In the Press

3. Open up Your Bedroom to a Morning Coffee Spot

Often much thought goes into creating a connection between the ‘public facing’ rooms of a house, such as the kitchen diner or living room, and the garden. The private spaces, on the other hand, can often get a little neglected in terms of views and easy-to-access outdoor spaces.

Not so within this fresh, airy bedroom scheme designed by Tineke Triggs where the decision to install simple bifolds has presented the owners with an opportunity to incorporate some balcony ideas and give access to a small raised area with treetop views.

“What I love about bifold doors is that they don’t have to be oversized to make an impact,” says Katie Brekke. “More homeowners are opting for smaller or moderate-sized bifold doors and still reaping the benefits of narrow sightlines and a strong connection to the outdoors.”

7. Frame a View to be Enjoyed in Comfort

The concept of making a whole wall of your house disappear to allow your indoor spaces to merge with your outdoor areas is undoubtedly appealing — yet it isn’t always a practical one.

A double set of bifolds that open away from one another, as in this scheme, designed by Tineke Triggs, is one solution that makes it possible to have just a single side open. Alternatively, many configurations of bifolds feature an entry door that operates like a regular hinged door — perfect when using them within living room ideas.

“In the UK you can probably take advantage of a patio and ‘outdoor room’ for about four months of the year,” points out Graham Ford. “A set of bifolding doors has a ‘pass’ door integrated with the system. This door opens like a hinged door and makes it easy to pass through the bifolding door arrangement at all times of the year without opening up the whole thing.”

Designers explain how to pull off this bold color pairing for a timeless scheme

The 2023 San Francisco Decorator Showcase marked Tineke Triggs’ sixth time participating in the prestigious event. Still, the primary suite she conceived last year included a number of firsts for the interior designer. The bathroom’s moniker, “Curve Appeal,” was not just a nod to a recurring silhouette. “The idea behind the room was unconventional thought,” says Triggs, founder of Tineke Triggs Interiors, formerly Artistic Designs for Living. “I wanted to have the typical amenities in a functioning bathroom, but also have elements of surprise.”

For starters, there are the waxed black plaster walls by artist Charles Leonard—the opposite of the light and bright bathrooms often preferred. “I was going for that negative space,” Triggs says, “and it was a huge success. Everybody wanted to touch it.” In another first for Triggs, the shower walls combine waterproof plaster with an arced slab of Calacatta Caldia. The materials create a focal point, further aided by the lack of obstructive hardware on the glass enclosure. (In lieu of a handle, there is a cutout.) “Your attention is drawn to the marble—what’s inside the shower,” she observes. Also adding unexpected visual and textural contrast underfoot: Belgian bleached oak transitions into Triggs’ own Gigi tile for Maison Surface, to stunning effect.

“As you walk through the space,” says Triggs, “you’ll notice connection points to every piece.” There are the immediately apparent, like the curves of the vanity and makeup areas, as well as the more subtle, such as fluted details. “A lot of people kept coming back into the room saying, ‘Oh, I missed this or I missed that,’” she recalls of the Showcase visitors. “That’s what you want—design that allows you to be in a space for a while, and still have it hold interest and wonder.”

Discover Tineke Triggs’s soulful eclecticism. Mixing the art and science of interior design, she is known for developing unique spaces to suit specific personality traits and lifestyles. Passion and curiosity drive her creative process, seeing each new project as a shared experience that combines the client’s taste with the designer’s imagination.

Inspired by designers who broke away from the pack, ​Tineke is known for creating soulful, artistic and imaginative interiors. By mastering both the art and science of design, her work gives rise to a unique form of design mixology. Her elevated interiors not only provoke the senses, but deliver on the details that create truly memorable spaces.

The veteran of six San Francisco Decorator Showcases, her award winning work has been featured in numerous publications including Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Veranda, Dwell, Luxe, California Home & Design, Modern Luxury Interiors, California Homes and Sunset Magazine.

When not designing, Tineke enjoys working on her kick-boxing game, family time on the beach, and traveling down the coast with her vintage 1973 Airstream in tow. Tineke lives in San Francisco with her husband, Will, and their two teenage sons.

Tineke Triggs

San Francisco–based designer Tineke Triggs and her eponymous firm are celebrated for their artful and imaginative interiors. The team draws inspiration from travel, architecture, nature, and fashion, and they approach each project with a sense of excitement and curiosity. The results are both memorable and accessible with vivid colors, whimsical details, and captivating patterns. The firm’s fearless designs have been featured in six San Francisco showcases and numerous design publications, and Triggs recently published her first book, Design Mixology, which showcases her inventive interiors.

DESIGNER
Tineke Triggs is known for creating soulful, artistic, and imaginative interiors. By mastering both the art and science of design, her work gives rise to a unique form of design mixology. Her elevated interiors not only provoke the senses but deliver on the details that create truly memorable spaces.

A veteran of six San Francisco Decorator Showcases, her award-winning work has been featured in numerous publications.

HOME
2023’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase house was built in 1927 by renowned architects Hyman and Appleton. Located in the scenic Sea Cliff neighborhood with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands, the home is a magnificent example of 18th-century Mediterranean Spanish architecture.

PROJECT
Triggs transformed the Primary Suite in the 6,100 s.f. home

SHOWCASE BENEFICIARY
Since 1977, the San Francisco Decorator Showcase has raised over $17 million to benefit the San Francisco University High School financial aid program. These proceeds have afforded hundreds of deserving and talented Bay Area students access to a world-class college preparatory education.

SHOWHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER
Christopher Stark

Hartmann&Forbes was delighted to partner with award-winning designer Tineke Triggs on her window coverings for the Primary Suite in this year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase. We recently sat down with Tineke to chat more about her Showcase designs and how she approaches window coverings in her clients’ projects.

“TAKING INSPIRATION FROM THE EXTRAORDINARY HUES, LIFE, AND ENERGY THAT GEMSTONES POSSESS, I CREATED A SANCTUARY REMINISCENT OF A LUXURIOUS JEWELRY BOX.”

