Sometimes you feel backed against a wall.

That can be a good thing (the hottie you’ve been eyeing suddenly corners you) or a bad thing (your boss hits you with a monstrous project due, like, yesterday).

Either way, the situation is infinitely better if the wall in question was painted by John Baden, the artist extraordinaire behind the memorable designs gracing San Francisco stores Den and Propeller, restaurants Bambuddha Lounge and True Sake, and countless swanky homes throughout the city.

Baden’s work ranges from Technicolor swirls to mod geometric patterns pairing retro-inspired orange and brown or lime green with aqua blue. For a classic look, Baden plays it straight with simple stripes, punchy polka dots, or a single stately red square on a solid background. If you want wild patterns, he’ll do those, too.

It’s enough to make staring at the wall feel like a worthwhile pursuit.

John Baden (415-407-3395 or badendesigns.com).