That's a perfect, gorgeous space - you could do anything. I could say how'd I'd decorate it, but what's your taste? Is there something that you love (a picture, a sculture, a piece of furniture, a time period) that you want to start with?

Wow, looks like a great space!

I think you could go in any direction you wanted with the white background. I think white is so undervalued right now, or at least underestimated. It's such a great backdrop for so many things.

I'd personally go a bit wild with pattern and color to warm it up. Maybe some bold aqua or raspberry tones with zig zag stripes. I love the zig zag stripe fabric from Rubie Green.

www.rubiegreen.com

It's odd, but when you have a white background these colors just sort of work and still seem calming, not as jarring as you'd think.

If you're a less pattern focused type of person, maybe layer some neutral-ish colors for texture to play off the starker white walls. Neutral doesn't have to be boring. You can bring in smokey lavender or navy blue or even metallics, which work great as neutrals. Have fun, this looks like an amazing place!

Oh, were I only in San Francisco!!!

You've offered absolutely no guidance about final feel, vibe or preferences you're after... or pieces you already have to work with, or what functions you hope to get out of the space. Maybe we should start there!

Personally, I love contemporary furniture in an otherwise not-so-modern space.

Issues of decor style aside, it's a stunning space, so you'd have to work REALLY hard to screw it up.

Congratulations on you new home. Why not go spare but bold. Mix color modern pieces and an antique or vintage piece as well. This will let the architectural details speak and not get overwhelmed by clutter. Reference point; Brittish Elle Decor magazine. Good luck!

Use tons of rusty browns, old faded Persian rugs, washed beige etc . Emulating patina shades. Maybe teal accents. I would use your fire place as your inspiration. I envision a Southern rusted wrought iron something. Or maybe a juxtaposition of old world/ folk with ultra moderness to reflect the feel of San Francisco.

The space is both traditional with good bones, and modernized. I see nice mouldings in the bay window, and along the top and bottom, but the walls are otherwise flat drywall. So you have the opportunity to be eclectic in your furnishings. I would prefer predominantly modern furniture, with one or two exquisite antiques. Oriental rugs would be a great addition, of course. A fair amount of color is needed with the white walls.

What a wonderful challenge!

I wish that was MY space!!!!

All kidding aside (I'm not really kidding, actually), you could do ANYTHING with that space. It's gorgeous.

I agree with Patrick (the other one), go modern in your traditional space.

I wouldn't do too much in that space-- it's so beautiful as-is!! Maybe a really large rustic rug. A Queen Anne sofa with a few heavy, flat throw pillows. A floor-to-ceiling case of books. If you were to paint an accent wall, I'd go with navy blue.

You could do anything with that space, though. Agreed.

It's beautiful new place but there are probably a couple of decorating challenges. First, what to do with the narrow space between the counter and the fireplace. Secondly, what to do with the large heating unit in the other chimney breast.

You might want to decide what to do based on the light fixtures to start. Are you willing to replace them or do you wish to keep them and work them into your decor. If the latter, you will likely want to work with an ecclectic look unless the traditional really does it for you.

If it was me I would do the following:

1. Bold curtains in the bay window area along with,

2. A very elegant, simple style desk for a "computer/doing bills" area that has a great view to even keep you cheery while doing the bills;)

3. Get a huge, squishy, comfy chair and create a cozy reading area near the fireplace with a large print or photo collage over the fireplace, so that in the winter you can enjoy it, if it works:) and a little side table to hold the book or magazine you are reading and your hot cocoa.

4. Then between the window and fireplace seating areas create your "living room" with a hide-a-way couch or loveseat (so you have a sleeping area for guest) against the wall across from the fireplace, with another print or collage, fluffy area rug, a chair, coffee table and then create an entertainment & bookshelf area on the wall where the vent is. This I would do in white, so you notice the color book bindings, maybe have the TV behind doors.

