MEET BETSY LANPHIER OF ELIZABETH SWIFT INTERIOR DESIGN

Betsy Lanphier, of Elizabeth Swift Interior Design.

I was first introduced to Betsy in Vermont for a winter weekend at a friend’s farm house (think: “adult” sledding, dance parties, too much queso dip and roaring fires). But that tale is for another time. Fast-forward a few months and we both found ourselves moving to San Francisco within days of one another. It could be said we navigated some of our formative years together in the Bay Area, building our careers, exploring new places and laughing throughout some of the unavoidable tribulations city life presented.

Betsy is a truly special individual and it is an honor to call her a friend. She is thoughtful and kind, a classic beauty, an old soul — and has a keen eye for all things design. Over the years I’ve witnessed her build a beautiful family whilst growing her robust interior design business.

Her aesthetic most certainly reflects her east-coast upbringing, effortlessly married with a certain “California Cool” revealing refreshing, livable and timeless spaces, both in design & decoration. Betsy’s client roster varies from established families in Marin County, to young working couples “in town” and metropolitan bachelors seeking a little sophistication.

This year, Betsy will be taking her firm bi-coastal, an exciting new chapter for her team. I cannot wait to see what she brings (back) to the east coast!

I invite you to get to know Betsy with a good old fashioned Q&A, below (and be sure to follow her on Insta):

Tell us a little bit about Elizabeth Swift Design!

ESID is a high end residential design firm with projects on the East & West Coasts. The business came to life about 6 years ago and stemmed from a deep passion for the design world, and the joy of making a house a home. I had always hoped to be at the helm of a creative business one day, and meandered my way there through various posts in different creative fields. Ultimately after working for notable firms in New York and California I had a few small (but mighty!) clients and decided to branch off  on my own!

Having studied Art History, along with work experiences at several high end residential interior design firms, how would you describe your design influences?  

My design influences are definitely rooted in the classical. Particularly with studying Art History & Architecture as an undergrad, I was consistently drawn to more classic styles, and similarly while studying post-grad at New York School of Interior Design I found I was most inspired by spaces in the American Federal or English Georgian styles. Working with various design firms absolutely opened my eyes to different aesthetics, and challenged me creatively to go outside  of my comfort zone, for which I am incredibly thankful. I think the many mentors and designers for whom I worked all left their individual mark on me, allowing for this great mixing pot of styles to root from.

David Hicks or Mario Buatta? 

Incredibly tough question! Truly inspired by both in different ways, but at the moment I would say Mr. Buatta (who I will never forget meeting!)

Country, City, or Coast?! 

Oh gosh! There is really part of me in each one of these. I think I would say Coast, with my love for the Ocean...but would need to be in close proximity to a city!

What can we find on your coffee table at home? 

Various coffee table books, hopefully not damaged by my two daughters, a tall tortoise hurricane from Treillage before it closed, some antique boxes I’ve collected, probably some Blue & White Delftware and a large cup of coffee (or cocktail depending on the time of day)

Most memorable travel destination? 

I love to travel, and hope to continue exploring new places around the globe. I would say studying in Paris in High School, I was sixteen and living in Paris for the Summer and I think that’s when I became a true Francophile...The other trip is from my childhood, my Mother took me to London and I’ll never forget that one. I was maybe eleven and just in awe of everything. I’m pretty certain I’m part Brit deep down somewhere...I still love a good afternoon tea & crumpet--it’s a cure all.

Having grown up in New York and now embracing life on the west coast, how might these two geographies impact your design approach? Do you gravitate toward one style of living? 

I’m incredibly lucky that I’ve been able to experience both coasts and live in two fantastic cities, New York and San Francisco. They have absolutely impacted my design approach. I would say that New York City’s energy, hustle, the creativity is unparalleled. I try to bring that sense of drive to my design projects, and certainly the level of service and client experience. The East Coast in general is also rooted in history and that classical style that I am so drawn to, so I try to bring that into projects as well. San Francisco and the West Coast has the natural beauty in it’s landscape which I never take for granted. It’s a more laid back and breezy lifestyle, and I love the melding of indoor/outdoor. Living here and working on homes here has pulled me in that more “California Cool” look, with more block prints, linens, indoor/outdoor fabrics, whereas New York tended to be a little bit more sophisticated or richer in texture and finishes. I truly love both styles of living!!! Best of both worlds!!

What makes an interior design project successful for Elizabeth Swift Design?

A happy client, and a proud team. Whether it’s as simple as wallpapering one room, or as detailed as an entire renovation, when we have happy clients and we’re all proud of the end result it’s a win-win.

Is there a particular trend in the design space you’d like to see fade away?

I’m not sure if it’s necessarily a trend, or more a sign of our evolving digital age and this need for “instant gratification” but, I feel like there are more and more outlets for purchasing all of the pieces for a room to get the look of another designer’s space, often for much less of an expense and without the designer’s consent.I can’t help but feel it minimizes the hard work behind the pretty photo; the design hours, the craftsmanship, the originality that was tailored for a specific client. I hope people remember that your house should be a reflection of you! Designers are here to help with that vision. Inspiration is everywhere, use it but don’t copy it. So I hope we see less of the “buy this whole look for less” and more, “tips to add soul to your home.”

