed by Parish-Hadley (Photo: courtesy of The Peak of Chic)

Miles Redd’s homage to Albert Hadley in a library in Atlanta, GA (Photo: Francesco Lagnese for Town & Country)

Albert Hadley’s living room (Photo: Patrick Kline for Lonny)

Bunny Williams’ living room at the Kips Bay Showhouse (Photo: Maria Quiroga)

A living room by Albert Hadley in House Beautiful in 2003 (Photo: courtesy of House Beautiful)

Living room in a home in Lake Forest, IL by David Easton (Photo: Réalités magazine) 

The entrance hall in a Pennsylvania farmhouse by Jeffrey Bilhuber featured in House Beautiful (Photo: courtesy of House Beautiful)

Executive office of the Bank of New York by Albert Hadley (Photo: via Gregory Mellor)

Living room in the apartment of Tom Mendenhall by Miles Redd (Photo: Thomas Loof for House Beautiful)

Entry hall in a home in North Carolina designed by Parish-Hadley (Photo: Peter Frank Edward for Veranda)

Daughter’s bedroom in David Kaihoi’s apartment in the East Village (Photo: courtesy of House Beautiful)

A living room in an apartment in Chicago by Parish Hadley (Photo: courtesy of Rizzoli)

Jackie Astier’s living room in the Upper Eastside (Photo: courtesy of Elle Decor)

A living room by Parish Hadley ca. 1970 (Photo: courtesy of Architectural Digest)

A sitting room in a pied-à-terre by Kelly Wearstler (Photo: courtesy of Kelly Wearstler)

Albert Hadley’s legacy lies not only in his own work, but within the countless designers who have learned and will learn from him.  My colleagues and I owe him much gratitude for his spirit, his generosity and his unequaled talent.  May Albert rest in peace while continuing to inspire many more generations.

Cheers,

I am elated to see Mavelous in an international publication.  DECOR Magazine in Brazil featured the coffee & wine bar we designed on Market Street in their recent issue and honored it with an eight page spread titled “American Style”.  Of course it is all in Portuguese.  So I translated it for you.

American Style
Photos: Crystal Shafer 

“The project designed by the eco conscient firm Adeeni Design Group celebrates local arts, and whose decor was inspired by the pleasantatmosphere of the bustling cosmopolitan San Francisco (CA)”

“The resulting fog from the Pacific Ocean that usually covers the San Francisco Bay contributes to make the scenery of the most contagious American city even more charming.  The Golden Gate Bridge is the most famous postcard of the city, which has numerous tourist attractions during all seasons of the year. The urban climate is strongly represented in the city that is designed by its diverse architecture, composed of sophisticated Victorian houses, and at the same time modern skyscrapers in the form of glamorous corporate buildings in the Civic Center, next to quiet residential neighborhoods surrounded by vast green areas that include parks and spectacular views of the Bay.”

“The walls received a walnut stain, and the tones that were adopted for the décor take into account the color of coffee, from green seeds to the degree of dark brown when roasted.”

“Both during the sunny days of sweltering summer afternoons and frigid winters in the U.S. the cafés call as coffee and wine bars tend to be frequented by both local residents and by visitors.  So here is a special tip for a coffee and a wine bar in downtown San Francisco, Mavelous.  The interior of the project was developed Adeeni Design Group, created by Claudia Juestel, founder and director of the group.  Born in Austria, Claudia comes from a family of artists, craftsmen and musicians and she uses art as a guiding element for the creation and execution of all projects.  With classical training in drawing, painting and interior design, she developed the design for Mavelous inspired by sustainability.  The palette of dark hues formed the basis for the creation of the decor, which takes into account the rich colors of coffe, from the green fruit, passing through golden yellow, which shows the beginning of ripening, until bright red, and finally the dark brown bean ready to be roasted.”

“To create a more intimate environment, separations were created to bring privacy to customers, in addition to suggesting a cozy atmosphere for reading.”

“The décor shows a strong tendency towards vintage and forms a counterpoint between antique furniture restored with a contemporary footprint, as the green armchairs and red banquettes covered with synthetic crocodile skin.”

“The proposed design was grounded in vintage style, with antique pieces that contrast the contemporary for a simple living environment, appropriate to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee in the accompanied by a good book.  The walls are in a dark wood finish, and the strong tones of the floor and walls show off the exuberant colors of the furniture, such as green chairs and red banquettes, all coated with aluminum veneer.  Steel illumination further emphasizes a comfortable atmosphere.  Much attention was given to the creation of an ecological design that stands out by considering the decor at the same time, chic and timeless, and it celebrates the creative talents of the project.”