5. Then to the right of the couch/loveseat, if you have space, do can fit a cute coat rake or a side table for your purse, the mail, etc., as it looks like right of the couch would be left of your front door.

5. Use accents in the kitchen that would blend with the curtains and other colors you use in the living room area

6. Assuming the room with the little heater is the bedroom. I would hang curtains again in a bold pattern different color scheme though, mount the rods to be parallel with the height of the door or closet and let them puddle on the floor to give a romantic feel. Leaving them open though to let in the lovely sunlight.

7. Do the rest of the room in whites for a peaceful sleeping area with maybe a pop of color in a throw pillow on the bed. Then when you wake up in the morning the bold, open curtains and sunlight would greet you to put a happy smile on your face and add joy to your day.

8. Then behind the front door it looks like that is where your kitchen table would be. Maybe go with something small that seats two people with it butted up against the wall, but has hidden leaves so it can be extended for guests. Then for additional chairs get ones that would go with the desk, possible vanity in your room. You get the idea. Unless the space is a bit bigger then go with something larger.

Some folks might say go with all white in the whole place because of the great wood floors, which would also be nice, but I personally am a color person and because the ceilings are so high you can pull off bolds without it looking or feeling overwhelming.

You want to come home each night and when you open that door your little area puts a smile on your face and makes you just want to sit back, relax and enjoy your space. At the same time by decorating with things that make you smile it means it would also create a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere for entertaining.

Have fun! Take your time and get pieces that you want. My TV stand took me over a year to find and I made due in the interim, but my waiting finally paid off.

Adore your place so got a little dreamy and long winded:)

You've offered almost zero guidance as to your preferences, needs and personal style - and there's no floorplan or dimensions to give you feedback on furniture placement...
...so it's rather difficult to give you much valuable guidance.

Perhaps the AT Bloggers could do a better job of vetting these types of open-ended questions by getting more information from the questioners so that we can provide truly valuable responses.

Oh my. I don't think you'll need much help. How can you screw up that space. It's amazing!

I think Tiffany knows exactly what to do, but just wanted to show off what an awesome place she scored. ; )

A space with such amazing "bones" and "soul" will tell you what to do in what ever style you like. I would just avoid having too much stuff, and arrange your furniture into zones of function that you need.

You're going to love your new home, I already do.

I agree with surfjack and patrick (the other one)--white can be so crisp and clean right now. I actually went from color TO white in my living room, also an older San Francisco flat: http://retrogradesf.blogspot.com/

You'll be able to do so much with that space, just filter through all of our suggestions and pick and choose what resonates with you!

Do you know Marcel Wanders the designer? That is the direction I would probably go. Bright color, bold pattern. If you do a google image search "marcel wanders homes" this might give you some ideas. have fun. looks like a beautiful apartment.

Stunning place. You don't need to paint since there's so much architectual interest. I suddenly want to decorate it with mid century french furniture: Prouve, Perriand. Blonde woods with black or natural steel accents and pops of primary colors and clean lined upholstery in neutrals.

Whatever you decide, take your time. Buy one piece at a time and live with it for a while before you make your next decision. Let your space grow slowly, in an organic way.

And please consider keeping your new place relatively spare! It's so beautiful. Too much stuff (even really awesome stuff) will spoil it.

(I'm not advocating total minimalism... just resist the temptation to fill it with stuff.)

Seriously, this is a blank canvas, and I feel like the question being so open-ended takes a *tiny* bit advantage of the AT community...

I would go extremely minimal to accentuate the good bones. Gloss black, chocolate brown, and other neutrals with a pop of a single accent.

I agree with patrick (too). Such an open-ended question, no conceivable restrictions imposed by the space. The sky is really your limit. Go period, go modern, go neutral, go bold and colorful - none of us can say, it's up to you and it's all do-able. Here's where those who are so inclined can project their own tastes onto your canvas and play interior decorator, but to some of us it feels like we're stepping on your toes suggesting things.

