We Found the BEST Design Ideas at the 2025 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

Inspired by French Modernist artist and designer Armand Albert Rateau, designer Willem Racké hand-painted a decorative mural over plaster. A combination of wall appliqués we didn’t know we needed until now!

Kitchen islands have long been a topic of debate—what shape they should be, which materials work best, or whether you need one at all. Ultimately, it comes down to what suits your lifestyle and your space. But Katie Monkhouse Interior Design has us firmly on Team Half-Moon. Her island’s curved edge, elegantly extended over a brass pedestal by Maxwell Austerweil Studio, brings a relaxed, welcoming vibe—perfect for pulling up a chair and chatting while the cook works their magic.

Arguably, the most show-stopping piece in the whole showcase was the parametric desk filling the office space by TRG Architecture + Interior Design. The bespoke design manufactured by Dave Marcoullier Woodworks comprises layered slices of wood seamlessly flowing from wall to work surface. So if you ever wanted a piece of furniture that looks like it came straight off a movie set, now’s your chance.

There’s plenty to swoon over in the Moroccan-inspired dining room from Julie Rootes Interiors, but one detail that offers an easy takeaway is the decorative painting on the millwork. Rootes commissioned artist Eva-Lena Rehnmark to hand-paint the room’s entrance, drawing inspiration from a tile pattern she spotted on her travels.

Another design element we loved seeing at the showcase was the deliberate mix of doorway shapes, as exemplified in the space from Lauren Berry Interior Design. Think classic rectangular frames alongside soft, elegant arches. This playful contrast adds visual interest and a sense of architectural layering, making the bathroom area feel intentional and dynamic. Arched doorways bring a touch of romance and old-world charm, while standard shapes keep things grounded and modern. When used thoughtfully in the same space, the contrast feels artful rather than accidental.

Creating a look to spark creativity and nurture young imaginations, designer Heather Bernstein of HKB Interior Design may have just unlocked the next big trend. While statement ceilings are nothing new, matching them to the room’s overhead light fixture is a pattern-lover’s dream. We’re calling it “statement matching.” The ceiling of this boy’s room is custom-painted by Elan Evans, weaving scenes, objects, collectibles, constellations, and silly creatures seamlessly with embroidered elements that bring depth and texture to the design.

Move over, powder room—Castellanos Interiors is making a case for the laundry room being the jewel box of the home. Drenched in 6990 CAVIAR by Sherwin-Williams and paired with McIntyre glazed, thin brick tile in the same color, this laundry room is oozing with (dare we say) sex appeal. Finished with touches that pop like artwork by Bastiaan Woudt and brass fixtures and hardware, it takes the concept of a laundry from laborious to luxurious.

In JKA Design’s rooftop oasis—where 1970s glam meets Western swagger—every detail is dialed in, but one standout feature is the unexpected island that separates the lounge from the bar. Forgoing the usual suspects like marble or wood, the team opted for a bold and innovative material: translucent glass brick. The result is a sculptural centerpiece that feels both modern and ethereal, allowing light to filter through and keeping the space feeling open and airy. It’s a fresh take on island materiality that proves functional elements can still be conversation starters.

Whether you love it or hate it, we’re seeing backlit marble pop up more and more in designer projects. TRG Architecture + Interior Design chose the perfect use case by installing it in a tucked-away bar area. It’s the perfect space to mix up a post-work drink.

Aside from the marble mural and ceiling-mounted “raindrop” faucet in the shower, a more delicate detail juxtaposing them is what caught our attention in Sabah Mansoor Design’s ensuite bathroom. The custom-made Roman shade’s floral design comes to life in the form of 3D embellishments made of silk organza that are hand-stitched to the linen ground. With brands like La La Curio leading the charge on this trend with their gorgeous hand-embellished wallpapers and fabrics, we foresee this being seen in many more interiors to come.