A San Francisco Office Space: Inspired By The Gold Rush

For the past few months, Cocoon Home has been decorating a San Francisco office space for a venture capital firm with a Barbary Coast/Gold Rush theme.  The building is located the part of the city that gave birth to the Barbary Coast, which in its heyday was known as a red light district.  This was also the time the California Gold Rush of 1849 began bringing thousands of miners looking for gold and opportunity, hence the combination of the two themes.

Wanting to pay homage to the area's history and California's entrepreneurial spirit, the partners wanted the space to reflect a bit of its colorful past.  Careful not to go overboard with the themes, Cocoon Home used reclaimed wood, a mix of metals, steam trunks and art that reflected the era as well as modern accents and vibrant botanicals to lend the offices a contemporary feel. Take a look:

The Way We Live: Details In Diamond Heights

Upon entering the space for the first time I was taken by the mood it induced.  Through carefully curated furniture pieces,  personal touches and the magnificent SF bay views (not always present as you may correctly assume) this Diamond Heights apartment is a prime example of how attention to detail makes all the difference.  Earthy tones, textured surfaces, ethnic touches and an eclectic furniture mix all contribute to this home's relaxing atmosphere.  Once in it, one feels super chilled, yet extremely inspired by the objects and view that surround one.

Many thanks to JB and DD for sharing your space with my readers and to your designer friend, Pasak Ongwattanagul, for helping to create it.    The great collection of furnishings and accessories prompted me to ask DD to reveal his favorite places to shop.  Take a look at that list below:

SF stores:

Inside Modern, Design Within Reach, Big Daddy's Antiques, Monument, Stuff SF, Zonal, Coup D'Etat, Underglass Framing

 Other sources:

Jayson Home & Garden, WA, Environment, Horchow, LoPort Arts

The Way We Live: A Spontaneous New Year's Day Visit

Instead of a typical New Year's post about milestones and resolutions, I'll share with you photographs of our first 2013 day, spent in Noe Valley with friends we met while living in SF many years ago.  Now that we live near one another spontaneous visits are possible and with a couple like DS and BB you can always expect a warm welcome (even with 3 crazy kids in tow).  Their home is cozy and eclectic and reflects their passions and travels.  Seamlessly mixed vintage finds, textiles, art and interesting artifacts, this home is truly an example of  The Way We Live.  Take a look:

During our visit we shared in a Southern New Year's tradition of eating black eyed peas and collard greens which symbolize future wealth and good luck.  Here's to wishing everyone both in 2013!    I ate two entire bowls...

Happiest of new years and many thanks to DS and BB for sharing the first day of 2013 with all of us and you.

Hello, California! 7 Things To Do Soon After Our Arrival.

Although I was not able to complete my Farewell, New England list, there will be plenty of time ahead to work on my California one.  Take a look at a few of the things I would like the family to do soon after we are all reunited and settled in:

1.  Walk the Strybing Arboretum.  I volunteered at it when we lived in SF 18 years ago and I would love to show the children its vast plant materials and microclimates which make it so unique.

2. Eat pizza at The Cheese Board.  The kids are worried that there isn't any good pizza in California.  I want to prove them otherwise.

3.  Cocktails in our courtyard (hope this happens upon arrival!).   This one will continue to happen, over and over again....

4. Take the kids to the Presidio, where the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean can be seen, felt and heard.

5. Soak in hot springs.  One of my favorite places happens to be Wilbur, but there are so many others...can't wait to try them all.

6. Drive down Route 1 to Big Sur.  Not only do elephant seals abound and the kids are so excited to see them, but it's simply a magical place.

7.  Reconnect with our West Coast friends and make new ones.

There are so many things I'm eager for our children to do and see, but most importantly, I want us all to feel like we are home.

My next post will be from California!!!

Out And About: In Hayes Valley, San Francisco.

Pop up retail, food trucks and coffee ritual sites make one the most captivating cities in the U.S., San Francisco,  even MORE interesting.  Where the central freeway once stood, green ways, benches and random shops abound, adding to the vibrant marketplace atmosphere. On a recent visit to SF my husband and I had a chance to catch up with a good friend who showed us all the hip and happening places in Hayes Valley.  Please join me on a mini tour:

Ritual Coffee, Aether Apparel, San Francisco Food Trucks