I gotta laugh at home body because my second thought (after "wow") was: "She's just showing off."

I know, I know. I'm just jealous. :-)

But I do agree with the majority here. Do you not have any furniture AT ALL? There's got to be a starting/reference point somewhere.

I live in just such a space in San Francisco - ceilings to the sky, short (comparatively) cabinets in the kitchen, 100-year-old plaster walls - so have a few tips for when you get to decorating:

1) Be very careful about what you hang on the walls. Light items that can hang on tiny nails may be fine, but anything heavier should hang from the picture-frame molding (in your place, it looks to be at about 12 feet!). Otherwise, it will - I promise - pull out a big chunk of horsehair and plaster.

2) Utilize that space above the cabinets. (There's space for another kitchen up there!)

3) Enjoy that tree out the bay window. My experience is that finding off-the-shelf window coverings isn't easy. Victorian windows were standard sizes in the 19th century, but not now.

4) Get one of those dusters with an extend-able handle. Test it out in the store (BB&B?) by extending it completely, standing on your toes and seeing how far up it can reach. You'll be laying in bed one night and realize how many cobwebs are dangling over your head, or worse, notice one of those leggy spiders stumping across the ceiling above you.

5) If your fireplace doesn't work, get some pillar candles in different sizes for inside the fireplace. All white or ivory looks clean and modern against the old marble. If your fireplace does work, you'll have to burn the logs vertically :-)

Whichever way you decide to go design-wise, you're starting with such great bones. Good luck and have fun.

oops - that's 'stumbling' across the ceiling...

I don't know what stumping is but it sounds dirty.

If we have any clue (limitation) regarding starting point, it's the white-WHITE walls and the all white modern kitchen. So here's my advice: Go shabby chic slipcover, or MCM, or anything else in between, but don't clutter. Do. Not. Clutter. "Too much stuff" against stark white walls is a visual nightmare. Be mindful of what you want to highlight. If you're willing to use restraint, you can literally make a thrift store chair look like a piece of art in that place.

(No, I'm not jealous at all..... )

What a gorgeous apartment!

Tiffany do you not own any furniture?

If not buy pieces you love you might not always be there.

Hire a decorator since you are starting from scratch.

I would paint everything black or Tiffany blue.

bepsf,
I agree that the AT crew needs to add some requirements for those sending in questions. It's frustrating how often questions are posted without getting any indication of their personal taste, actual budget, what they plan to do in the space, or what they are already working with. Of course we can all tell them what WE would do with the space, but that's not helpful unless they truly have no idea what colors, patterns or styles they like and have zero furnishings or decor already (which I'm sure is rare).

That said, I will say what I'd do with the space. First, look at some similar spaces to get inspired. This AT house tour is stunning and has similar architectural details-- http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/house-tour-summer-and-joshs-pumped-up-traditional-chicago-065851 -- they mix modern furniture with more Victorian accessories and bright colors and it does a great job of highlighting the architecture while still feeling fresh.

They are a good example of where and how to use color and pattern. You can mix more traditional floral patterns with modern geometric ones as long as you tie them together somehow.

If you prefer more neutral colors- http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/chi-house-tour-glorily-and-jeremys-evolving-wicker-park-victorian-045786
You can also go super bold-- http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/sf/house-tours/house-tour-meghan-shawns-spacious-vibrant-flat-san-francisco-070786

Since you can't paint or wallpaper, get a similar effect by getting some fabric, wallpaper or even scrapbook paper you like and framing it as one large piece or several. Get some great patterned floor length curtains for the bay window.

lella seems to have some good advice. If it's a threat to your security deposit to hang items on the wall, try leaning some artwork against the wall, like over the fireplace and kitchen cabinets and furniture you bring in.

If you want some curtains and can't find coverings or hardware that fit, try Ikea. They have some handy options so long as you can safely attach something to the wall.
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20079342
http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/60075295

Anything you do will be fabulous.

