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ELLE DECOR Showhouse San Francisco: Living Room Design by Gary Spain

gary spain elle decor showhouse living room{image via Katiedid}

Don’t delay! This weekend is the last to visit ELLE DECOR’s first-ever Designer Showhouse in San Francisco. The stately 5,000 square-foot Mediterranean style home in the heart of the historic St. Francis Wood neighborhood was taken down to the studs and beautifully renovated. The interior was transformed by eleven of the San Francisco’s most talented interior designers – all of which were handpicked by ELLE DECOR. 

Today I will be showing images of the living room created by interior designer, Gary Spain. Gary’s vast portfolio speaks for itself. His use of color, texture and edgy artwork are well noted. However, in the ELLE DECOR Design Showhouse, Gary keeps the living room’s color palette neutral and muted, but stays true to form with bold artwork and brilliant mix of textures.

Elle Decor Showhouse Gary Spain Living Room

The tufted linen sofa by Restoration Hardware is gracious and inviting. On the sofa, Gary mixes a pair of oversized white French linen pillows from Erin Martin with a plaid pillow from ABC Carpet and Home.

For the coffee table, Gary selected a pair of distressed ionic capital coffee tables from Restoration Hardware. This reproduction was derived from one of the three orders of classical Greek architectural dating to the 5th century BC. 

gary spain indian trunk studded

Under a window sits a vintage Indian trunk found at 1st Dibs. The studded detailing is spectacular and I love the contrast with the soft floor length drapes.

Gary Spain Living Room Elle Decor

Dark wooden blinds by Hunter Douglas shade a large window directly behind a small seating area. To define the space, a round pendant hangs by Circa Lighting hangs just above and echos the round side table. Perfect spot for a card game or cup of tea.

gary spain elle decor cowhide stool
The custom display cabinetry is painted a dramatic black and features eclectic artwork and treasures. An African carved stool adds another chic edgy vibe to the space.

gary spain elle decor stone console living room

Photography by Santa Barbara’s Brian Hodges is hung above a marble and steel console table from Lost Antiques in Dallas, TX. At first glance, I didn’t appreciate Hodges’ large photo of this New Guinea tribe, but now find it’s raw nature beautiful. 
Just in case you missed it, here are tours of the ELLE DECOR Showhouse’s Teen Girl’s Bedroom by Grant Gibson and Master Bedroom and Bath by Jay Jeffers.

What do you like most about Gary Spain’s living room design?

 
* all photos by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee unless stated.
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Read full story By on November 17, 2010 in interior design, lighting, living rooms

A Sneak Peek at ELLE DECOR’s San Francisco Designer Showhouse

Elle Decor San Francisco St Francis Blvd Street Sign
We have all be anticipating it and the time has come. For the next three weekends, a stately 5,000 square-foot mansion at 300 St. Francis Boulevard will be San Francisco’s most stylish address as ELLE DECOR unveils its first-ever Designer Showhouse.
Elle decor San Francisco Showhouse drawing
{image via ELLE DECOR}
For months, the Mediterranean style home in the heart of the historic St. Francis Wood neighborhood was taken down to the studs and renovated. In addition, the interior was transformed by eleven of the San Francisco’s most talented interior designers – all of which were handpicked by ELLE DECOR. The impressive line-up of sought-after tastemakers includes Grant Gibson, Suzanne Tucker and Jay Jeffers. 
Elle Decor Showhouse Gary Spain Living Room
{Living Room by Gary Spain}
Elle Decor Showhouse Palmer Wiess Breakfast Area Kitchen
{Breakfast Area by Palmer Weiss}
Elle Decor Showhouse Palmer Wiess Kitchen stove backsplash tile
{Kitchen by Palmer Weiss}
On Wednesday I had the opportunity to tour the five bedroom, six bath home as designers inside and out were putting on the finishing touches. And to put it simply, it’s spectacular. Unlike typical designer showhouses, this one has a cohesive design style and color palette. Neutral grays and beiges are infused with occasional bursts of cool blues, bright greens and muted reds. The design flows brilliantly from room to room – and that was not by chance. It took an extensive amount of behind the scenes planning and several face-to-face meetings with the designers to have it come off without a glitch.
Elle Decor Showhouse Steven Volpe Dining Room
{Dining Room by Steven Volpe}
elle decor showhouse Jay Jeffers Master Bedroom
{Master Bedroom by Jay Jeffers – Jeffers Design Group}
Elle Decor Showhouse Jay Jeffers Master Bath
{Master Bath by Jay Jeffers – Jeffers Design Group}
On hand to talk about the Showhouse and process was ELLE DECOR’s new editor-in-chief, Michael Boodro. He said they were thrilled to have the worldly city of San Francisco as the backdrop of the first-ever ELLE DECOR Designer Showhouse.  Boodro said the designers were given a fictional family who enjoys visits from their young granddaughters, entertaining family and friends and traveling all over the world. The Showhouse is certainly a wonderful reflection of this active, chic family.

