The San Francisco Decorator Showcase Unveils a Historic Victorian Gem in Pacific Heights

This year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase, a highly anticipated philanthropic event that has raised over $21 million for the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Programs, has chosen a truly remarkable property for its 47th iteration. For the first time in its storied history, the showcase is gracing a magnificent Victorian residence, a stately Queen Anne-style house perched majestically on a hill in the prestigious Pacific Heights neighborhood. The home boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, a vista that perfectly complements the grandeur of the estate. This historic property, originally designed in 1897 by the esteemed architect Moses J. Lyon, spans nearly 10,000 square feet, offering an expansive and inspiring canvas for the 18 leading interior and landscape design firms that have transformed its spaces.

A Milestone Year for the Showcase

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase has long been a cornerstone of the city’s design calendar, serving not only as a platform for showcasing exceptional talent but also as a vital fundraiser for educational initiatives. Established with the mission to support the financial aid programs at San Francisco University High School, the event has, over nearly five decades, become synonymous with luxury, innovation, and community support. This year’s selection of a Victorian home marks a significant departure from previous venues, which have often featured more contemporary or mid-century modern architectural styles. The decision to feature a Victorian residence underscores a renewed appreciation for the city’s rich architectural heritage and the enduring appeal of its historical homes. The meticulous restoration and reimagining of this nearly 130-year-old architectural masterpiece by a diverse group of designers promises a unique and captivating experience for visitors.

A Canvas of Victorian Grandeur Reimagined

The sheer scale of the property, coupled with its historical significance, provided an unparalleled opportunity for the participating design teams. The nearly 10,000 square feet of living space, meticulously preserved and enhanced, offered a unique blend of historic charm and modern potential. Each of the 18 interior and landscape firms was tasked with breathing new life into distinct areas of the home, creating a cohesive yet varied showcase of design excellence. The transformation involved extensive renovations, with organizers noting that the home underwent more interior construction than any previous Showcase project. This included the ambitious addition of a second staircase, a testament to the dedication involved in adapting the grand Victorian structure for contemporary living while respecting its original architectural integrity.

An Unprecedented Transformation: Interior Design Highlights

The interior of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase 2026 is a symphony of textures, colors, and artistic vision. According to organizers, an astonishing number of the nearly 30 spaces feature innovative wall and ceiling treatments. Limewash, high-gloss lacquer, Venetian plaster, custom wallpaper, and luxurious upholstery have been employed with an artist’s precision, turning every surface into a statement.

The Allure of Blue: A Dominant Theme

A striking and pervasive theme that emerged throughout the Showcase is the sophisticated use of the color blue. This versatile hue, in its myriad of shades, has been employed to create a sense of calm, depth, and elegance across various rooms.

• Aly Gay Design’s "Well Played" Game Room: On the third floor, Alyson Gay of Aly Gay Design has crafted an enchanting game room aptly named "Well Played." Drawing inspiration from the resurgence of mahjong, Gay has infused the space with a playful yet chic aesthetic. Gemstone sconces and a striking artwork by Nick Mele, "Mahjong by Night," command attention above a custom-designed sofa. The walls are bathed in a luminous, pale blue, a signature color for Aly Gay Design, which seamlessly merges with the expansive sky visible through the room’s impressive 14 windows. This design choice not only connects the interior to the exterior but also creates an immersive and serene atmosphere.

• Kendall Wilkinson’s Parisian-Inspired Foyer: Stepping into the residence, visitors are greeted by the elegant "L’Arrivée" entryway and foyer designed by Kendall Wilkinson. Having recently been inspired by the grandeur of La Galerie Dior in Paris, Wilkinson has reimagined these transitional spaces with a distinctly French sensibility. The walls are treated with a pale blue-green limewash, providing a vintage backdrop for custom furnishings upholstered in luxurious Schumacher and Fabricut textiles. Complementing these elements are pieces from Wilkinson’s own modern lighting collection with Iatesta Studio, adding a contemporary flair to the classic design.