It is an honor to have our work recognized in South America, and to have the editors of DECOR describe Mavelous in such an approving fashion.  I was also tickled by the description of San Francisco weather.  But they are right about one thing, nothing stops San Franciscans in pursuit of a great cup of coffee or an excellent glass of wine.  If you have not been there yet, I highly recommend you visit Mavelous soon.  The owner and barista Philip Ma will brew rare boutique coffees including Stumptown (the only place in the city that serves it) for you in six different ways.  Perhaps I will join you for a cup of rich Tcho hot chocolate.  I feel so lucky to live here!

Cheers,

]]> http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/30/mavelous-decor-brazil/feed/ 4 http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/22/best-of-remodeling-houzz/ http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/22/best-of-remodeling-houzz/#comments Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:17:14 +0000 Claudia Juestel http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/?p=6527 Continue reading →]]>

Guest bedroom in a home in San Francisco (Photo: Adeeni Design Group)

I am honored that Adeeni Design Group is a recipient of the “Best of 2012 – Remodeling Awards by Houzz, the very popular online community of remodelers and design enthusiasts.  We were chosen in the Design category by the more than 1.2 million registered members of the Houzz community who saved more than 16.5 million professional images to their personal ideabooks.  The most popular rooms on our Houzz page have been added to thousands of ideabooks.  Among them are the bedroom above and the wine cellar, sunroom, and bathroom below.

Wine cellar in a historic mansion in Diablo, CA (Photo: César Rubio)

Sunroom in an English Tudor cottage in Orinda, CA (Photo: Marc Angelo Ramos)

Man’s bathroom in an apartment in San Francisco (Photo: Crystal Shafer Waye)

I am in very good company!  Among other winners are my friends and interior designers Brian Dittmar and Scot Meacham Wood, award-winning Bay Area architects David Gast, Jim Zack, Mark English, and Sutton Suzuki Architects, Honolulu and San Francisco based interior design firm Philpotts Interiors and San Francisco landscape architect Suzman Design Associates, as well as fellow design bloggers Amy Lambert Lee, Jamie Herzlinger and Christian May of Maison 21, and multi-faceted photographer David Duncan Livingston. My heartfelt congratulations to everyone.  I love your work!

And thank you Houzzers!

Cheers,

I have never been a big fan of trends, as I feel that interiors need to be timeless and particular to their owners, a true reflection of their personalities.  Despite whatever I may believe, interior design will always go through trends, short ones and more enduring ones.  We have had popular design styles like French Country and Tuscan design, Asian Modern, and more recently the Belgian look.  But with St. Patrick’s Day upon us I am promoting the Irish look.  What defines Irish interiors?

The grand Irish castle and country house  appear to be similar to their British cousins, but feel more relaxed and eclectic, and often more whimsical.

Reception hall in Bunratty Castle (Photo: Donncha O Caoimh)

Dining room at Donegal Castle (Photo: Eyeflight)

Charleville Castle (Photo: Gerard Kenny)

Smoking room at Castle Leslie (Photo: courtesy of Castle Leslie)

Red bedroom at Castle Leslie (Photo: courtesy of Castle Leslie)

Drawing room in an Irish country house (Photo: James Fennell for “The Irish Country House” by Vendome Press)

Library in an Irish country house (Photo: James Fennell for “The Irish Country House” by Vendome Press)

Library in Glin Castle (Photo: James Fennell for “The Irish Country House” by Vendome Press)

Dining room in an Irish country house (Photo: Simon Brown for Romantic Irish Homes)

Enfilade in an Irish country house (Photo: Simon Brown for Romantic Irish Homes)

Lady’s bedroom at Strokestown House (Photo: McDonegal)

The much romanticized Irish cottage is known for its rustic simplicity, and its lack of storage results in everyday objects being displayed proudly.

Interior of a 1700 Donegal thatched cottage (Photo: McDonegal)

Dining room in an Irish cottage (Photo: courtesy of House and Home)

Bathroom in an Irish farmhouse in Wexford (Photo: Dot Dot Dash)

A guest suite at Doonbeg Lodge (Photo: courtesy of Doonbeg Lodge)

A more contemporary lounge in a bungalow in Dublin by Fiona Simmonds (Photo: Paul Sherwood for House and Home)

Ireland also exported some great design.  The iconic architect and furniture designer Eileen Gray was responsible for some of the most famous furniture designs of the 20th century.

“Transat” chair, 1927 by Eileen Gray (Photo: courtesy of Sean Kibb) 

“Kilkenny” rug, ca. 1925-135 by Eileen Gray (Photo: courtesy of Look 4 Muse) 

Contemporary and Irish-born interior designer Clodagh has made her mark with residential, commercial and hospitality design projects around the world and a big range of product designs that includes furniture, lighting, bath fixtures, rugs, textiles, tiles, hardware and accessories.