Elle Decor Showhouse Grant Gibson Tween Bedroom
{Children’s Bedroom by Grant Gibson}
Elle Decor Showhouse Suzanne Tucker Bedroom Twin Beds
{Bedroom by Suzanne Tucker}
“I hope the Showhouse inspires and shows what designers can really do.” says Boodro. He adds, “Hiring a skilled designer will save homeowners money in the long run.”
Elle Decor Showhouse Erin Martin Media Family Room
{Media and family room by Erin Martin}
Elle Decor Showhouse Kendall Wilkinson Foyer Chandelier
{Foyer by Kendall Wilkinson}
Elle Decor Showhouse Will Wick Library Den
{Library by Will Wick}
Next week, I will go into more detail regarding the design of the rooms. If you are in the San Francisco area in the near future, be sure to visit this inspirational house. You will not leave disappointed. Here are the event details:

WHEN:  Saturdays & Sundays, November 5 -21, 2010 from 10:00am – 4:00pm
WHERE:  St. Francis Wood Mansion, 300 St. Francis Blvd., San Francisco, CA 
TICKETS:  Open to the public, tickets are $30 per person if purchased before November 12th or $35 at the door. Group Rates are also available. For tickets and more information please visit www.jlsf.org. All proceeds from the ELLE DECOR Showhouse will benefit The Junior League of San Francisco.

*all photos by Cristin Priest for Simplified Bee

And just in case you missed it, here are tours of the ELLE DECOR Showhouse’s Living Room by Gary SpainTeen Girl’s Bedroom by Grant Gibson, Guest Bedroom Retreat by Suzanne Tucker  and Master Bedroom and Bath by Jay Jeffers.
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Read full story By on November 5, 2010 in bedrooms, girl's bedroom, interior design, kitchens, living rooms

Happy Birthday Lonny and New Issue…

Lonny-magazine-2010-cover

Hard to believe it’s been a year, but online shelter magazine, Lonny is turning one. To celebrate the big birthday, they have released another stunning issue. Featuring design talents such as Celerie Kemble, Mary McDonald, Lulu de Kwiatkowski, John Robshaw, Palmer Weiss, Eddie Ross, Ruthie Sommers and so many more, this is a must see issue. Here are some of my favorite images…

lonny-bookshelf-by-color-bedroom-designer{Fashion editor & stylist, Lauren Goodman – former fashion editor at domino}
Love this bookshelf organized by color created by stylist, Lauren Goodman’s NYC apartment. The pair of fuchsia chairs are a great compliment to the lavender carpet in the bedroom next door.
 Lonny-kitchen-nook-bench-window-table-eat-in-designer{design by Lulu de Kwiatkowski, photography by Patrick Cline, Art Direction by Michelle Adams}
In the home of LA-based interior designer, Lulu de Kwiatkowski, her Americana, beach chic and bohemian style shines through. The sunny kitchen nook is a perfect spot for breakfast, drinking tea or art with the kids.
lonny-hallway-vintage-chandelier-bookshelf-wallpaper {design by Lulu de Kwiatkowski, photography by Patrick Cline, Art Direction by Michelle Adams}
Love the textured wallpapered with gold vintage chandelier Kwiatkowski selected for this hallway. Colorful artwork, family photos and sea shells add life to an ordinary bookshelf. Go here for tips on styling a bookcase.
lonny-bedroom-designer-eclectic-seagrass-rug-wallcovings  {design by Lulu de Kwiatkowski, photography by Patrick Cline, Art Direction by Michelle Adams}
Kwiatkowski’s home is filled with fabrics from her own collection, Lulu DK for Matouk. In this bedroom, she layers rugs for texture, color and visual emphasis on the bed. The pair of wood inlay chests and black & white artwork add an old world element and balance the modern floral bedding and geometric draperies.
lonny-john-robshaw-textiles-blues-pillows{textiles by John Robshaw}
It’s no secret, I am a huge John Robshaw fan. And now through December, 10, 2010 Lonny has hooked us up with a special discount. Receive a 15 discount on all online purchases of “lounge items” – Coupon code: LONNY15
lonny-john-robshaw-quote
lonny-john-robshaw-bedding-blue-brown-block-printed-designer-bedroom{textiles by John Robshaw}
lonny-palmer-weiss-living-room-blue-starburst-mirror-designer{design by Palmer Weiss, photographer Patrick Cline, art direction by Michelle Adams}