Like, the moulding... oh the details! I think I am sexually attracted to the your space.

You're living in a great apartment with excellent bones and flooring. You won't have to do much, except for not having any ugly furniture pieces. ;-)

You could use wall stickers to add colour.
Although the ceiling lights are lovely I would change them for a more modern design (unless you're going for a more traditional look). I agree that clutter should be avoided. The windows are so beautiful, it would be a shame not to dress them up. Do take advantage of the light that comes through. You could set up a cozy corner to enjoy whichever hobby you have, or perhaps set up a home office. Don't neglect the fireplace decoration.

Agree with Heynowtex-
look around and get inspired. maybe you feel overwhelmed by the possibilities, staring at the empty white apartment. Start a file of pics of rooms you love. find out what common elements they share. Are they cluttery or minimal, full of hard edges or fluffy things, are colors bright or subtle? etc.
seems like this is your opportunity to discover what you love and how you want to live.
And people-listen to the question!
"ideas on how to go about decorating... colors and patterns wise." (much as I don't understand this) not everyone knows what they like/want, down to the
eastlake doorknob. that's why they come here! nice suggestions, thesmilequeen and lella!

Why don't you carefully look through all the Small Cool entries... they are a great source of inspiration. Make a list of the things that you really like whether it's a use-of-space, a chair, a pillow, a painting... and you'll see a style emerge.

As you seem to starting more or less from scratch, it would definitely be a good idea to keep it really, really simple at the beginning and see how you feel about things before making any big investments or colour statements.

baba yaga,

Pink? Green? Brown? Red? Lavender? Chartreuse? Black? Puce?

Stripes? Solids? Polka dots? Flowers? Little toy fire engines?

C'mon, how can we even begin to guess what this person might like? Don't we need a *little* bit of guidance? Some people might not know how to decorate, but most people know what they do (or don't) like.

I definitely agree with Patrick(the other one). I would take a more modern approach. also they say that if you leave a house with strong elements such as your fireplace, traditional wooden floors, ''moulures''(french word for the white decorative elements on walls near the ceiling, I don't know in english), you should opt for a more minimalist and modern approach in furniture, for me the white works marvellously in your house. For inspiration see french modern apparments in high class haussman buildings. e.g. there are many of those in marieclairemaison.fr. but of course everything is a matter of personal taste...

creative license,
agreed: most people know what they like.
most likely, not this person. Maybe they are hung
up on what's "in" or the "right way" to decorate.
I'm sure they have some ideas now.
they'll probably stencil the whole thing with
little toy fire engines, thanks to you ; )

lol@ baba yaga.

I'll take full responsibility.

this is just classic 60's groovy waiting to happen... think London more than SF

Go to your closet.
- Is there a predominant color? A color you love? A texture or fabric that is comfortable or very beautiful?
- Pick out your three favorite outfits. Do they share a color family, pattern, style?
- Your dressiest, fanciest, wildest or funnest garment might not be daily enough for the living area, but would work in a closet, desk area or bath.
- Take a look at your "goes with jeans" collection for kitchen ideas.

I agree w/others here...

Absolutely NO clutter. It's too beautiful of a space to mess it up with junk.

Only a few pieces of practical, non-fussy furniture. Allow yourself some space.

Color. Whatever color(s) you like...use about three of them.

Personally, I'd want window coverings that gave me more privacy. But I wouldn't want heavy curtains or anything like that.

Most importantly, have fun and enjoy every step of the decorating process!

clean lines & clean surfaces work well with this ornate architectural style. Black/white or cream/gray are good base colors for furniture/walls.

Usually there are few closets so don't forget to budget in an armoire.

I live in a Victorian and while the high ceilings make each room feel large & spacious, the sq feet of each space is usually more modest. Pay attention to scale & avoid too many over-sized pieces. Also just because you now have high ceilings, please don't hang your art too high. 57" on center is always right.