~ TINEKE TRIGGS

H&F: The 2023 Decorator Showcase opened in late April with rave reviews of your Primary Bedroom and Bathroom designs. Tell us more about the themes you chose for each of these spaces.

TT: The Primary Bedroom, “A Rare Gem,” pays tribute to humanity’s long-standing love affair with gemstones and their ability to evoke beauty, wonder, and elegance. For millennia, humans have been drawn to the allure of gemstones, adorning themselves and their surroundings with these vibrant, colorful treasures. Taking inspiration from the extraordinary hues, life, and energy that gemstones possess, I created a sanctuary reminiscent of a luxurious jewelry box.

In contrast, the Primary Bath and Dressing room present a darker and moodier theme and are the bedroom’s sultry counterpart. “Curve Appeal,” the primary bath is designed as a personal retreat for two, bringing strength, order, and grace to the space.

H&F: Both of these rooms turned out stunning! There are so many design “moments” from the floors to the ceilings and everywhere in between. It’s clear that you put a lot of time and energy into this project. As an established, successful designer and veteran of six San Francisco Designer Showcases, what keeps pulling you back into the Showcase year after year? What is your return on investment for participating?

TT: Participating in showhouses offers several benefits for designers. It provides a creatively challenging environment that pushes designers to think outside the box and explore new ideas. Showhouses offer great exposure and visibility, allowing designers to showcase their talent to a wide audience, including potential clients and industry professionals. It also facilitates networking opportunities, enabling designers to meet and bond with other amazing designers, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

H&F: Speaking of collaboration, you worked closely with Susan Lind Chastain, one of your favorite drapery workrooms, on the design of the window treatments at the showcase house. Is partnering with a workroom something you do as a standard practice in your firm’s projects?

TT: In San Francisco, you’ll find a plethora of old buildings boasting exquisite moldings and intricate details. However, when it comes to window coverings, things aren’t always straightforward. Working with a trusted workroom not only ensures the delivery of quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, which is essential for achieving a polished and professional finish, but my workrooms also provide crucial problem-solving capabilities. Effective collaboration with skilled workrooms and installers allows me and my team to navigate smoothly through any challenges that may arise during the design phase and/or with the installation of the window treatments.

H&F: Were there any challenges you and your workroom had to overcome with the window treatments at this year’s Showcase house?

TT: To create a more cohesive visual effect and conceal architectural inconsistencies within the room, the smaller windows were fitted with outside/wall-mounted shades positioned at the same height as the larger shades adorning the doors. This clever optical illusion creates the impression of larger windows, seamlessly harmonizing the overall appearance.

H&F: And you installed the same full-length draperies over the shades at those smaller windows, too, which further adds to the balancing effect. On that note, there seems to be a current design trend toward using more layers at the window. Is this something you are incorporating into your clients’ projects as well?

TT: Yes, incorporating layered window dressings, such as drapery and shades, is a common practice in my work. From a practical standpoint, it allows for versatility in managing sunlight and privacy. Sheer fabrics can filter sunlight while protecting furniture, and blackout options can provide complete privacy when desired. From a design perspective, layering different window treatments adds a sense of depth and sophistication to the overall look of a space. It’s akin to wearing a dress shirt with a tie and jacket, enhancing the finished and completed appearance of the room.

“FROM A DESIGN PERSPECTIVE, LAYERING DIFFERENT WINDOW TREATMENTS ADDS A SENSE OF DEPTH AND SOPHISTICATION TO THE OVERALL LOOK OF A SPACE.”

~ TINEKE TRIGGS

H&F: In this year’s showcase house, you used Hartmann&Forbes handwoven natural shades as the sheer layer in the windows. Tell us more about the weaves you selected and what drew you to specify these particular materials for the bedroom and bathroom shades.

TT: For the bedroom shades, we chose LE5209 Ethereal–Gleam. It’s made from banana fiber that has a natural luster that “glows” when sunlight hits it. The warm golden tones create a harmonious synergy between the concept of Rare Gems and the use of precious metals. The resulting ambiance is one of elegance and luxury, where the golden accents highlight the room’s unique features, much like a gem set in a precious metal setting. The weave texture is also very sheer and refined so that you can still see the magnificent view when the shade is down.

For the bathroom shades, we chose LEEV52-87 Dockside–Jetty from the newly launched Erinn V. Collection. The texture of this particular weave serves a dual purpose in the bathroom. Not only does it add visual interest and depth to the space, but its heavier composition also enhances privacy from the neighboring house. The intricate weave ensures that the bedroom remains a private sanctuary, allowing the residents to enjoy a sense of seclusion and tranquility.

H&F: We were grateful for the opportunity to partner with you again on this year’s Showcase, and we couldn’t be happier with the final result. In closing, we’d love to know what you like best about using our natural handwoven window coverings in your projects.

TT: Your shades introduce a captivating texture and bring a natural element into the room, enhancing its visual appeal and creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Your use of sustainable materials aligns with my firm’s and my clients’ growing focus on eco-friendly design practices, contributing to a more environmentally conscious approach. Also, your natural woven shades are typically lightweight, making them easy to install and operate while adding an understated elegance to the overall room design.

6
MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE

Most homes won’t have a ton of space for a dedicated laundry room, but you can still make a cozy corner feel timeless and chic. Interior designer Tineke Triggs installed a whimsical wallpaper in this home’s laundry area, adding a bit of fun to the day-to-day rinse cycle.

Inspired by art, Tineke Triggs expresses her creativity through her singular spaces.

Tineke Triggs didn’t take a traditional path to becoming a successful interior designer. Her parents came to the U.S. in the 1960s, her mother from Scotland and her father from the Netherlands, and like many first-generation Americans, Triggs felt the pressure to be financially successful. “I was always an art kid and thought about becoming a medical illustrator. But we were an immigrant family, and we didn’t have money for that,” she says. Instead, with a scholarship and a lot of hard work, she put herself through college and went into high-tech sales. “It had great financial rewards, but I was missing the creative life.”

In 1995, a move from Chicago back to California — she grew up in Redwood City — gave her the chance to buy and fix up her first apartment. Triggs combined her tech and art skills and taught herself basic drafting programs. With that newly acquired skill, she was able to pull her own permits. In design, she soon found a three-dimensional outlet for her talents. By 2002, she had enough experience renovating her own properties to found her interior design business, Tineke Triggs Artistic Designs for Living.