“Landmarc” Tribeca restaurant and bar in New York City (Photo: courtesy of Landmarc)

“Zen” tub by Clodagh (Photo: courtesy of Clarisonic)

And of course we cannot forget Irish linen and Irish crystal.

Linen damask tea towels made from Irish linen at Jan de Luz (Photo: Jan de Luz)

Set of decanter and Cognac snifters by Galway Crystal (Photo: courtesy of Galway)

“Araglin” prestige bowl by Waterford Crystal (Photo: courtesy of Bloomingdales)

I would love to hear your thoughts about Irish design.  ”Erin go Bragh!”

Cheers,

It is official, the designers for this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase have been chosen.  Among them are Geoffrey De Sousa, Matthew MacCaul Turner, Brian Dittmar, Matt Murphy, Ma(i)sonny, Weaver Design Group, Lawanna Cathleen Endonino, Dara Rosenfeld, and Lost Art Salon.  A full list is on view on the showcase website.  They are all working in high gear to get construction on its way, one-of-kind objects sourced, and materials and furnishings ordered, all to be installed prior to the grand opening gala on April 27th.

I don’t want to give away all their secrets; but to wet your whistles, here is a sneak peek at what these designers proposed to the design committee that ultimately won them each room.  And now, without a drum roll and in no particular order, may I present:

“Gentleman’s Study” by Geoffrey De Sousa and Robin Sussillo of Geoffrey De Sousa Interior Design

“Wabi-sabi” bathroom by Carissa Duncan and Michael Polenske of Ma(i)sonry

“Tailor Made Suit(e) by Brian Dittmar of Brian Dittmar Design

Media room by Amy Weaver of Weaver Design Group

“Listening Room” by Matthew MacCaul Turner of MacCaul Turner Design

Guest bedroom by Matt Murphy of Matt Murphy Studio

Elevator by Lawanna Cathleen Endonino of Lawanna Cathleen Design

Great Hall by Dara Rosenfeld of Dara Rosenfeld Design

The boys from Lost Art Salon took a different approach by letting the art do the talking.  It says it all!

Fourth Floor Landing: one of the paintings from a collection of 20th century Soviet Impressionism curated by Rob Delamater and Gaétan Caron of Lost Art Salon

Please join me in supporting the Financial Aid Program of the San Francisco University High School, the beneficiary of the 35th San Francisco Decorator Showcase.  Tickets are still available for the opening night gala on April 27th.  But act quickly, as the event sells out every year.  After that the home will be open for tours Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 10:00am to 3:00pm, Thursday and Friday from 10:00am to 7:00pm, and Sunday and Memorial Day from 11:00am to 4:00pm.  It will be closed on Mondays.  Tickets are $ 175.00 for the and $ 30.00 thereafter.

I would love to hear what you think.

Cheers,

]]> http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/05/peak-sf-decorator-showcase/feed/ 20 http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/01/marin-designers-showcase/ http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/2012/03/01/marin-designers-showcase/#comments Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:26:43 +0000 Claudia Juestel http://www.adeenidesigngroup.com/blog/?p=6383 Continue reading →]]> View from living room by Tucker & Marks (Photo: Matthew Millman)

After looking at over 50 homes the board of the Marin Designers Showcase finally settled on a grand newly built waterfront home on Belvedere island for its 41st annual fundraiser, which benefits the Center for Volunteer Nonprofit Leadership of Marin.  The 14,000 square-foot tri-level contemporary “Villa Belvedere” was developed by Jeff Paster and designed by Sandy Walker of the San Francisco architectural firm Walker & Moody.  It is perfectly positioned on a cliff to capture sweeping views extending all the way from Treasure Island to the Sausalito.

Table Installation by Gensler

DIFFA’s (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS) Dining by Design returned to the Galleria at the San Francisco Design Center for the 11th year.  Once again the most exciting dining environments in town drew support for the Positive Health Program of the UCSF AIDS Research Institute.  The event also marked the 30th anniversary of the first formal report of the AIDS virus, and although no cure has been found, local supporters commemorated the milestones in research and treatments since.

Event co-chairs were the acclaimed interior and furniture designer Gary Hutton and Interior Design Hall of Fame member Ronette King of Gensler who each designed highly contemporary settings.  Joining them were Bay Area and national talents from the fields of architecture, landscape, interior, and furniture design, as well as event planning and fashion.  They conjured up fabulous vignettes that ranged from modern and minimal to traditional, whimsical and highly detailed.

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Cheers,