Eh, Tiff, is this in the Panhandle? I could swear that a good friend had this exact space a few years back! Weird if it was!

Anyhow, her down to earth yet quirky personality really showed through in her styling out of the apartment. ...An 8x10 vintage hand knotted persian rug, large black leather couch with a lot of south american and indian blankets strewn about and an amazing crystal ship chandelier. Oh yeah, Lot's of plants. The amount of space and natural light really allowed for her greenery to thrive.

Hey this is Tiffany! I have to say I cannot thank you enough for each and everyone of your great pieces of advice. I am truly excited and appreciate everyones input. Thank you, thank you!

I do have some furniture, I would say they consist of neutral colors such as white, beige, grey satin, black and dark brown.

I have a beige suede couch, suede, I know, interesting to clean haha. I have a few black wooden chairs (ikea) to go with a modern white circular table (CB2) along with a wooden desk (ikea). I am very much interested in maybe stipping the paint off the black wood chairs and make it look antique or paint it another color or also maybe put a print on them to add some mix and variety. We also have a beautiful antique satin grey seat. The suede and satin in the place give it some texture but I know I am going to stick to a theme or just find pieces I like or a period of time :). I think i will keep the light fixtures the same. We DEFINITELY want to get book shelves from floor to ceiling on the wall where bay window is or maybe by fire place, i like the couch by fireplace idea.

In the bedroom, I have a dark brown wood bed base with white sheets and white duvet blanket. The bedroom also has a dark brown antique vanity with matching chair. We are looking more night stands and dressers.

Check the link with some pictures of furniture we have. I know its not a lot but its basically what we have really. Haha! We need a coffee table, rug, ect. I would like to use paint, I believe we can and maybe wallpapers for an accent wall. I personally love antique pieces and eco looking decorations like from Anthropologie, my boyfriend likes modern and antique, so I guess are style is quite Eclectic!

http://s196.photobucket.com/albums/aa254/tiffanydrews/Furniture-San%20Francisco/

Thanks you guys!!! Truly awesome!!!! :)

With all your neutrals I would suggest picking a color that both of you really like (red keeps sticking out in my mind) and adding pops of that in patterned pillows, votives, lamp shades, rugs.

Congrats on such a beautiful place!

What a gorgeous space! The decorating challenge is that cheapo furniture will look terrible against such lovely architecture.

Take your time to buy really special pieces. If the place looks minimal in the meantime, that'll work fine.

Congratulations on a wonderful place.

Such a lovely place indeed and I would definitely say, don't over think this as I've seen some WONDERFUL examples of people mixing periods, in this case, a Victorian space gone mod/modern and when done right, it's lovely.

I don't think your existing furniture will be too bad in this space, just add some quality pieces as your budget allows and definitely go with some large art, especially in bold colors to compliment the neutral furnishings.

I'd not worry about the chairs being black, as that can work for contrast - especially against white. You WILL need colors to offset the grays, beige etc or you will risk having a dull space.

If it were me, I'd go all mod in that space, letting reds, oranges whatever bold colors I end up going with pop against the white walls and letting the wood flooring, wooden case goods etc warm things up a bit and go with bold abstract/modern art on the walls.

In essence, have fun with it!

this rivals sfgirlbybay's pad

colored artwork (large), low modern furnture in white or charcoal, bright accent pillows and tables, mount flatscreen above fireplace, large mirror on floor next to fireplace, reading chair or desk or plantstands in bay window

replace white shades with paper, rattan, bamboo blinds, airy light curtains in bay area (tension rod behind arch) or long statement print

Reminds me of Holly Golightly's (Audrey Hepburn) apartment in Breakfast at Tiffany's! Great space!

I know I'm late to the party, but the apt and your furniture sooo remind me of the "Modern Parisian Flat" collection I did for Designer Pages. I think it would be AWEsome. A little Paris in San Fran.

http://www.designerpages.com/collections/working-file