Known for imaginative interiors, Triggs continues to flex her creative muscles — she has participated in six San Francisco Decorator Showcases — but she loves the business and client aspects of design as well. Introspective sat down with her to learn more about her artistic side and her drive to push boundaries.

What’s your design process?

Designing a room is like composing a painting. Every project is a fresh canvas. I study my subject before I put paint to brush. It’s that approach that makes my job fun and ever changing. Once I start, then it’s all about the layering. I look at the walls, the art, the ceiling. The furniture adds texture, or pillows bring a pop of color. I’m not a minimalist. I also don’t clutter things, but I want a room to feel complete. If I have a room that doesn’t have a lot of architectural features, I find that wallpaper helps finish the room. We’re doing tons of wallpaper right now.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Travel and nature are important sources. I was just thinking about the sunsets in Santa Barbara — I’m currently working on two projects there — and how incredibly colorful they are this time of year, with either bright pinks combining with dark blues or gray mixing with a rusty pink. Those are inspiring color combinations.

Who’s your favorite furniture designer?

I’m drawn to vintage Dutch and Belgian design — it’s going back to my Dutch roots. I love the minimalism. For current designers, I love Thomas Hayes’s work. I’m in awe of Hellman-Chang and how they blend together metals and woods — it’s so refined and elegant. I also love the chairs that Richard Wrightman has recently done.

Tell us about your favorite artists.

Artists who speak to me are doing things that I can’t do myself. Fares Micue is a photographer who does self-portraits with flowers — they’re so feminine and gorgeous. I’m also into digital art right now. Daniel Canogar digitizes historic paintings, then he uses a mathematical algorithm to melt them into a beautiful liquid state.

How does architecture inspire you?

San Francisco is known for its Edwardians and Victorians. What makes the city so beautiful is that people are willing to work with the architecture and either stay traditional and true to the house or completely blow it up and turn it into something contemporary. I’m a little bit old school when it comes to the value of historic architecture: If it’s holding true, I want to maintain it, even if I use furniture to blur it into something more contemporary.

You seem pretty rooted in San Francisco. Would you consider living anywhere else? 

My business is doing really well, so I don’t want to change anything right now. But at some point, I will live in Europe for a year, probably France or Spain. And I would love to have a beach house in Santa Barbara.

What’s a design principle you live by?

Art makes a home feel alive. I spend a lot of time curating art for my clients. I try to find pieces that speak to where they come from and what they’re drawn to. If the art speaks to the client, then they’ll feel the value of what they’re purchasing.

How do you continue to challenge yourself?

I’m working with clients who came to the Bay Area from London, and they love bright, poppy colors. Their living room has twenty-foot ceilings, and it was dark yellow with heavy drapes. I wanted to brighten it up and make it represent them. I did a rainbow rug and bright blue curved sofa and drippy drapery. The walls are bright white, and I installed a huge vintage pink chandelier. It’s outside of my comfort zone, but it’s so fun and fresh, and it will speak to the client.

Do you have an accomplishment you’re most proud of?

Last year’s San Francisco Decorator Showcase got me a lot of attention. I did a media room that was very experiential, so it wasn’t about watching TV. I used a lot of digital artists and the forms of the Memphis movement. A showhouse is the height of creativity because I don’t have to answer to anyone else — except my budget. Another year, I used David Bowie and Iman’s love story as human beings — not as a rock star and a model — for my inspiration.

“No Barcaloungers here!” declares San Francisco-based designer Tineke Triggs about the house she designed for a single guy. It’s definitely not your stereotypical bachelor pad.

“When you create a space, you want to recognize the person,” Triggs says. In this case, her client was a gentleman with excellent taste and a blue-chip art collection. He brought in Triggs shortly after he purchased the new construction house and asked her to elevate its style.

The 4,000-square-foot house is on a hill, with a flipped floorplan that takes advantage of the views of Sausalito and the water. The lower level holds the guest bedrooms and family room. The top floor, accessed via a central stairway, opens to the living room, dining area and kitchen. The top floor also includes a small library area and the primary bedroom.

“The space was very contemporary and clean, but not that interesting,” recalls Triggs, who owns her own full-service firm, Artistic Designs for Living. She likes to find her way to a home’s style by really taking time to get to know the client.

THE LIVING ROOM

“Since he loves cars, I wanted it to feel masculine, but with a unique vibe,” she says. “I took inspiration from his Porsche collection, which he races, and thought a lot about classic cars when looking at materials.” She leaned into the beauty of vintage race cars by embracing their luxurious materials and flowing curves.

In the main living area, this inspiration led Triggs to design a custom rug—featuring large-scale curved shapes in blue, gray and cream—as the foundation of the room.

“I made the coffee table glass because I really wanted to see that rug,” she says. “I love the shape of the coffee table with its interlocking legs. They’re made of wood, but where they come together looks like an engine part or a gear.” To those new pieces, Triggs added a classic Vladimir Kagan wingback chair and two vintage chairs that she purchased in Paris.

The biggest challenge she faced in the living room was its dual focal points: the view and the fireplace.

“I custom designed the sofa to take advantage of both the fireplace, which is right in front of you, and also the view of the Bay, which is off to the right side,” she says. “I opened the sectional and made an obtuse angle, so you’re open to both views.”

THE BREAKFAST NOOK

With that clever solution in place, next Triggs tackled the home’s lackluster lighting.

“Light fixtures can really change the look and feel of a space, so I got rid of all the pedestrian lights,” she says. “I peppered in some midcentury finds and some newer pieces.”

The breakfast nook has one of the midcentury treasures—a bubbly creation that sets a happy tone for the morning.

THE DINING ROOM 

In the dining room, Triggs wanted a visually engaging fixture that wouldn’t take away from the view. She chose a geometric chain of lights connected by brass accents; it provides plenty of interest without dominating the room.

THE ENTRYWAY

The final light fixtures of note are the bronze and satin brass sconces she designed for the entryway, which evoke light emanating from the rough texture of a cave. “This space didn’t need a lot of light, because there’s a chandelier hanging above,” she says. “We added these sconces to bring in some drama.”

