Catherine Kwongis on a roll. Her 2012 San Francisco Decorator Showcase debut (a design for a fashion blogger’s office) was arguably the best room in the house. This year, Kwong upgrades from office nook to full-blown living room. While we wait for the big reveal on April 27, the Ralph Lauren design vet shares her style secrets.

Tell us your design philosophy.
I like to mix modern with vintage and high art with personal treasures to create moments of unexpected beauty.

What are your favorite shops in the city?
March for all things kitchen-related and Perish Trust for vintage treasure hunting.

What San Francisco interiors inspire you?
I loved the former Saison, hidden in the back of an old stable, and their new restaurant is just gorgeous. It’s more luxe but keeps true to the same principles of raw textures and repurposed materials.

Do you have a style crush?
Caitlin Fisher from the blog Daily Cup of Couture. She’s so unabashedly preppy and feminine.

Any plans this summer?
A trip to Japan—it should be wonderfully inspirational. Also, I plan to eat about a hundred bowls of ramen.

This article was published in 7x7's April issue. Click here to subscribe.