Offbeat Homes

Jonesing for San Francisco

by Jennifer Chait on October 14th, 2007

Usually when I feel like going somewhere else it’s Humboldt or Montana. Then, every once in a while, I start feeling like a sprinkle of San Francisco. It’s a crowded city which I don’t adore but even with all the people it still feels large around you.

The thing about the city is you can walk everywhere still. Once I stayed in this awesome hostel on the edge of China Town and I’d walk to the Haight, the park, and than over to SOMA. At twilight you could walk to the water and see the bridge starting to twinkle.

And then of course there is the architecture. It’s hard to consider what might be offbeat vs. not in San Francisco because all the little oddities make up this entire unique area. No worries though; I did try to think up some offbeat SF today.

Liz Hickok’s amazing (and sweet) installation; San Francisco In Jell-O…

More pictures at Hickok’s site plus the story of this work which is as interesting as the piece itself — you should absolutely read it.

LOCUS Architecture in San Francisco is so fresh it almost hurts. I’m in love with this Bungalow Renovation they did for instance.

See the interior shots of this great renovation at their site.

I would be the worst offbeat blogger ever if I didn’t tell you about the LOCUS home in Minnesota. Yes, I know this is San Francisco day! So you’ll have to go see it yourself. Trust me it’s worth that click of the mouse.

You can’t visit San Francisco and NOT go to Berkeley. That would be a crime. Plus then you’d miss homes like this:

A home paneled in license plates! About 600 salvaged license plates. The owners were looking for an eco-solution to their exterior wall finish. This works. Read more here.

If you’re now aching for a little San Francisco too check out Bay Area Style : Houses of the San Francisco Bay Region 1893-2004. A beautiful book that spans decades.

Well, thanks for letting me indulge in some selfish San Francisco lust today. Hopefully I’m over it by tomorrow.

TODAY’S BONUS:

Today’s bonus is for those of you who are so dedicated that you stuck around for this entire post.

Do you know what that bonus is? Here are some hints…

Did you guess? If not then you’re not a very good scavenger hunt detective and you won’t be needing this….

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POSTED IN: Architects, Art, Fun & Games, Green Building, Green Style, Home & Dining, Houses That Move, San Francisco