THE STUDY

Another design challenge was providing a cozy space where the homeowner could watch television or read. Triggs created a comfortable sitting area that’s separated from the main living space by a single wall. She added custom built-in bookcases on that wall and the opposite wall, which flank a large window. One bookcase hides a television behind sliding doors. While the bookcases are stunning in their own right, Triggs added another layer of interest by lining them with a wallpaper featuring a print of a whale skeleton, a subtle nod to the home’s surroundings.

THE PRIMARY SUITE

The main bedroom, with 10-foot-high ceilings, is a serene space. “Because of the tall ceilings, I wanted to gravitate up,” Triggs says. “I love pendant lights or sconces that are off the bedside tables. And, naturally, we chose a high headboard to fill the space.” The soft blues and grays of the main living spaces flow into the bedroom.

When the client is the focus, Triggs finds that the spaces she creates are used and loved over time. That has certainly been the case for this house. “When you design for someone, you create a home that complements his style,” she says. “I didn’t create a trendy environment, so, that keeps it relevant.”

Minimalistic design meets warmth and sophistication in this contemporary cool bachelor pad, designed by San Francisco-based interior designer Tineke Triggs. The 4,000 sf residence is home to a Bay Area entrepreneur who loves adventure travel, luxury cars and Indy 500 racing – and not necessarily in that order. Favoring quality over quantity, Triggs and her team at Artistic Designs for Living designed a luxurious and sleek interior steeped in high style and masculine energy. Triggs walks us through her design process and the story on how each room came to life.

Says Triggs, “The home had absolutely wonderful views, but an unconventional layout. It challenged us to be creative as we wanted to design an intimate environment that also maximized those views. For example, the great room was large and open and we wanted to make sure the room felt welcoming and cozy, not cavernous or cold. The room also had 2 focal points–the exterior view and the fireplace–so it was important to design for both vantages while maintaining a minimalistic design aesthetic.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“The first piece we designed for the great room was the custom sofa. It has a unique shape with a 45-degree angle that allows views in multiple directions. We then continued with different accent pieces like the vintage chairs from Alex Fradin and the gorgeous Vladimir Kagan wing back chair. I chose both because they reminded me of the type of angular seating you’d see in a high end sports car. Our client loves to race cars and the wing back is his favorite piece in the room. For the artwork above the fireplace, I was looking for something clean that would bring your eyes up. When I found these striking black and white works by Justyn Chapman, I knew they’d be perfect.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

The Ondine wing back chair by Vladimir Kagan is the homeowners favorite piece in this room. The sleek lines are reminiscent of the race cars he loves to drive. A Luca drink table by Currey & Co sits beside it. Kelly Wearstler’s stunning Dillion Cabinet sits just behind it.

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

Triggs designed a custom sectional with a 45-degree angle to take in multiple views in this living room. A side table by Noble Goods sits to the side. Hand-dripped with liquid resin, no two are exactly alike.

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

Triggs continues, “For the dining room we focused on linear, distinct angles that complimented each other. We wanted a mix of sleek lines and smooth shapes reminiscent of the race cars our client loved. We started with the buffet console from the Hewn showroom’s Erinn V. Collection. I love this piece. Its three dimensional, angular and so incredibly elegant. Everything else was chosen to compliment the buffet.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“The Welles chandelier is another striking piece in the room. It had just been introduced in glass when I was working on this project, which was perfect as we didn’t want a heavy piece that could block the views. It was also important for the fixture to be linear, not vertical, as this space is opposite a vertically hung waterfall chandelier in the entry.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

A vintage chandelier hangs over an Eero Saarinen round table and a set of Strike chairs by Arrmet Studio.

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“The shape of the entryway was a challenge – it had no depth so we had to design a narrow piece that would fit the space but also hold your interest. I designed this console using walnut and brass accents and paired it with geometric scones by Lucive. Because the chandelier in the space is light and airy, I wanted these sconces to be more architectural and sculptural. The brass accents on the inside of the sconces provide another element of interest. ”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“For the master bedroom we wanted to create a mood that was both romantic and masculine. We continued the palette of soft blues, grays and creams to create this balanced aesthetic. The ceilings were 10 feet tall with long and narrow windows, so we needed the bed to have a tall headboard to anchor the space and feel in harmony with the windows. We chose the Vibia slim pendants for the bedside lighting as they reminded me of ones you’d find in a luxurious, high end hotel end and I wanted that vibe for my client’s bedroom. The pendants are masculine and refined. They’re very cool but not at all overbearing.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“For the walls in the master bath, I chose a textural Phillip Jeffries wall covering from De Sousa Hughes as I wanted to soften the room and make it feel less cold. I love how the textured element warms up the space.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“Then came the library–what a fun room to design! We wanted this space to have a bit of the unexpected while still maintaining the feel of a formal library–a place you might end the day with an after dinner drink. When we found the amazing “Bruce” wallpaper by Abnormals Anonymous, we could not resist. I think we can all agree that a stripped down whale is a bit unexpected! Its such a fun design element and I loved the idea of bringing an ocean reference into the room. The space also includes a TV which we hid behind a door panel. I added brass side brackets to the built-ins draw your interest to the shelving and further the focus on the fabulous Bruce wallpaper. I always like to add a little jewelry to my cabinetry, and this was an fun way to do it.”

Photo: Jose Manuel Alorda

“The result is a sleek and inviting home that works in harmony the existing architecture and surroundings. It truly reflects the homeowner’s individual lifestyle and tastes and was such a fun project for us all. ” –Tineke Triggs, Artistic Designs For Living

Credits:
Interior Design by Tineke Triggs, Artistic Designs for Living | @tineketriggs
Photography by José Manuel Alorda | @josemanuelalorda
Via Davis Gonthier | @davisgonthier

The ups and downs of 2020 did not stop the 43rd Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase from opening it’s doors in the form of a thorough, virtual tour today, showcasing the work of more than 20 top interior and landscape designers who have transformed 27 distinct spaces. Guests can purchase tickets to embark on a video tour of the house and landscaped spaces; three separate self-guided 3-D interactive tours of the interior of the house, and the front and rear gardens in addition to watching designer interviews focusing on their inspirations, back-stories and highlighting a few key elements in their designs and more.

