Every San Francisco neighborhood has its own vibe –– from the mellow surfer chic in the Sunset to the rockabilly hip of the Mission –– and its own eclectic mix of shops, cafes and restaurants.
For design inspiration, I head to the stylish Fillmore District of lower Pacific Heights, to peruse its distinctive home stores. These shops are conveniently located along a five-block street stretch of Fillmore Street, starting near Bush and heading north towards Clay.
Zinc Details
Photos by Megan Dempsey
A sense of whimsy pervades Zinc Details, which stocks an abundance of colorful Alitalia ceramics, playful Alessi household items and a charming children’s selection, including bamboo mobiles from Petit Collage.
Best of all, the shop imports a wide variety of Scandinavian items from Design House Stockholm and Marimekko that are hard to find in San Francisco and make for a vibrant visual feast of patterns and textures.
My faves: Marimekko patterned potholders and wall hangings.
Ruby Living Design
For elegant chic, there’s Ruby Living Design, a dangerous “minefield” of beautiful upholstered furniture, hard-to-find dishware and ceramics, and sophisticated accessories from brands like Oly Studio & Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams. Everything here has been carefully selected by a very practiced eye.
My faves: I’d like one of everything, please.
Jonathan Adler
Jonathan Adler, part of a small national chain created by the respected ceramic artist, is retro glam gone wild. The store overflows with groovy furniture, funky lamps and the white pottery on which Adler made his name. Pretty dishware, animal prints and monogrammed pillows take it up another notch.
My faves: the punchy rug options, especially the kissing giraffes.
Nest
At Nest, a wide array of imported ethnic goods makes an exotic and vibrant statement. There are linens from India and furniture from Morocco, as well as adorable children’s toys and handmade jewelry. The patterns and richness that abound in the boutique are a refreshing break from modernism, and the merchandise is displayed in beautiful little vignettes that make shopping feel like a grown-up treasure hunt.
My faves: John Robshaw tablecloths and the delicate gold jewelry.
Before, after or during your shopping expedition, Pizzeria Delfina offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy authentic artisan pizzas and antipasti –– and contemplate your next purchase.
A good read: San Francisco Style: Design, Decor, and Architecture
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