Nineteen designers have transformed a gem of historic architecture into a modern, five-level sanctuary.
In 1902, Scottish architect T. Paterson Ross built a quiet monument to San Francisco’s evolving landscape. Partnering with engineer A. W. Burgren, the duo were instrumental in rebuilding the city after the devastation of the 1906 earthquake, designing a range of notable residential and commercial structures, including the Sing Fat and Sing Chong buildings, as well as the Union League Club.
More than a century later, this grand Pacific Heights residence—which spans five levels and 9,400 square feet—stands as a testament to both the past and present. In 2009, it underwent a major renovation (and added an elevator) while managing to maintain its original character. The most captivating feature of the home is arguably its rooftop terrace, from which, sprawling views of the San Francisco skyline and bay unfold. A fire pit, hot tub, and comfortable living area invite you to linger long after the sun sets.
Jon de la Cruz turned the entry hall and staircase into an artistic portal to the home entitled Rock, Paper, Scissors. Each space unfolds with meaning and personal experience, from the whimsical Imaginarium, a bedroom inspired by Heather Bernstein's son, to the hand-painted, illustrated walls by textile artist-turned-designer Sabah Mansoor.
Now listed with Neill Bassi of Sotheby’s International Realty, the house awaits its next chapter—a new owner who will no doubt add their own story to this storied space.
Take a peek at our favorite rooms for the 2025 showcase below.
// The showcase house at 2935 Pacific Avenue (Pacific Heights) is open Tuesdays through Sundays, April 26th through May 26th. Tickets ($50-$55/GA), which benefit the San Francisco University High School financial aid fund, are available at decoratorshowcase.org.
'The Manor Moderne' by Geoffrey De Sousa
(José Manuel Alorda)
Traditional woodwork is a timeless backdrop for the modern silhouettes in this chic retreat. It’s a room that quietly demands attention—warm paneled walls and rich textures, like the Fold Sofa by John Pomp Studios in terra mohair, instill a sense of quiet, cozy luxury.
Large-scale art commands the walls and is paired with handmade objects in multiple mediums, including wood, glass, and bronze. On the sofa are pillows made from antique Chinese textiles from De Sousa's great aunt—the first woman to attend Harvard, the author of 13 books, and a member of the LGBTQ community.
There’s a stillness here, a gentle invitation to slow down and absorb the beauty around you. It's a space not just to inhabit, but to experience—and a reminder that sometimes the most powerful design isn’t loud or demanding, but what quietly encourages you to pause, reflect, and appreciate.
'L’eau de Muse' by Sabah Mansoor Design
(Brad Knipstein)
The en-suite bathroom of the Atelier of Dreams evokes the dramatic flair of haute couture, as if a gown had come to life. The focal point of the space is a striking mural woven from slabs of marble and travertine, its intricate design reminiscent of a luxurious tapestry.
The floor continues this theme, its custom mosaic of marble, ceramic, and porcelain Ann Sacks tiles creating a pattern that mirrors the weave of a knitted sweater—soft, yet sophisticated. Each tile is placed with precision, forming a sensory surface both visually and to the touch.
A bespoke marble sink atop a Gamma Cabinets vanity anchors the space. It's fully functional, with two hidden push-to-open drawers with plenty of storage. A ceiling-mounted Gessi faucet hovers like a raindrop suspended in mid-air. Coup D’Etat lighting casts a gentle glow.
Just outside, the Atelier are myriad thoughtful pieces, including a mural with sketchbook images from Caroline Lizarraga, hand-embroidered pieces from her teacher in India, and handmade textiles layered in the window.
'Marine Layers' by Kelly Hohla
(Courtesy of 46th SF Decorator's Showcase)
Inspired by her deep connection to the California coast, Kelly Hohla has created a space where ethereal blues and grays evoke the fluidity of fog rolling through coastal landscapes.
Hohla debuts her new capsule collection—including theCove Banquette, Droplet Dining Chair, and Seafoam Rug—peppered with curated pieces from local artisans. A lifelong Californian, her design sensibility is shaped by the water, as reflected in the use of organic materials throughout the space.