The annual Showcase is a benefit for the San Francisco University High School Financial Aid Program, which helps to bring a rich diversity of backgrounds and perspectives to the top-rated school and increases financial and cultural capacity to support every qualified student. “We are incredibly thankful to these brilliant designers, generous sponsors and supporters whose contributions help raise money for the UHS financial aid program allowing us to support students from diverse socio-economic and cultural backgrounds to enrich the UHS experience for all students,” said Shaundra Bason, University High School Director of Development. Here, we share some of our favorite highlights from the dynamic presentation of talent.

Intended as an entertaining and hangout space for a young couple, the Liquid Lounge and Cala Mezcal are a joyous riot of postmodern, Memphis, and Pop art influences. While imbibing is clearly meant to happen here, the installation also invites visitors to drink in digital art. One work by Liquid Canvas features a hand-animated sequence based on a painting by Lauren McIntosh, while Daniel Canogar’s Amalgama uses an algorithm that liquefies famous historical images, morphing the icons into one another.

As is the case with so many other events in 2020, the 43rd annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase was a little different this year. Held virtually for the first time, the show house, in a 6,500-square-foot Mediterranean-style home in the West Clay Park neighborhood, debuted last week; proceeds will benefit the financial-aid program of the San Francisco University High School, to help support students from a diverse array of backgrounds.

Each of the 27 rooms of the 1926 house was completely transformed by 21 of the most talented interior and landscape designers in the Bay Area. (And each room’s window treatments were furnished by The Shade Store, which teamed up with the designers to find the perfect match for their individual spaces.) Read on to see our favorite interiors from this stellar show house.

#20 Liquid Lounge by Tineke Triggs Artistic Designs for Living

The Liquid Lounge by Tineke Triggs is where high fashion meets art, where elements from the Memphis movement meet postmodern 1960s design. Golden hues and abstract geometric shapes dominate a lively, interactive room where you can let your imagination run wild.

Clever plays of texture, splashes of exuberant color, and impeccable style inspiration explodes from the San Francisco Decorator Showcase this year.

Celebrating its 43rd installment, the Showcase house has moved to an all-digital experience—including a comprehensive walk-through video tour of the house and landscaped spaces, an interactive 3-D self-guided tour, and links to designer interviews—available starting September 5. More than 20 outstanding interior and landscape designers were tasked with reimagining a 1926 Mediterranean-style house in the charming West Clay Park neighborhood into a pièce de resistance. And, we have to say, the results are delicious.

Each of the 27 assigned spaces bursts with its own personality, exhibiting a marriage between modern motifs, applications with vintage pieces, and principles of classic design. Here, we take a closer look at 12 of these remarkable rooms that will surely leave you breathless.

The San Francisco Decorator Showcase will be offering virtual tours starting September 5 to benefit the University High School Financial Aid Program. Sponsors include BlueStar (Kitchen Appliance Sponsor), Kohler (Exclusive Bathroom Sponsor), The Shade Store (Exclusive Window Treatment Sponsor), Da Vinci Marble, Hakwood, Purcell Murray, and C2 Paint; Visit decoratorshowcase.org for more information.

The Liquid Lounge by Tineke Triggs

Vivacious rose and chartreuse tones, abstract geometric shapes, and elaborate patterns spark a sense of creativity and joy within the “Liquid Lounge” by Tineke Triggs. Above the rosegold sideboard (Jean De Merry), a large digital art display (Liquid Canvas) depicts a work of art by Bay Area artist Lauren McIntosh with intricate hand-animated sequences that bring the once static painting to life.

“Now with Covid, I think everybody needs a bar in their house.” That’s interior designer Tineke Triggs, who is clearly a very wise and sane woman with her finger on the zeitgeist.

Perhaps we are biased—we also love mezcal and Mexico, two of the San Francisco design maven’s favorite things (since shelter in place, we have no qualms about shaking up a mezcal margarita when 5pm rolls around, or maybe earlier, don’t judge)—but we’re ready to call it for Cala Mezcal as the most inspired room in the 43rd Annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase.

Built in 1926, the 6,500-square-foot manse in the Outer Richmond’s tony West Clay Park has five bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths spanning three levels. In total, 27 spaces—including a media room, reading room, and wine cellar—have gotten the midas touch from 21 Bay Area designers for the annual benefit for SF University High School’s financial aid program. The showcase house will make its all-virtual debut to the public on Saturday, September 5th.

But back to Cala Mezcal. As Triggs says, when you have a house this large, “you need a space that feels like your own nightclub”—a sexy “getaway club that’s very sophisticated and interesting…with the underbelly of the Latin culture.” We’re listening.

Photography by Christoper Stark

From the home’s media room called the Liquid Lounge—an ’80s-chic hangout, also designed by Triggs, with low-slung furnishings and geometric patterns galore—you’ll get a tease of a view into Cala Mezcal through a gold chain curtain. Pull it back and ta-da!—your very own cocktail lounge that has the plushness of a Mexico City nightspot, the rustic hipster vibes of a San José del Cabo cantina, and floating shelves for all your artisanal Oaxacan spirits.

A mural of the Mexican desert planted with shadowy agave, by the decorative painter Caroline Lizarraga, sets a moody tone, relinquishing all the pop to a rosy velvet banquette and a one-of-a-kind, melting digital artwork by the Spaniard Daniel Canogar. In the bar portion of the space, ipe wood panels climb the wall and curve over the ceiling with the intent of hugging you in while you take your shots. Speaking of which, if you’ve ever thrown one back from a jug with a snake it at La Revolución, you know that the serpent is inextricable from Mexican culture and lore, both drinking and otherwise. Slithering across the table here is a mighty bejeweled reptile, also hand-painted by Lizarraga and “affectionately named Shakira.”

Find more photos and details of Triggs’ Cala Mezcal and Liquid Lounge in the slideshow below. When the Decorator Showcase goes live, also look out for the fabulous, art-filled living room by Applegate Tran and the luxurious Listening Room by Chad Dorsey Design.

