Decorator Showcase

Browsing through the Blog Habitually Chic I was reminded of the Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse in New York, scheduled for April, 2009, unfortunately not on my plans so far.
But fortunately last year I went to San Francisco for the Decorator Showcase (and to visit the city's huge Design Center) and I came back very inspired and charged, with many memories and a number of pictures taken with my little digital (which I use solely for business).
The mansion was built in 1905 for the Grace family, in the Pacific Heights, anticipated cost for building was $ 12,200!
The house (about 16,000 sq.feet) is now totally renovated for its present owners, anticipated cost for renovation...you guess! 
Here are some examples of Interior decorating, I wish I took more pictures but I was mesmerized by the whole experience.

                                                                        * * *
In the living room some contemporary art, mixed with Versailles style ceiling, opulent textiles, lighting and wall treatment. A reinterpretation of a ballroom. The grey tones are super elegant.
Project by Geoffrey De Sousa

                            

   Note the butterflies a la Damien Hirst, adding a touch of contemporary.      

                                                                           

In the basement a huge family-media room, whimsical and cheerful, hip and modern.

Project by Applegate Tran Interiors

                                                           

Sorry but I could not resist to add this photo, taken from the stairs descending into the family-media room. I was stunned to see that figure and for a second I thought it was an installation...

(too much contemporary art in my mind)

                                                      

One of the many guests bedrooms, very relaxing feeling (as it should be) and again modern and antiques blending together.

"His" bathroom, with a gorgeous espresso glass tiles, of unusual size, encompassing an entire wall, wrapping around in the shower enclosure. Tiles, mirrors and glass by Paige Glass.

                            

 More on "His" luxurious bathroom: richly decadent masculine luxuries. Playing with mirrors creates a dramatic effect, but can't avoid the photographer being reflected!

Project by Hershon-Hartley; Ottoman by William Switzer; Sconces by Donghia

                            

A wonderful hue was chosen for "Her" dressing room, unapologetically feminine.

Project by Melanie Coddington

                            
                                                              
          

Several outdoor areas including a huge terrace with a panoramic view of the Bay (and a collection of contemporary art complementing the view rather than competing wit it).

                        

A sleek, well equipped kitchen and a living room "en plein air" . Big, Bold, Fun!

Furniture by Restoration Hardware. Project by Sean Weatherhill

                                                   

The courtyard in the back, with a clever use of frosted glass panels to create interesting layers

                             

                            

San Francisco Decorator Showcase to be held again in May, 2009.