From shops and showrooms that spark creative inspiration to dining hotspots and luxe lodgings, these new design-forward destinations are not to be missed.
Shops and Showrooms
Humanscale
San Francisco
Known for designing and manufacturing ergonomic furniture intended to improve both well-being and performance on the job and at home, Humanscale has opened a new showroom in San Francisco’s Jackson Square. Created in collaboration with Suchi Reddy of Reddymade Architecture and Design, the space is intended to embody the Certified B Corporation company’s commitment to design, sustainability and community, serving both as a working showroom and a place for the design community to gather. In addition to showcasing Humanscale’s range of products for the home and office, the showroom includes a built-out space showcasing textiles from global design firm Kvadrat and features modular wall systems by local startup Modwall.
10 Jackson St., San Francisco; 415.394.1000
Restaurants and Bars
Bella
San Francisco
Offering an escape to the Amalfi Coast, Bella is a new all-day dining and cocktail destination in San Francisco’s SOMA neighborhood from the team behind Audio and Bergerac: Jeff Davis, Bruce McDonald and David Brinkley. The space, formerly occupied by Bergerac, underwent a complete transformation before officially opening a few weeks ago. Designed by Sean Corino Design and built out by Fuad Dayyeh and the IY Development team, Bella channels mid-century Italian summer getaways and vintage listening lounges with velvet couches, rattan chairs, wood paneling and sun-soaked imagery.
By day, Bella is a relaxed aperitivo bar, where guests can unwind while listening to a soundtrack of coastal jazz, Italian lounge and 1960s soul; at night, it transforms into a music-driven cocktail club with rotating DJs curated by Peter Dukakis of All Day All Night Events alongside Bella’s Maj Skouti. From brunch and happy hour to a late night out, guests can sample spritzes and Mediterranean-inspired cocktails created by Antonio Ricardez (formerly of Bergerac) as well as Italian-inspired bites from chef Jake Lucas (Palm House Hospitality, Off the Grid at Google) — all priced accessibly. Menu highlights include the Amalfi Spritzer (limoncello, St. Germain and prosecco); the Paloma Italian (reposado, Campari, grapefruit, lemon and agave); cacio e pepe risotto arancini; and shrimp with citrus, fennel, mint and parsley.
316 11 St., San Francisco
Hotels
The Cottages at Little Saint
Healdsburg
The team behind plant-based Healdsburg restaurant, coffee lounge, and wine and cocktail bar Little Saint has just extended their feel-good, community-minded ethos to welcome overnight guests with the launch of the Cottages at Little Saint. Nestled among lushly landscaped walking paths only a few steps behind the restaurant, the Cottages at Little Saint are a feast for the eyes — the vision of renowned San Francisco designer Ken Fulk. Originally built in the 1980s, the four cottages — Gimme Shelter, Court, Spark and Déjà Vu — channel the spirit of iconic late-1960s and ’70s Laurel Canyon musicians like Joni Michell; Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young; and the Rolling Stones. Bespoke details include beamed ceilings, vintage-inspired wallpaper, vibrant tile and cozy fireplaces, blending whimsy and nostalgia with modern creative flair. Two of the rooms can even adjoin through a hand-painted “secret” armoire doorway by painter Rafael Arana.
Each cottage boasts a customized selection of products, such as teas from Land + Local and handmade bath products from Herb Nerd, and a record player and curated vinyl collection to match the vibe. Helping guests relax and unwind even more, a heated pool is on-premise.
425 Foss St., Healdsburg; 707-800-5370
Lotus Abrams has covered everything from beauty to business to tech in her editorial career, but it might be writing about her native Bay Area that inspires her most. She lives with her husband and two daughters in the San Francisco Peninsula, where they enjoy spending time outdoors at the area’s many open spaces protected and preserved by her favorite local nonprofit, the Peninsula Open Space Trust.
