Tineke Triggs’ design for the October 2025 cover. Headshot: Kimberly Wang. Room photo: Christopher Stark.
San Francisco-based designer Tineke Triggs is known for infusing spaces with soul. For the living room on our cover this month, she incorporated a bold blue hue as a backdrop to this elegant space for entertaining family and friends. She talked to us about the project and her career. – Andrea Lillo
What goals or priorities did the client share for the project?
“This project was a ground-up new build in San Carlos, Calif. From the start, the homeowner had a clear vision: she dreamed of a house with a white picket fence, something that felt more New England than California. The result is not only their dream home, but also a welcoming gathering place where friends and family naturally come together.
Furnishings include Holly Hunt’s green Sheffield sofa with green fabric from Opuzen, Ipanema by Espasso lounge chairs with Zak+Fox fabric, a Thoronet coffee table and rug from Himalayan Weavers.”
The home’s kitchen and wet bar. Photos: Christopher Stark.
The colors in the home are bold! What was your color strategy?
“My approach was to let the artwork guide the palette, creating a sense of connection as you move from room to room. The entry and main stairwell are intentionally white, serving as a crisp backdrop. From there, the public and more intimate entertaining spaces open up with bold color moments, while the bedrooms and upstairs retreat areas are kept quieter and calming for balance.”
Tineke Triggs‘ dining room design. Photo: Christopher Stark
What’s your approach to sourcing unique pieces that give a project its soul?
“For me, it’s always about the mix. If I have something in my head that really needs to exist in the space and I can’t find it anywhere, I’ll design it myself and have it custom made. Those pieces often become the anchors of a room, because they’re born out of the specific story we’re trying to tell. At the same time, I love weaving in vintage finds. They bring history, patina and a sense of character you simply can’t manufacture. And then, of course, there are those off-the-shelf items that surprise you.”
What strategies have helped you attract and retain clients in a competitive design market like San Francisco?
“Coming from a career in finance and tech, I approach design with both a strategic mindset and a deep empathy for my clients. I understand the pressures they’re under, whether that’s the demands of their careers, the intensity of family life, or the investment they’re making in their homes. My role is to make the process feel manageable and even joyful, so they can focus on the excitement of creating a space that truly reflects them. I think that the combination of clear processes, strong project management, and genuine understanding has been key to attracting clients and, more importantly, building lasting relationships in such a competitive market.”
You’ve done seven San Francisco Decorator Showhouses. What’s your favorite thing about doing showhouses?
“What I love about showhouses is that you’re side by side with your peers, technically your competition, but given complete creative license. The experience fosters incredible camaraderie, and over the course of the project we all become so close.”
What’s your go-to design material right now?
“Right now, I’m absolutely in love with plaster — it has such a timeless quality and brings incredible depth and texture to a space, whether used on walls, ceilings or even furniture. I’m also continually drawn to tile for the way it can transform a room with pattern, color and artistry. (And shameless plug here: my Uniek collection with Maison Surface has become a go-to for me, blending organic texture with versatility.)”
Do you have a dream client – real or imaginary?
“I think it would be a blast to design for Justin Timberlake. He has such a great spirit… funny, playful, and someone who just seems like he’d be a joy to spend time with. That said, I have no idea what he’d be like as a design client! In reality, my dream client is anyone who gives me the freedom to be creative, trusts the process, and has the budget to bring the vision to life.
If you weren’t a designer, what would you be doing?
“I always wanted to be a singer, and I can totally see myself pursuing that path. It would be such a fun, expressive way to channel creativity.”