RECLAIMING THE GARDEN
Our 2025 SF Showcase transforms an overgrown postage-stamp backyard with synthetic turf and flagstone paving into a stylish and dynamic garden that highlights abandoned materials and handmade custom elements. Suffused with dappled light, organic forms and the fluffy texture and shadows of tree ferns, this inviting outdoor room channels a contemporary European feel that speaks to the architecture. It’s a space to gather, meditate, and celebrate — especially at night under a starry sky.
Creme de Provence limestone rims the semicircular staircase descending from the back patio, leading to an expanse of decomposed granite defined within sweeping arcs of reclaimed cobblestone. This in turn creates a dynamic pattern when viewed from balconies above. The limestone is repeated at the corner patio, anchored by a bar made from discarded quarried “skin” material. Furthering the magical ambience: a bespoke stone table of reclaimed winterset stone accompanied by custom ceramic stools with succulents creeping through is nestled in the corner amongst the fern fronds. Custom beveled glass bistro lighting further sets the stage for enjoying the garden at night.
A canopied, sequestered jewel, the 2025 Showcase garden celebrates reclaimed materials, unique custom elements, and the nature-inspired bonhomie of the Bay Area lifestyle. In this secluded oasis alive with birdsong, it's all about outdoor living. It's about connecting with plants and immersing oneself in nature.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Download professional room photography here.
CREDITS
Landscape Design by Katharine Webster | @katharine_webster | webstermla.com
Photography by Adam Potts | @adampottsphoto | adampottsphotography.com
Photo credits are required in all contexts. All social media use must link back to the designer and photographer’s social media profiles.
KEY VENDORS
Aerena Galleries – Bench by Llisa Demetrios
American Soil and Stone – Winterset Limestone, Grolla Limestone Cobble
Arana Craftsman Painter – Painted Wood Table, Wooden Planter
Arriaga Masonry – Stone Table Fabrication, Flat Paving, Cobble Installation
Art Luna – Amber Rondelle Lights
Bartholomew Kraus – Custom Ferns Stools
Bright On Presidio – Exterior Decorative Lighting
Da Vinci Marble – Porto Beige Skin Material (Bar/Table), Flat Paving (Bar Area), Creme du Provence Limestone (Bottom of Stairs)
Hudson Grace – Olive Green Glass Hurricanes
Larkspur Builders – Built Custom Wood Trough, Custom Wood Table (Old-Growth Douglas Fir)
Palecek Furniture – Nadine Planters, Somerset Ivory Outdoor 30" Barstool
RS Professional Painting – Painted Backside of Exterior Stairs, Closet, Terrace Wall
Sherwin-Williams – Building Exterior Paint, Trough Paint, Wood Table Stain
Sticks-N-Stones – Bar Table Fabrication
Terrain – Outdoor Light Strand Pole with Tank
Triple BK Landscape Gardening – Planting, Soil, Irrigation, Installation of Bistro Lights
ABOUT KATHARINE WEBSTER
A frequent contributor to the San Francisco Decorator Showcase, award-winning designer Katharine Webster, founder of Katharine Webster Inc, draws inspiration from the spirit of place and the rhythms of nature. Her distinctive design approach is enlightened by deep knowledge of plants, microclimates, and materials. Informed by over 30 years of residential landscape design, KWI has made outdoor living the core of the practice. Her process results in thoughtful, layered gardens, each a unique response to palette, people, and place.
ABOUT THE SAN FRANCISCO DECORATOR SHOWCASE
The story of the San Francisco Decorator Showcase began in 1977, when Nan Rosenblatt, a former San Francisco University High School parent and an accomplished interior designer, and Philip Fernandez, the first president of the school’s Parents Association, conceived the first Showcase to raise funds for the University’s financial aid program. In its first year, the Showcase raised $26,000 – since then, it has raised over $18 million to benefit the program.
This year’s event will be held at 2935 Pacific Avenue in Pacific Heights. The elegant 9,400 sq. ft. home features a stunning 2,150 sq. ft. rooftop deck with breathtaking city and bay views. The home will be open to the public from April 26 through May 26, 2025. Tickets may be purchased here, with all proceeds benefitting the San Francisco University High School’s financial aid program.
PUBLICIST
Lisa Davis
DAVIS GONTHIER
415.793.3334
lisa@davisgonthier.com
Instagram: @davisgonthier