Get Inspired! Last Week of Marin Designer’s Showcase

Feeling a bit ho-hum about your space?  Flipping through magazines and picture books not quite getting you fired up with fresh ideas?  Maybe it’s time to head over to the Marin Designers Showcase, where you will be wowed by the artistry of ~ 30 of the finest designers from all over Marin and the bay area. In its 38th year, the Marin Designers Showcase is half fundraiser and half pageant of designing wizardry.  Proceeds generated benefit Marin’s Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership. 

Each year, the Center’s Auxilary spends an enormous amount of time and energy planning and producing for the showcase, including scouting all of Marin for that one special house to be annointed the next Showcase home.  According to a recent Marin IJ article, a showcase house has a few minimum requirements – “It needs to be 5,000 square feet or more, have at least 30 to 35 design spaces, which can include guest quarters or garden areas, and have grounds large enough to accommodate luncheons and parties.”

This year’s Showcase home meets all that and much more.  Sitting on 5 acres in the Dominican area of San Rafael, this six-bedroom, 6500 sq. foot brown-shingled craftsman mansion was originally built in 1906.  The owners, who have resided in the house for 20 years, have graciously moved out for 3 months for the event. 

The benefit to them?  Upgrades and for those interested in selling, a great way to market your property.  About 7,000 – 10,000 people each year come and tour through the Showcase home.  In the past, most Showcase homes sold fairly quickly and usually through contacts made via the Showcase.

The current Showcase home is on the market for $5 million and this being the last week, may be the last opportunity to sneak a very detailed peek.  Going on through this Sunday, Oct. 7th, this is a fantastic way to see the craft of bay area designers.  From eco-friendly designs to Asian inspired themes, there are three floors of house and lots of garden space to get inspired by.

More articles on the Showcase with sneak preview pictures:

Subdued color, eco-friendly designs highlight Marin Designers Showcase from the SF Chronicle

Designers Showcase house breaks away from Tuscany from the Marin IJ