A Designer and a Gentleman: John Wheatman
The late John Wheatman in his home at 2500 Steiner. Photo John Lee.
Interior designer, educator, author, and gentleman, John Wheatman, passed away at 94 on September 26. Living on the ground floor of 2500 Steiner Street, the elegant Art Deco tower soaring over Pacific Heights, Wheatman created edited interiors, restrained yet poetic. Influenced by the light and color palette of his native Seattle, he chose warm neutral tones and natural textiles, mixing modern silhouettes with Asian antiques. The designer considered his interiors the backdrop of his clients' lives, always evolving, never static, or as he titled one of his books, A Good House is Never Done.
Interior Design John Wheatman & Associates, Architecture Aleck Wilson Architects, Builder Plath & Co, Photo Robert Glendenning
Drawn to art at an early age, Wheatman graduated in architecture and interior design from the University of Washington in 1951. For nearly 35 years, he owned a celebrated showroom on Union Street; the two-story Edwardian with display windows drew potential design clients and delighted anyone who viewed the carefully curated vignettes and tablescapes. Wheatman shared his knowledge for over 40 years teaching interior design at Mills College, UC Berkeley, and the Inchbald School of Design in London. Believing, "It's not what you have. It's what you do with what you have that counts," he taught, "Decorating on a Limited Budget."
Interior Design John Wheatman & Associates, Architect Walker Warner Architects, Builder Engelmann, Photo Cesar Rubio
Always immaculately dressed, Wheatman advised his clients to invest in classic well-crafted furnishings that would last a lifetime instead of trendy poorly made substitutes fated for a landfill. A few of his favorite design elements were Japanese tansu chests, which served for storage and side tables, tailored upholstery, John and Elinor McGuire furniture, natural woven shades, modern art, and artisanal pieces. Nevertheless, each of his projects incorporated the homeowner's unique spirit telling the story of their lives, dreams, and journeys. The design community will remember his kindness, generosity, and the sometimes mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