Do you have a favorite go-to in the San Francisco Bay Area for home essentials if you’re in a pinch to throw a dinner party? 

Always Sue Fisher King, and March SF. Elsie Green in the East Bay has also has an amazing selection of flea market finds for tabletop and beyond

What’s in store for Elizabeth Swift Design for Spring/Summer 2020? 

We are about to roll out our new branding and website which I’m very excited about! Project wise, we are currently involved in a kitchen & family room renovation, a living room refresh with some of my favorite fabrics, and lots of Master and Guest Beds and Baths. Most importantly we are gearing up to move East and open the East Coast branch of  ESID! Stay tuned….!

Photography Credits: Lacy Kiernan and Olivia Hellman

On The Market

  Sotheby's describes this listing as a "superb blend of historic and contemporary" and I would have to agree. This beauty is as quintessential as it gets when thinking about San Francisco landmark mansions.  Almost 10,000 sq. ft., the home commands nothing but  grace and gusto. Astonishingly, the home includes a garage that can accommodate 4.5 cars, which is unheard of in San Francisco. Although almost every inch of the home is unquestionably remarkable (you're paying $1,044/sq. ft. by the way), I think my favorite feature of the home is the kitchen and outdoor space. See the full listing here. MLS #: 415441.

La Paulée

Last night, I enjoyed my first La Paulée de San Francisco celebration at RN74. At La Paulée, wine aficionados gather to sample new releases and older vintages from the most sought after domaines of Burgundy. The event dates back to 1923 when one of the most respected Burgundy's wine growers, Jules Lafon, wanted to "revive the traditional medieval grape harvest celebration to which Cistercian monks invited their vineyard laborers." For the very first Paulée, Lafon hosted at Meursault domaine (a Burgundy region in Eastern France), inviting thirty-five of his friends to a small fête in the vat-room. When others caught wind of what was occurring, they thought Lafon had a wonderful concept and thus, by 1932, it was an annual affair. Today, the event is led by the most accomplished sommeliers in the US who join forces with extraordinary Chefs to pair the wines with some of the finest cuisine (New York City participates as well). Tommorow will mark the final day of La Paulée de San Francisco, however I encourage you to mark your calendar for next year.

Evolving Appeal

Photographed by William Waldron for Elle Decor, the feature on the Edwardian home in San Francisco's Presidio Heights neighborhood found me while thumbing through the magazine in the park. (I also realized the home is one I admire frequently on my running route in the neighborhood).  Although I personally think the dining room resembles more of a boardroom I'd picture in Aerin Lauder's office for example, I keep examining the space. While I appreciate photography as an art form, I have historically preferred seeing paintings, sculpture and the like in what I believe should be kept as a formal room. This photograph however has me thinking differently. The design elements are modern and fresh but because it's juxtaposed by dark wainscoting and beautiful moldings, it works for me. The home was done by San Francisco designer Palmer Weiss. View more images of the home below.

The S's of Sacramento Street

I absolutely love Sacramento Street by day and by night. The two experiences are uniquely contrasting and the Presidio Heights neighborhood of San Francisco is one of my favorites in the city.

Many of you have written (citrusandcedars@gmail.com) to ask for recommendations as it relates to restaurants, weekend getaways and even as specific as whether you should pair rananculus or anenome with white roses for a Valentine's bouquet. (I love it!) The two most popular requests seem to be for fabulous date night recommendations and the best place to take the parents when they roll into town. This recommendation below seems to work for both occasions and is one night I could live over and over.

The plan:

1. Secure an 8:00 PM or later ressie at Sociale as soon as you can. (I like Thursdays and Saturdays for dining out. If you're taking a girl out for dinner the first time on a Saturday night, Godspeed to you. Big points).

2. On the eve of your dinner, head to Spruce an hour before your dinner reservation for cocktails. Try their "Bitter Truth" or "Arnaud's Special". Sit at the bar, or, if you're lucky, opt for the sleek couches adjacent to the bar.

3. Stroll across the street and down the brick pathway to Sociale for dinner. Both indoor and outdoor dining are just as lovely, but if you're feeling brave and the weather is cooperating, try sitting outdoors. Bon Appétit!
4. Order dessert. Just do it. Their Chocolate Oblivion Cake is fantastic. And why not order another glass of vino...
5. Stroll down Sacramento after dinner before heading to the car/taxi. It will be quiet by that time, but pleasant. Check out the window display at Sue Fisher King and Kendall Wilkinson.
6. Soak up the rest of the time with your family/lover and off you go.
7. Thank C&C for the recommendation.

Photographs above are courtesy of Tia Harrison, Co-Owner & Executive Chef of Sociale.