  

• Chantal Lamberto’s Coastal Cocoon: Upstairs, designer Chantal Lamberto has created a cozy coastal retreat in her designated bedroom. The space is enveloped in a soothing palette of blue and white, featuring Schumacher’s classic ticking stripe. This design choice evokes a sense of tranquility and seaside charm, offering a peaceful sanctuary within the grand Victorian home.

• Sindhu Peruri’s Periwinkle Sanctuary: Sindhu Peruri of Peruri Design Studio has transformed the living room into a masterpiece of color and cultural fusion. The walls and ceiling are finished in a powdery periwinkle, a shade directly inspired by Monet’s impressionistic palette, creating an ethereal and artistic ambiance. Peruri has also masterfully incorporated elements that pay homage to her Indian heritage. These include intricate hand-cut Thikri work, a form of mirror mosaic tiling, applied along the crown molding, and delicate Jaali latticework, adding layers of texture and visual interest. These traditional decorative techniques are seamlessly integrated into the modern design, creating a unique dialogue between cultures.

  

Fantastical Fixtures: Illuminating the Spaces

Beyond the wall treatments and color palettes, the selection of lighting fixtures throughout the Showcase is nothing short of extraordinary. These statement pieces not only illuminate the rooms but also serve as sculptural works of art, enhancing the overall design narrative.

• Paul Ferrante’s Floral Illumination: In Chantal Lamberto’s bedroom, an eye-catching iron shrub by Paul Ferrante, adorned with delicate porcelain flowers, casts a soft glow, adding a touch of whimsical elegance.

  

• L&G Studio’s Sculptural Chandelier: For her living room, Sindhu Peruri selected a sinuously suspended statement chandelier from L&G Studio. The design, reminiscent of the fluid forms of architect Frank Gehry, adds a dramatic focal point to the space.

• Iatesta Studio’s Bonsai Pendant: A unique upside-down tree-style Bonsai Pendant from Iatesta Studio hovers gracefully over the central table in Kendall Wilkinson’s foyer, bringing an organic and unexpected element to the entryway.

  

• Hersh Design’s Molten Glass Fixture: Fernando Castellanos has chosen a captivating molten glass cylinder fixture from Hersh Design for his rosily accented bedroom, adding a touch of organic artistry and warmth.

• Rosie Li Studio’s Brass Chandelier: In the living room designed by Tineke Triggs, a Laurel Blossom 09 brass chandelier from Rosie Li Studio commands attention, its intricate design adding a touch of modern sophistication.

  

Diverse Design Narratives

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase is renowned for its diverse representation of design styles and cultural influences, and this year is no exception.

• AubreyMaxwell and Perez Construction’s "Chapel" Den and "The Station" Hall Bathroom: The design team of Robbie McMillan, Caleb Morris, and Marcus Keller, in collaboration with Everson Perez of Perez Construction, have contributed two distinct yet complementary spaces. Their "Chapel" den offers a serene and contemplative atmosphere, while "The Station" hall bathroom presents a refined and functional design. These spaces showcase a thoughtful approach to material selection and spatial arrangement.

  

• Lizette Marie Bruckstein’s Victorian-Inspired Primary Bedroom: AD PRO Directory designer Lizette Marie Bruckstein has created a primary bedroom that is a direct homage to the landmarked Queen Anne-style architecture. Describing her vision as a "place you want to spend time—not just brush your teeth and run out," Bruckstein has incorporated floor-to-ceiling millwork, exquisite marble and stone slabs, and a limewashed wall finish, all evoking the romanticism of the Victorian era.

• Rachel Scheff Design Studio’s "The Whispering Veil": Rachel Scheff’s powder and cloak room, aptly named "The Whispering Veil," offers an intimate and elegantly appointed space. The design likely plays with textures and subtle detailing to create a sense of refined luxury in a typically functional area.

  

• Alyson Gay Design’s "Well Played, Ladies" Sunroom: Extending her creative vision, Alyson Gay also designed the "Well Played, Ladies" sunroom, a space that likely continues her signature blend of color and pattern, offering a bright and inviting retreat.

