San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Parisian design adorns luxurious Nob Hill condo
Olivia Hsu Decker knows more than a little bit about Parisian design. The owner of two French chateaus, Decker is also the listing agent for 1001 California St., Unit 3, a twobedroom occupying a full floor in a Beaux-Arts building down the street from Grace Cathedral.
“The quality of the apartment is rare, it’s better than either of my chateaus,” Decker said of the residence remodeled by architect Andrew Skurman and interior designer Suzanne Tucker.
Put simply, it’s a touch of Versailles on Nob Hill. Nineteenth century French designs adorn the listing. Mirrored doors, a gold-domed ceiling, parquet flooring, an antique mantlepiece and hand-painted finishes represent only some of the elegant finishes found within the fully furnished residence available for $12.8 million.
Opulent, yet inviting, the condo embraces Parisian design throughout. The kitchen employs an exhaust hood shaped like the Eiffel Tower, while the library hosts a Louis XV black lacquered leather desk and a pair of Louis XVI bergeres.
“It’s so rare to have this level of detail and craftsmanship,” Decker said.
Even the powder room is resplendent. Hand-painted by Willem Racke, the room employs a tortoiseshell motif accented by gilded mirrors.
Both bedrooms offer ample closet space, and the guest suite includes a sitting room with bookcases and a television concealed by built-ins. The opulent owner’s suite is highlighted by a lavish marble bathroom with a two-person shower, antique-style mirrored cabinets and a spa tub.
Designed for serious chefs, the kitchen revolves around a