Find luxe details like Fog & Fury fabric, Garrett leather on the nesting tables, and a custom sofa by Marcali Designs. The soft, textured appeal of Holland & Sherry wallpaper ties the room together, while Gaspare Asaro’s vintage chandelier and accessories add an eclectic touch. Sweeping views of the bay add an extra-sensory experience.
'The Nest' by Ansley Majit of L+P Interiors
(John Merkl)
The Nest was designed as a dreamy sanctuary for a teenage girl—a warm, cozy launchpad that fuses the sweetness of childhood with the anticipation of womanhood, creating a room where one can feel nurtured yet free to grow. To reflect this duality, L+P Interiors chose a soft grey palette and enveloped the room in a bird wallpaper that symbolizes both comfort and the freedom to soar.
A vibrant custom headboard in green and gold anchors the room, while a modern canopy drapes over the bed, adding a touch of whimsy and lightness. Sculptural furniture and bold artwork by a diverse group of female artists—including Megan Shimek, Maggie Meiners, and Pamela Streeton—infuse the space with rich textures and expressive patterns. Crowning the design is the Persis bag by Swedish-American artist Michelle Pred—an empowering feminist statement piece in neon that glows like a beacon above the bed.
'A Modern Library' by Kathleen Navarra of Navarra Design, Inc.
(Kurt Manley)
Texture, color, and craftsmanship take center stage in this reimagined library. The bookcases are wrapped in a lush floral mural, while the ceiling showcases a radiant new wallpaper pattern called Plumeria from Fromental, enveloping the room in rich layers of visual interest.
A custom-designed hair-on-hide rug from Kyle Bunting adds both warmth and movement to the seating area. The rug in his Lunar design is rendered in a tone-on-tone palette of pale greens. The directional texture of the hide introduces depth, creating dynamic energy beneath the furniture.
At the center of it all sits a stunning stone-top library table crafted with an asymmetrical wood base by Randolph & Hein, topped with a Blue Roma quartzite slab from Pietra Fina. The stone's shape and edge detailing are intentionally designed to mirror that unique feature, resulting in a harmonious blend of organic forms. Together, the elements transform the library from a functional space into a dynamic, immersive environment that invites both relaxation and inspiration.
'The Garden Apartment' by Katie Monkhouse
(Courtesy of 46th SF Decorator's Showcase)
The vibrance of the natural world hums through The Garden Apartment. Deep midnight blues ground the design, while a dry bar in indigo provides a touch of ritual. Vintage treasures and handcrafted details weave effortlessly together in the living room, including a bird’s-eye maple hutch by KMID and a curved sofa reimagined in Dedar fabric. A serpentine rug underfoot ties it all together—an unspoken bridge between the apartment’s interiors and its garden muse.
In the kitchen, hand-painted tiles adorned with native botanicals soften the dramatic marble backsplash, while a sculptural, oversized hood commands attention above. The bedroom is wrapped in hand-painted Fromental wallpaper, with a wide, raisin-hued velvet headboard and a custom floral rug.
'Bronze Topaz & Vanilla Onyx' by Lauren Berry
(Bess Friday)
There's no denying it—the standalone bronze topaz-toned tub stands as the pièce de résistance of this stunning bathroom by Lauren Berry. Bathed in light from a trio of windows, the bathroom is lovely yet entirely functional, with mirrored dual vanities, each topped with marble and drop in sinks.
With a sense of modern classicism, the space feels luxurious without being pretentious. Below lies a vanilla onyx chevron floor, its creamy hues and subtle veining adding an ethereal texture that elevates the entire room. Rich wood paneling wraps the walls in warm, cocoon-like ambiance, while sleek Italian fixtures lend a touch of sophistication to the vanities and bath. The oversized globe pendant contributes to a serene, gallery-like atmosphere that seamlessly blends craftsmanship with contemporary luxury.