Called the Liquid Lounge, the Tineke Triggs–designed media room takes its cue from the Memphis design movement founded in the early 1980s by the legendary Milanese designer Ettore Sottsass. The mood is light and bright with lots of texture, modern art, and geometric patterns. The room’s anchors include a custom sectional sofa by Arden Home; a Jean de Merry sideboard sourced at Coup D’Etat; Birnam Wood Studio’s geometric coffee table; and David Trubridge’s Navicula chandelier.

Behind the Scenes with “The Green Dress”

For most of us, there are certain sights and sounds that instantly evoke memories of our childhood homes. The crunch of leaves underfoot on a cool fall afternoon or smoke rising from a grill at a family gathering are all it takes to instantly transport many people right into their old backyards. For one couple with roots in the South, it was likely recollections of a screen door slamming or sipping ice-cold lemonade on a porch swing on a hot summer night that drove the decision to build a home that evoked the spirit of their childhood domiciles. “They wanted to create a house for their children that had the feel and the character of where they both grew up,” says designer Tineke Triggs. “That meant including things like the wraparound porches you’d find on a beautiful old plantation house.”

A coveted 1-acre flag lot in Atherton offered up the perfect backdrop. After scraping a 1950s ranch-style structure, Los Angeles-based architect Tim Barber and senior project manager Kirk Snyder crafted a classically proportioned Georgian-style home with clapboard siding and a cedar shake roof to take its place. The house stretches five bays wide and is marked by a timeless gable over the front door. “There are enough big porches and screen doors to capture the outdoor living feel reminiscent of their youth,” Snyder says. “And fortunately, that idea translates well to Northern California.”

• House Details
• Style: Traditional
• Photography: Laura Hull
• Home Builder: Erik Hughes, Hughes Construction, Inc.
• Architecture: Tim Barber and Kirk Snyder, Tim Barber Ltd.
• Interior Design: Tineke Triggs, Artistic Design for Living
• Landscape Architecture: John Dalrymple, John Dalrymple Landscape Architecture

When it came to furnishings, Triggs saw it as her mission to respect the architecture while still being mindful of the youthfulness of her clients. “I wanted to work with traditional pieces, but not things that felt stuffy or like your grandmother’s house,” says the designer, who utilized transitional fabrics to support that concept.

But if there’s any question about the home’s overall intent, the sight of the swing suspended by ropes on the back porch is a reminder that it’s time to slow down and go looking for that pitcher of lemonade.

In case you aren’t keeping up with the weather in the Bay Area, it’s been raining. And that means two important things. The first – our aquafers are being replenished. And second – snow in Tahoe!

In honor of all that fresh powder, we’re showcasing a new development in Lake Tahoe called The Palisades at Squaw that puts a fresh spin on mountain chic.

Going to Tahoe is always an amazing getaway, but many places lean a little too heavy on the buffalo plaid and raw wood for us style-wise. Thanks to designer Tineke Triggs, founder of Artistic Designs for Living, this collection of homes avoids the common tropes. “We wanted plenty of textural elements to create a modern mountain feel, but nothing too dark and heavy,” according to Tineke. “So many Tahoe cabins are dark and woodsy and our designs are a much more contemporary take on Tahoe living.  With that in mind, we kept everything light and bright with designs that complement rather than compete with the natural surroundings.  The interior details are high end, but with a more relaxed and contemporary style of elegance.”

With the goal of being “geared for the modern mountain enthusiast,” these homes offer the weekend getaway of owning a mountain home without as much upkeep and worry about the snow getting too heavy for the roof.

“We had a clear sense of which design elements we wanted to splurge on for this demographic, and we prioritized elements like beautiful but durable surface material, ample storage (both inside and out) for sports equipment, extra large beds in the bunk rooms, and of course my love of beautiful lighting for each room.” With bunk rooms that sleep four, these homes are ready for slumber parties.

Take a tour of one of the homes in the slideshow!

When Tineke Triggs, founder of Artistic Designs for Living, was hired to transform a 6,000 sq ft San Francisco Edwardian into a home that blends California casual and contemporary sophistication, she knew the modern elements of her design would need to be carefully curated. Tineke says, “The family wanted to keep the warmth and feel of the original Edwardian, but infuse more modern designs, fixtures and furnishings throughout. We had to be careful not to go overboard on the contemporary design elements as we didn’t want anything too modern or cold. This is where layering in textures and different ethnic design elements created wonderful design juxtapositions to keep everything fresh, warm and inviting.”

Many of the art pieces had been collected by the homeowners while living in India and Asia and are quite colorful. So Tineke purposefully kept most of the spaces neutral. She says, “We wanted the backdrop to be light and calm to help showcase the art.”

While neutral, Tineke also brought in interest with creative wallpaper and treatments throughout the home. “Where we didn’t have art, we brought in as much texture as possible.” She explains, “In the dining room we worked with Elan Evans to design a custom wall treatment inspired by the couple’s travels through India. The overall design was inspired by remnants of an Indian tapestry and the mirrored inlay is a nod to the type of mirrored beading found throughout so many Indian designs.”

And in the living room, where the homeowners had originally wanted a very clean white wall to complement their light furnishings, Tineke convinced them to up the ante a bit. “We created an accent wall using a beautiful Phillip Jeffries wall covering that has almost a wood like feel, but more organic. It has wonderful light brown and blush undertones to bring out the blush accents in the room and we love how it keeps the overall design in this space from becoming too flat.”

“The design for this bathroom at the San Francisco Decorator Showcase was inspired by the July 1966 cover of Vogue — a quintessential moment in American history that broke the mold for women in the ’60s,” says Tineke Triggs. “I love designing bathrooms full of luxurious elements to inspire and elevate your senses. They should energize and pamper the soul. Sumptuous materials combined with something unexpected are the keys to creating a spa-like bathroom.”

Getting the blues isn’t all bad; it can make a dramatic statement in your home.

Traditionally, blue has represented trust, peace, and loyalty. But when it comes to interiors, blue can bring both drama and flexibility to a room. Designers across the country have turned to deep blues for a statement color that goes well with almost anything else.

