Weekly Design Dispatch: Design Unites, Painted Ladies and “Say I Do” to this Bingeable Show

Illustrated by Rachel Hillberg

Welcome to the weekly Design Dispatch. This week we're talking the woman behind the famous facades of SF, Hearst’s Design Unites Auction for the Black Artists + Designers Guild, and the latest feel-good binge to hit Netflix.

DESIGN NEWS:

The team at Style by Emily Henderson took on a challenging conversation this week with a post titled, "The True Cost Of Moving Into A New Neighborhood, Sorry I Mean Gentrification . . ." written from the first-person account of a self-identified gentrifier on purchasing a home in her neighborhood. While it may not provide all the answers, it was an honest, thought-provoking read on a complex topic.

Hearst is hosting the "Design Unites" Charity auction with proceeds going directly to the "Black Artists + Designers Guild." The charity is being rolled out in lots with everything from original artwork and decor, to consults with interior designers and luxury vacation rentals. You can read up on all of the upcoming lots over on Elle Decor and head over to Charity Buzz to place your bid.

LOCAL INTEREST:

If you've ever wondered just what goes into the elaborate paint jobs on some of San Francisco's most iconic Victorians, Nita Riccardi is the name you need to know. SF Gate gives us the behind the scenes scoop with a little interview of the woman behind 400 of the famous facades.

What do you do when your newly launched business concept is rendered obsolete by Covid? You pivot. At least if you're the founders of Bay Area-based Classalog, which abandoned its initial premise of connecting adults with local activities, instead creating a searchable database of online classes ranging from the usual suspects cooking and yoga to Metalsmith and Improv classes.

WATCH:

"Say I Do" on Netflix is the ultimate feel-good binge. Taking elements of Queer Eye (it was created by the same team) and a much more progressive Say Yes to the Dress, the team of three helps orchestrate an over the top wedding for a deserving couple, from a custom made gown to the perfect menu, to an event designed by Jeremiah Brent (of Nate and Jeremiah fame.) You can catch the full season now on Netflix.

That concludes our weekly Design Dispatch. If there is anything you would like to add to the list, feel free to leave a comment below, and if you have a tip for a future column, feel free to drop us a line.