Cindy from Rough Luxe Lifestyle and I love the Project Design series as it usually means we spruce up a space in our own homes.
Welcome to our 1920’s San Francisco apartment!
We basically have three areas in the foyer…
A place by the front door…
The bowl with keys used to be filled with a candle from West Elm…after using up the “linen” scented candle, I cleaned it (by putting in the freezer and then chipping the remaining wax out). Now, it has a new life.
Secondly, there is a large antique French dresser in the middle of the room that stores table linens.
White accessories like the lamp and vase feel “fresh” right now. The black and white box also packs a little punch.
For these prints, I waited for Art.com to have a 40% off sale
(it seems the sale comes and goes…so look out). The site is so easy to use. I ordered them with the double thick mats.
(it seems the sale comes and goes…so look out). The site is so easy to use. I ordered them with the double thick mats.
![]() |
Boat photo by Alec Alfonso taken on our Akumal, Mexico trip. |
I bought that fern two months ago on a little outing with Cindy in Santa Cruz…amazingly, it’s still looking great. No direct sunlight in here. That must be the secret (like ferns at the bottom of a rain forest). The natural texture of shells always appeals to me.
And the third spot is:
Look at the blanket stitch detail that Liana did…
![]() |
Fabric: Vasari by Penny Morrison |
Incorporate some things with age for character, too (vintage, antique, flea market, thrift store).
Simple ideas…
- baskets to eliminate clutter
- greenery…like house plants or branches from your garden
- flowers…always nice to come home to
- a bowl or tray for keys
- a fresh pillow or two on a chair or bench
- little statement accessory, perhaps graphic or metal
- art (like your own photographs or antique prints)
- mirror
If you are new here today, take a look at the view from our living room (that’s Alcatraz Island). We can also see the Golden Gate bridge and the Bay Bridge. So, even though I don’t have a garden (which I miss), I can see lots of blue!
Enjoy these ladies’ creative ideas…

I loved the antique marble top dresser. Can you provide a source for purchase?
Not really, Deborah…I bought it over 20 years ago in Paris. Sorry.