Take a walk around downtown and, along with many bustling holiday shoppers and decorated stores, you'll still find plenty of empty windows. Despite a slow increase in consumer spending this season over last year, the recession continues to take down many a business, leaving empty storefronts and lease signs in its wake.

This year, the city's branch of the International Interior Design Association came up with a brilliant idea to not only fill those vacant windows but also showcase the work of talented Bay Area designers and celebrate the holidays in the process. Read more...