• Maker & Moss’s "Study Abroad" Office: Briana Tunison and Matt Bissinger of Maker & Moss have designed an office space titled "Study Abroad." This suggests a theme that may incorporate global influences and a curated collection of objects, creating an inspiring and productive work environment.

  

• Kimberley Harrison Interiors’ "The Slow Spin" Laundry Room: Kimberley Harrison of Kimberley Harrison Interiors has reimagined the often-overlooked laundry room with her design, "The Slow Spin." This space likely combines practicality with aesthetic appeal, transforming a utilitarian area into something more enjoyable.

• Marsh & Clark Design’s "A Gated Space" Dining Room: Stephanie Marsh Fillbrandt of Marsh & Clark Design has conceived a dining room called "A Gated Space." This name hints at a design that might create a sense of enclosure and intimacy, perfect for formal dining experiences.

  

• Studio Alexander’s "A New York Minute" Bedroom and "A Bay View Retreat" En Suite: Alexander Nikban of Studio Alexander has contributed two distinct bedroom designs. "A New York Minute" suggests a design inspired by the dynamic energy of the city, while "A Bay View Retreat" likely capitalizes on the home’s stunning San Francisco vistas, offering a serene escape.

• Sonoma Interiors’ Victorian-Inspired Bedroom: First-time Showcase designer Andrea Halkovich of Sonoma Interiors has drawn inspiration directly from the Victorian era for her bedroom design. The use of House of Hackney’s "Zeus" wallpaper serves as the foundation, complemented by creamy drapes and golden mirrors and lighting fixtures to enhance the romantic ambiance.

  

• Fernando Castellanos’ "West | Red Bedroom" and Dressing Room: Fernando Castellanos has designed both a primary bedroom and a dressing room, likely united by a theme of "West | Red." These spaces suggest a bold and perhaps dramatic aesthetic, utilizing the color red to create a powerful impact.

• Jeanne Renee’s Patchwork and Upholstery Haven: Jeanne Renee’s bedroom is described as a harmonious blend of Gloria Vanderbilt’s iconic 1960s New York townhouse and Lee Radziwill’s sophisticated London drawing room. This suggests a design rich in texture, pattern, and luxurious upholstery, creating a deeply personal and stylish space.

  

• Tineke Triggs’ Culinary and Gathering Spaces: Tineke Triggs has contributed two significant spaces: a kitchen-inspired area and an adjacent gathering spot. Her design for the kitchen area, styled after English 18th and 19th-century bakehouses, features handcrafted cabinetry, marble countertops, and a striking golden-veined backsplash. The adjoining gathering space, inspired by old English hunting lodges, offers a modern twist on a family room, clad in Fromental’s gold-gilded "Faisans Doré" wallpaper depicting pheasants, and furnished with vintage and custom pieces.

Landscape Design: Extending the Elegance Outdoors

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase extends beyond the interior walls, with landscape designers contributing to the overall aesthetic and experience of the property.

• Martinelli Design’s Rear Garden: Russell Martinelli and Sami Burton of Martinelli Design have crafted the rear garden, likely extending the home’s elegance and offering a tranquil outdoor space for relaxation and entertaining.

A Legacy of Philanthropy and Design Innovation

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase continues to be a vital force in both the design community and the philanthropic landscape of San Francisco. By transforming a historic architectural gem into a showcase of contemporary design, the event not only highlights the talent of its participating designers but also reinforces its commitment to supporting educational opportunities for aspiring students. The selection of a Victorian residence this year is a particularly poignant reminder of the city’s rich past and the enduring beauty of its architectural heritage, offering a fresh perspective on how historical homes can be revitalized and celebrated for generations to come. The funds raised through ticket sales and other contributions will directly benefit the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Programs, ensuring that deserving students have access to a quality education. The success of this year’s Showcase is anticipated to further bolster the school’s ability to provide crucial financial assistance, empowering the next generation of leaders and innovators.