Timothy Corrigan, known for his impeccable eye and deep knowledge of French history and architecture, will delight both Francophiles and fans of timeless design when the acclaimed designer arrives in San Francisco next month to discuss his latest book, “At Home In France: Inspiration and Style in Town and Country.”

The illustrated talk, book signing and wine reception is sponsored by the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art and will take place at San Francisco’s Fort Mason Center on May 1.

Corrigan, a Los Angeles native, will offer glimpses into his third book’s pages, which are splashed with gorgeous images and thoughtful insights into the designs of his grand Parisian apartment, just steps from the Eiffel Tower, and his recently renovated 18th-century chateau set on nearly 100 acres in France’s Loire Valley.

Since founding his eponymous firm in 1998, Corrigan has established offices in Paris and Los Angeles; completed grand design projects around the globe; topped many high-end designer lists such as Architectural Digest’s AD100, the Elle Decor A-List, the Robb Report’s top 40 designers in the world and 1stDibs 50; designed collections; and has had his projects featured in fine shelter magazines. And he’s the only American who’s been honored by the French Heritage Society for his restoration of several national landmarks.

“At Home in France” (Rizzoli, 2024, $65) also treats readers to Corrigan’s time- and travel-tested tips and advice on topics like antiquing in Paris, hanging art in the French style, hosting with panache and exploring the French countryside.

“I’ve spent much of my life in France and appreciate so much of what it has to offer in terms of styles and history,” he said. “This book is essentially a love letter to France and all that I’ve learned and love about it. I hope it inspires readers to explore the country and all that it has to offer.”

At the event, he’ll discuss the joys of decorating and living in France, tips on some of his favorite places in Paris and “how to make rooms work for the way you live, wherever that may be.”Living comfortably in one’s home is a philosophical thread that informs his work. It was what led the emir of Qatar to become a client.

“He visited one of my projects and said, ‘This is beautiful, but it’s also so comfortable,’” he said.

High-end design may look beautiful in rooms or on magazine pages, but if they aren’t comfortable, even visually, they don’t work.

“It’s comfort first, comfort last, comfort always,” he said.

He’s never wavered from that.

“When I was first named to Architectural Digest’s AD100, they pointed out that I held the revolutionary concept that the most beautiful room in the world was not successful if it was also not comfortable and livable,” he said.

“Now that doesn’t seem that novel of a concept but, at the time, comfort was not as important as it is today.”

Back then, “the industry was very much about how a space looked, and not how it worked, particularly as it related to more traditional design.”

Instead, his approach is to infuse the look of European elegance with the ease of California casual.

“If you can have a blend of the two, to my mind, you have the best of both worlds,” he said.

“There is no need to sacrifice beauty for comfort, or vice versa. There are so many wonderful performance fabrics and rugs on the market that look and feel just as good as their delicate counterparts.”

He and his team will even apply marine varnish to furniture surfaces if it will eliminate any worry about white rings left by a hot cup of coffee or a wet glass.

“We’ve all seen beautiful rooms that say, ‘Look, but don’t even think about really living here,’” he said.

Instead, Corrigan wants people to consciously consider ways to make their homes beautiful with a deliberate sense of ease.

“Do you feel comfortable enough to be able to put your feet up on something or put down a glass on a table without worrying about leaving a mark?” he said.

“Can you let the kids play in the room without being afraid that they are going to ruin something? That is essential.”

It’s in these spaces “where people feel at home, welcomed and surrounded by beauty, and it’s in settings like these that people can truly be their very best selves,” he said. “Now, more than ever, it’s essential to make your home that special place where you feel safe, nourished and joyful.”

Details >> The reception and book signing for Timothy Corrigan’s “At Home in France” is at 6 p.m. May 1 at the Store House at Fort Mason’s building D at 2 Marina Blvd. in San Francisco. The lecture follows at 7 p.m. Admission is $60 for nonmembers and $20 for students and emerging design professionals. For more information and to get tickets, go to classicist-nocal.org.

Show off

If you have a beautiful or interesting Marin garden or a newly designed Marin home, I’d love to know about it.

Please send an email describing either one (or both), what you love most about it and a photograph or two. I will post the very best ones in upcoming columns.

Your name will be published, and you must be over 18 years old and a Marin resident.

Don’t-miss event

Shop a large selection of succulents, annuals, perennials, vegetables, flowers, shrubs, trees, seeds and terra cotta, ceramic and plastic pots at Novato Garden Club’s annual Spring Bloom Sale from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 3 at two Novato sites — 7 Estates Drive and 6 Equestrian Court. For more information, email GardenClubNovato@gmail.com or go to novatogardenclub.org.

PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 412, Kentfield 94914, or at pj@pjbremier.com.