San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Designer Profile
S. F. designer Jeff Schlarb explains his process creating this Nob Hill penthouse.
A resplendent penthouse in Nob Hill awaits its next owner and showcases the vision of San Franciscobased interior designer Jeff Schlarb. Crowning the Crescent, the city’s newest collection of boutique residences, the three bedroom, two and a half bathroom penthouse that’s listed for $ 7.1 million is an artistic, inspirational oasis with more than 1,800 square feet of living space and 925 square feet of exterior space, with views of the Transamerica Pyramid, San Francisco Bay and Coit Tower.
“My vision in designing the penthouse at Crescent was to imagine a resident feeling inspired every time they enter their home,” Schlarb said. “We kept drawing upon the idea of creating a custom, romantic space that feels exciting and familiar at the same time, straddling a careful balance of maximalism and softness while honoring the unparalleled architecture and worldclass design of this one of a kind building and its residences. The color palette, in particular, draws upon nature and complements the stunning sky and bay sightlines visible from terraces that span the home.”
Schlarb furnished and designed the elegant penthouse, which complements the building’s architecture and features a flowing floor plan awash in natural light.
The refined interior embodies California lifestyle through its sophisticated, stylish material palette and thoughtful design scheme.
The Crescent is the work of Grosvenor Americas, which is part of the Grosvenor Group and one of the world’s largest privatelyowned property companies.
“We are excited to debut this model penthouse at Crescent, which is an idyllic interpretation of a contemporary luxury retreat located in one of the world’s greatest neighborhoods,” said Steve Buster, Senior Vice President of Development for Grosvenor Americas. “The home is an indooroutdoor topfloor oasis, as residents have a privately accessed sprawling rooftop terrace overlooking downtown San Francisco and the Bay, along with two private terraces immediately off the living spaces. Crescent’s model penthouse personifies the romance of San Francisco and embodies exceptional design by the inimitable Jeff Schlarb, who has masterfully complemented interiors by renowned Champalimaud Design, in a building featuring worldclass architecture by celebrated Robert A. M. Stern Architects.”
The penthouse’s seamless indoor/ outdoor flow includes a 527squarefoot roof terrace boasting striking views of downtown San Francisco, landmarks and the water.
Schlarb’s ethereal and sophisticated design blends a variety of soft blues, teals and neutral tones contrasted by gold, glass and brass accents.
The penthouse opens to a formal foyer and hallway with a gallery wall featuring a curated selection of artwork including UNTITLED, a painting by Christoph Schrein by Saatchi Art. Schlarb’s design studio curated a piece of artwork for the foyer as well.. Speckled wallpaper by Rebecca Atwood in cloud blue adorns the ceiling and serves as a backdrop for a dramatic Ro Sham Beaux hanging pendant lights.
The foyer segues to open living and dining rooms designed for a modern sense of West Coast living. The living area’s highlights include a dynamic wall covering by Philip Jeffries, a sleek white Bernhardt bench, matte white ceramic chandelier, a custom blue sofa by JSDS Custom and a vintage coffee table from 1stdibs.
Handlaid, seven inch wide light oak flooring lines the interior of the penthouse as windows look toward the terraces. The kitchen comes with highend integrated appliances from SubZero and Wolf, as well as custom cabinetry engineered and imported from Germany and Mediterraneo marble countertops and backsplashes.
Each of the three graciously sized bedrooms overlook iconic views of San Francisco and the bay. The owner’s suite serves as a tranquil oasis, with Cloud Sky wallpaper by Emma Hayes, a reclaimed Douglas Fir dresser and antique table lamps. The suite’s focal point is the dazzling view and immediate access to an expansive private terrace that spans the room’s entire southern wall. A pair of bathrooms in the penthouse are clad almost entirely in Bianco Dolomite marble.