Aesthetics aside, color consultant Shannon Kaye thinks that blue still has those comforting connotations. “Deep, reassuring blues give us a place to feel safe and reconnect with our loved ones in our homes,” she says.

We asked designers to weigh in with their picks for the best dark blue paints.

In the Midnight Hour, Benjamin Moore

Interior designer Tineke Triggs put warm accents in front of a deep blue wall in a dining room. “It’s such a beautiful statement color that is both bold and elegant,” she says. “By selecting the right textures and lighting to compliment it, you can create a truly stunning space.”

For drama in the dining room, designer Tineke Triggs chose In the Midnight Hour by Benjamin Moore as the wall color |

Drew Kelly

A designer pays homage to period architecture while freshening up the home for a family of 5.

This San Francisco Victorian needed an update to make it suit the life of a busy modern family. But the last thing the owners wanted to do was lose any of the home’s original historic charm. “This is an early-1900s Victorian with unbelievable details like handmade spindles on the stairway, beautiful fireplaces and ornate millwork — it all absolutely had to stay,” interior designer Tineke Triggs says. At the same time, she needed to make it comfortable and welcoming for the couple and their three young daughters. Carrying colors, textures and loose motifs throughout the house created the easy flow and comfort they were craving.

 

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple with three young children
Location: San Francisco
Size: 3,500 square feet (325 square meters); six bedrooms, 4½ bathrooms
Designer: Tineke Triggs

When you walk up to original doors like these, you expect to enter a home that has respected and preserved its spectacular Victorian-era architecture. Once inside, visitors are met with an ornate staircase and a view into the living room.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

When Triggs took the job, her clients had no furniture in the living or dining rooms; they had been living at the back of the first floor in the small kitchen and a family room. To create cohesion throughout the house, Triggs repeated certain elements. The homeowners’ favorite color, blue, carries through many of the rooms, as do mixed metals that include glints of warm brass.

A sometimes blurred, sometimes brushed painterly quality shows up here and there, whether in exaggerated drips, watercolor-like patterns or ombré. For example, Triggs added the blue to an inexpensive painting to create this artwork. You can also see the painterly quality in the pattern on the rug and on some of the throw pillows.

She custom designed this sofa. Note how the curves on the back nod to the original moldings around the adjacent bay.

Wing chair: Caracole, upholstered in Royal silk/mohair by Corragio; iron and stone coffee table: Global Views; sofa: custom, upholstered in Barkcloth by Brentano; Roman shade fabric: Dejeuner Sur L’Herbe, Casamance

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

All of the fireplaces were in good shape except for their tile surrounds. Triggs used a classic deep blue in a brick pattern here.

While the living room has a quieter palette, the adjacent dining room revs things up.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Knowing that the homeowners loved blue, Triggs went for a dramatic, deep hue on the walls in the dining room. “We offset the blue by bringing in this persimmon chair fabric from the opposite end of the color spectrum,” she says. A large aged brass metallic chandelier makes a dazzling statement and stands up to the 12-foot ceilings. Metallic thread in the medallion pattern on the chairs, dynamic artwork and a buffet with pearlized doors complete the fashionable space.

Wall paint: In the Midnight Hour, Benjamin Moore; Keegan chandelier in Antique Brass: Arteriors; Adagio buffet: Bernhardt

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

In and around the first floor powder room we get a close look at some of the original details and the way Triggs honored the Victorian era via the lights, sink and wallpaper.

Wallpaper: Lietti in French Blue, Romo

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Creating a kitchen that could serve as the family hub and the heart of the home was a major part of the job and required the most extensive remodel. This space used to be the family room, and the space we’ll see next was the adjacent dated, inefficient and uninviting kitchen.

While the former kitchen was small, the family had loved eating together at a small table just outside the space and wanted to keep something like it for casual family meals. So Triggs designed a long, removable, free-standing bench that resembles a banquette and a new Carrara marble top for an industrial table base that’s long and narrow enough to fit the space.

Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore; bistro table: custom; Beatrix side chairs: Mr. Brown; banquette fabric: Gato vinyl, Kravet, with welt in Rodeo-Dijon, Arc Com

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

The homeowners were worried that the patterned tile seen above the range would appear too busy if used all over the room, so Triggs used glass brick tiles behind the sink. She designed the island to have enough seats for the three girls, who are all younger than 10. Brass and gold tones reappear in the pendants, which have era-appropriate flair.

Island color: In the Midnight Hour, Benjamin Moore; range: Wolf; pendants: Mr. Brown (no longer available)

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

On the back of the house, this sunporch space had served as the kitchen. After taking over the family room for the kitchen, Triggs transformed this room into a cozy den. Because the two rooms are open to each other, she used the same blue and cream fabric on the Roman shades in both. She also brought in more blue via paint behind the shelves and in the chunky, sweater-like rug.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

“We had the height here to make the room feel bigger,” Triggs says. Built-ins that extend all the way to the ceiling emphasize the height. Wherever she added built-ins, cabinets and other architectural details, she emulated the style of the original millwork but in a slightly less ornate, more streamlined way to freshen up the look.

Wall paint: Edgecomb Gray, Benjamin Moore; cabinet paint: Revere Pewter, Benjamin Moore; Roman shades: custom in Venice cotton print, Stark Fabrics

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Everyone in the family sleeps on the second floor. This light fixture is original to the home.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Here’s a close-up of the wonderful stair spindles mentioned earlier.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

The master bedroom has another beautiful original chandelier. The mantel is original as well, but Triggs added a new tile surround in a pattern appropriate to the era. The old one was orange-brown and cracked.

The fabric on the chaise longue was the jumping-off point for the bedroom’s color palette. Triggs designed the chaise, which recalls a Victorian fainting couch. Ombré window treatments continue that painterly quailty we saw downstairs.

Wall paint: Silver Fox, Benjamin Moore; chest of drawers: Hickory Chair; chaise: custom, upholstered in Cerney Floral Whisper, Stroheim; fireplace surround tile: custom colored and hand-painted, Fireclay

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

The tall headboard stands up to the high ceilings in the master. “The headboard is upholstered in a wool-polyester blend that is so fabulous,” Triggs says. Soft colors and symmetry lend a restful and calm feeling.

