Step Inside San Francisco’s Top Two Designer Penthouses

The Steinway Suite's kitchen
The Steinway Suite’s kitchen

Photo Credit: The Harrison

If you’re looking for a luxury apartment in San Francisco, there are a plethora of options available, from The Avery to One Steuart Lane. However, if you’re looking for a luxury penthouse apartment outfitted by a local interior designer, there are only two options: Kendall Wilkinson’s two-bedroom at 181 Fremont and Michael FriedesSteinway Suite at The Harrison.

The entry to the penthouse Wilkinson designed
The entry to the penthouse Wilkinson designed

Photo Credit: Matthew Millman

Wilkinson’s fully-furnished half-floor residence is move-in ready now and sits more than 700-feet above the city’s streets. The 3,256 square-foot home has floor-to-ceiling windows and stunning views of the Bay and SF. Wilkinson mixed custom furnishings, like a geometric brass console in the entry, with unique pieces such as armchairs by Parisian Jean-Louis Deniot to create a harmonious space that is inviting and contemporary. It’s all done with the sophisticated yet paired down glamour that Wilkinson is known for.

The bedroom
The bedroom

Photo Credit: Matthew Millman

“With its incredibly expansive views of San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, Sutro Tower, Mount Diablo, and beyond, the penthouse at 181 Fremont encapsulates the magic of the City. We sought to harness this romanticism while balancing the building’s strong architecture by creating a highly customized residence rich with texture and soft, curvaceous furniture,” Wilkinson said of the space. “The penthouse is an ultra-luxurious and expansive home with stylish touches that invites buyers to entertain and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings for years to come.”

The living room
The living room

Photo Credit: Matthew Millman

Holly Baxter, 181 Fremont’s art consultant, worked with Wilkinson to realize the museum-worthy collection of artwork. Anyone who walks into the home is greeted by textured turquoise wallcovering by Phillip Jefferies. In the kitchen, Dancer, an acrylic abstract canvas by artist Patrick Wilson is on display. Offered at $15.5 million, the Wilkinson penthouse will make someone a pleased homeowner.

The Steinway Suite
The Steinway Suite

Photo Credit: The Harrison

Over at The Harrison, Friedes’ penthouse is designed around the Steinway Model M Spiro high-resolution player piano. The two-bedroom 49th-floor corner penthouse, also with excellent views, is move-in ready. Inspired by the old-school glamour of classical pianists, Friedes outfitted the space with 1940s glam meets Mid-century-modern decor. Custom armchairs with fabric that resembles piano keys, hand-blown glass and gold table, and rich textures like cowhide, silk, and mohair give the home an opulent relaxed vibe.

The living room
The living room

Photo Credit: The Harrison

Subtle details that bring to mind music and rock stars are featured throughout. “I wanted the penthouse to feel refined, but also have a sense of whimsy,” said Friedes. “This exclusive penthouse is the perfect home to enjoy, whether to entertain in, or relax and listen to the incredible sound emanating from the Steinway piano. And the decor is meant to echo it all.” Interested in entertaining in the space? Purchase the suite for a cool $3.7 million.

The incredible bathroom
The incredible bathroom

Photo Credit: The Harrison