As stated in the Lonny issue, San Francisco-based interior designer, Palmer Weiss “interprets her style as a mixture of classic traditionalism modernized with a relaxed West Coast vibe.” This style is expressed in the design of her own San Francisco home. In the living room, Weiss  balances out the space with a mixture of pattern, finishes and period-styles. I love how Weiss decorates the fireplace mantel – simple, elegant and symmetrical. Go here for tips on decorating the fireplace mantel.

lonny-girls-bedroom-pink-orange-twin-beds-designer {design by Palmer Weiss, photographer Patrick Cline, art direction by Michelle Adams}
Love the nod to the San Francisco Giants with the use of orange in Weiss’ little girl’s room. Go Giants! The photos above each bed are priceless too.

lonny-womans-closet-black-cabinets-stunning-walk-in{Interior Designer, Celerie Kemble’s NYC apartment} 

Dream closet! Love, love this stunning walk-in closet in Celerie Kemble’s New York City 27th floor apartment. The black & white basket weave tile floor is beautiful with the back cabinetry.

To see more gorgeous images, visit Lonny here. Happy Birthday Lonny!

*images courtesy of Lonny
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Read full story By on October 10, 2010 in bedrooms, Closets, interior design, living rooms, textiles

More on Designer Jamie Drake… The King of Color

Living Room, Upper East Side, NYC (Photo: Drake Design Assoc.)
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Jamie Drake’s high-end interior designs is his brilliant use of color.  Known as the “king of color,” Drake’s creations are world renowned for  their use of sophisticated color schemes and eclectic furnishings.  And as I mentioned in this post about Drake’s New York Upper East Side Design, he achieves visual harmony and balance in a room by using at least three colors. 
 
Living room in an East Hampton home (Photo: Minh + Wass)
Recently, a San Francisco friend,  interior designer and blogger Claudia Juestel had the pleasure of sitting down with Jamie Drake to drink tea and chat about design. Their discussion is a wonderful peek into Drake’s design philosophy. The full article is locate here at ResideSF
 
“Eden Rock” table lamp in Manhattan House apartment (Photo: Lucas Allen) 
In the interview Drake was asked about how he approaches using color. He said,

“I think there are two great parts. One is intuitive: I can walk into a room and sense what tonality it should be, whether it should be pale or intense, grayed out or vibrant. And then the equally important part is just what is right for the client. Very few clients will actually say I want purple and blue with a touch of aqua. But they will tell you a general range of what they like, such as pastels, or fresh colors, or jewel tones. They can usually tell you what they don’t like.”

 
Dining Room, Upper East Side, NYC (Photo: Drake Design Assoc.)
The article also features some sweet and very sophisticated design drawings Drake created as a boy. It is fascinating to see how at such a young age, he knew what he wanted to do when he grew up.
 
Bedroom in a West Chelsea apartment in NCY (Photo: Wouter Vandertol) 
Drake also reveals in the interview that if he hadn’t become an interior designer, he might have been a prosecuting attorney. Aren’t we glad he didn’t? Thank you Jamie for following your heart!
Again, be sure to drop by ResideSF to read the entire interview by Claudia Juestel.
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Read full story By on August 9, 2010 in color, interior design, living rooms