Headboard and nightstands: Hickory Chair; shams: custom in Elves Moorland by Villa Nova

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

The details on the cabinet panels and mirror frames again nod to the silhouettes in the home’s original architectural moldings. Carrera marble and seafoam green also befit the home’s history.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

In one of the daughter’s rooms, the new built-ins are in keeping with the style.

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

So is this arch that cozies up her daybed. Typical of a home of this era, the closets are small. Triggs designed the daybed arch to be removable so that when the girls are older and move to a teenager’s paradise on the third floor, their parents will have the option of transforming this room into a large master closet.

Wall paint: Decorator’s White, Benjamin Moore; Bayview daybed: Palu

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

The twin girls’ room shows off a favorite move of the designer’s. “I’m not a fan of loud colors or kiddie wallpaper in children’s bedrooms,” Triggs says. “One trick I like to use instead is to draw interest by creating contrast on the ceiling.”

Wall paint: Collingwood, Benjamin Moore; ceiling paint: Prom Dress, Benjamin Moore

Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

Up on the third floor, the rooms currently serve as a guest bedroom, a home office and this playroom. The painterly effect carries through up here with another ombré, this time on the walls. Triggs directed the housepainter to give the artistic assignment a whirl, telling him to “just break up the blues every few feet,” and it worked out beautifully. “Doing it any other way probably would have cost 10 times as much!” she says with a laugh.

One thing to remember when you have a narrow staircase: Make sure the furniture will fit through it. Triggs chose a sectional that came in small pieces that would make it up the stairs.

The home is now a place where the family will thrive, with thoughtful touches for both today and those future teenage years. And while its look is freshened up, the spirit of the original architecture remains alive and well.

Milo Baughman Design sectional: Thayer Coggin

New This Week: 4 Fabulous Fireplace Focal Points

Interior designer Tineke Triggs of Artistic Designs for Living gives her Sonoma County home a refresh that highlights its inviting vibe.

“I always approach each project with three questions in mind: who’s the client; how will the environment inform the design and how will the home be used?,” says interior designer Tineke Triggs. The same format applied when she tackled her own home in Kenwood, a town in Sonoma County.  “We’re a family of four with a gaggle of friends that we wanted to share this home with,” she shares, “It was therefore very important that the home’s layout and designs be family friendly and work for large gatherings.”

The family had bought the home almost twenty years ago. “We’d been looking for property in the wine country forever and when we stumbled upon this one, we knew we had something special,” she remembers. “Although the home itself was in need of major renovations, the land, the views and the feel of the property were amazing. It had such a great energy about it.”

Located just one hour from the family’s main home in San Francisco made it a convenient spot in which to welcome visitors. “In fact, when we purchased it, we gave all of our friends a set of keys and told them, ‘This is your home, not ours, and we want you all to enjoy it with us.’ That spirit has resulted in many wonderful memories. “There are many special stories and deep connections with family, friends, children, grandchildren, that were formed here,” she shares.

Of course when they’d originally purchased the property, a 2,500 square foot home Eichler-ish design built in 1964, they reconfigured the layout to improve the home’s flow and its connection with the outdoors, and rethought rooms, like opening up the small kitchen to the view and creating a great room where everyone could comfortably gather. They’d also added a swimming pool.

But two decades on the house was in need of a refresh. Living in the home had taught them about the space — what works, what didn’t, what needed improvement — and the furnishings were worn. “What you’re seeing now is a fresh update to the designs throughout each space in the home.  Designs that reflect who we are today, how the home is used and what we’ve learned about the space after 20 years of living in it,” says Triggs.

The 2017 wine country fires had also impacted the property, coming within 5 feet of the home and grabbing two smaller structures. “We were so incredibly lucky that the house itself was spared, but it prompted us to make some important changes, such as replacing the roof with one that was more fire-resistant and installing solar panels to reduce our reliance on electricity,” Triggs says, “We even bought pumps for the swimming pool in case we needed the water to extinguish fires!”

There were other changes that they made that were just as important as these practical improvements; they were the renovations that underline this home as a  place that embraces family and friends and relaxation. Triggs notes the covered patio, “where we love to relax during the golden hours – either at breakfast or as the sun sets.  People come here to take in the beautiful views, read a book, or just take a quiet moment away from the crowd when we have larger gatherings. We recently added two hanging chairs to the patio that I sourced in Paris from a Danish designer.  They create such a fun yet relaxing vibe.” Inside, little seating areas create areas for the intimate conversations that happen at large events.

In the refreshed design, Triggs revised the color palette and textures, drawing from the surroundings to “make the house look like the space it inhabits.” The new scheme puts people front and center.

“My kids have grown to truly appreciate the home and this was really driven home after the 2017 fires,” says Triggs. “When they realized that this special family place only narrowly escaped being consumed by the fires, it became all the more precious to them.” Here’s to twenty more.

The musical La La Land, which follows the romance between a jazz musician and an aspiring actress, got 14 Oscar nominations today. It’s a visually gorgeous film, and no matter how it does on awards night Feb. 26, it’s a feast for the eyes.

We’ve written about finding inspiration for room palettes on the runway, in nature and in your closet. Movies also can be a wonderful place to discover rich blends of colors you can apply to home decor. Take a peek at these scenes from La La Land paired with rooms that have a similar palette.

4. City Stroll

Look at the attention to detail in this shot: The ocher color of Gosling’s tie reflects the color of the lamppost behind him, while Stone’s coral dress repeats the pink in the twilight sky. Gray also forms a major part of the palette, in the dark of the road and the lighter color of the fence on the left.

Room designer: Tineke Triggs

Charcoal-colored painted cabinetry grounds this kitchen in much the same way that the road provides a gray anchor in the movie shot. Pops of coral parallel the color of Stone’s dress, while the wood floor approximates — yes, it’s not 100 percent — the ocher of Gosling’s tie. The dark wood door at the back of the room imitates Gosling’s hair; the paint color in that niche echoes the concrete balusters in the movie shot’s lower left.