Insidesource

Creative Studio Space

A well-known San Francisco commercial furniture dealer who outgrew their existing workspace as business continued to expand, Insidesource sought a new space to showcase furniture solutions for clients and provide a creative studio for staff. Their real estate search led to an existing furniture showroom on the Promenade level of Embarcadero 2, enabling them to repurpose the floor plate.

The new space serves as a flexible backdrop for staff workspaces, furniture displays, client meetings, and hosted events. Interior detailing plays off the concept of a treehouse and home to emphasize “strength, durability, and a grounding to nature.”

From the main entrance, a long farm table doubles as a reception desk and community gathering space, recalling the feel of family and friends gathering in the kitchen. Throughout the interior, light wood, white walls, exposed ceiling and ductwork, carpeted and hardwood floors, and abundant natural light offer a clean backdrop for a variety of settings. The semi-open floor plan supports collaboration and quiet retreat, providing flexibility to rotate furniture exhibits for heads-down or group work, meet with clients around one of several conference tables or display settings, take a break in a comfortable lounge area, or simply enjoy the light-filled environment.

Insidesource reused most of the former showroom’s lighting, walls, and casework while adding customizes finishes, millwork, wall art, and flooring purchased from local businesses —emphasizing their commitment to support local industry during the pandemic. To bring the outside in and amplify the treehouse concept, the design team removed perimeter walls to expose large windows and abundant natural light. Several skylights and a solarium further offer a variety of interior daylight exposures playfully alternating between dark, light, and shadow. Custom millwork, such as a worktable supported by posts resembling tree branches, reinforce the treehouse motif.