Visiting the Past

Last week my daughter enjoyed a wonderful camp with the Audubon Society. The camp headquarters is at the Rust Manor House. It is a historic mansion in Leesburg, Virginia ~ the site of a Show House I did years ago. It was funny to be back in the house and, of course, I visited the room I did ~ The Library. Here are photos of the room before I did it, during the Show House, and now...

I know the house is used for weddings and such. All the designers left the window treatments behind. It is still a stunning house with beautiful architecture. It makes me very happy to see the house flourishing and being home to teaching kids all about nature. My daughter had a blast! Thank you Audubon Society for hosting the show house and camps for all ages during the summer. It was a true pleasure then and now for all.

Show House Reminisce

Ever since I covered the CharityWorks' Green Designer Show House, I have been thinking about doing a show house. I have not done one in a while. I wish I submitted for the Green one but I did not. Show houses have been off my radar for a while even when asked to do one. Now I am reminiscing about the last one I did for The Loudoun Arts Council. What a fun time that was. The house was amazing ~ Rust Manor. A beautiful mansion surrounded by acres of green grass, lush trees and complete with stone road leading to it. The mansion was gifted to the Audubon Society by the Rust family. The Loudoun Arts Council and Audubon Society teamed up to do the show house. Unfortunately the house was in a bit of disarray and needing quite a bit of TLC. The goal of the Audubon Society was to be able to rent the beautiful mansion for weddings and such to gain extra capital to run their programs. What a great idea then to team up with The Loudoun Arts Council and do a show house! Bring in interior designers to attain their goal. I was selected to do the library. Above is the design concept rendering. Here are the before shots.




The bones of the room are magnificent. The built-in bookcases are lovely. The windows boast amazing views. The mantel was significantly damaged or I would have tried to selvage it as it was original to the home. I sadly had to remove it. In this show house, we were asked to incorporate the art work of the local artists whose work has been recognized by the Arts Council. Most of the designers, including myself, also paid homage to the Audubon Society. We also respected the incredible architecture of the home as it is breathtaking. The paint color options were selected by the Show House Committee as they wanted flow to be taken into account. They chose well ~ the first swatch in the Benjamin Moore Historical colors ~ buttery yellows and pale greens. I selected the lightest buttery yellow tint. Here are my after photos (double click on them for the full affect).....






This French inspired design began with the art of conversation with the primary focal point of the fireplace and the secondary focal point the art on the wall opposing the fireplace. The sofas were positioned to be able to see both and face each other for intimate interaction. The palette began with fabulous fabric on the ottoman from Beacon Hill. From the hues on the fabric, I selected the butterscotch area rug from Odegard. I color matched the rug hue for the paint to back the bookcases. Painting the bookcase backs added depth and richness. I also placed a mirror back in a portion of the lowest bookshelf to add a bar stocked with Port wine. Antique wine glasses and crystal and silver accessories completed it. I used traditional pieces from TCS upholstered in sumptuous fabrics from Robert Allen/Beacon Hill. The throw pillow fabric is also from Beacon Hill except the blue and gold striped one ~ that is a Highland Court silk that I adore. The casegoods are from Norwalk. The portable lamps are from Lenox and Waterford. The art work is stunning. The landscape paintings were done by Ed Cooper. The pastels were done by Libby Stevens. I simply hung them on decorative hooks with wire covered in fabric. Almost all of the items that were for sale in the room were sold. Wonderful as that is one of the ways money is raised in almost any show house. I remember it was a Fall Show House and particularly cool on some of the days. Many people came back to my room after they saw the entire house ~ they simply wanted to hang out in there. They told me how inviting and warm the room was and wanted to sip tea lounging on a sofa. That was the best compliment! If I had tea, I would have served it! It was a lovely event and I adored my room. I am itching now to do another show house. Hmmmm.... I should do something productive with that itch.

I am joining the Metamorphisis Monday party at Between Naps on the Porch and Blue Monday at Smiling Sally's. Hop on over to see what's happening there!

I just found out that Julia from the wonderful Hooked on Houses posted about my room in this show house on her blog as well! Wow, is that cosmic or what??!! Great minds..... Thanks Julia ~ you're the greatest!

CharityWorks' Green Designer Show House ~ Barry Dixon

Finally! I have been sitting on this story as the Washington Post needed to publish theirs first. Remember I told you I met with a tall, handsome man the other day?? Well, it was the incomparable Barry Dixon. I posted about the CharityWorks' Green Show House before. Click here to get the info on attending. I also told you I would cover it in October. First, if you have an opportunity to go, DO! It is incredible and a wonderful example of just how beautiful green design can be. It is so incredible and important that I will be devoting my blog to it this week. (This post is a reprint ~ the Show House is no longer open).

I have one of those MP3 gadgets. I use it for transcriptions of the interviews I conduct. However, for this post, I have three audios you can download to hear Barry and my actual conversation. After you download the files, open them with Windows Media Player. You’ll hear Barry speak about all the green factors that are in the house, the resources, the camaraderie among the designers, and hear him working in the room with craftsmen as they arrive, speaking with his photographer, hear Barry talk about his own farm and the materials in the room that came directly from there, his design philosophy, and all about his magnificent room as we run around it, and his lines of furnishings ~ I was thrilled he provided so much detail. A quote I love is “tortured into place.” This is Barry’s thought about over-designing ~ aka matching so perfectly it abates the interest or sucking the 'living in' aspect right out of the space.

Paula Grace and Barry Dixon Interview ~ Part 1
Paula Grace and Barry Dixon Interview ~ Part 2
Paula Grace and Barry Dixon Interview ~ Part 3

I was treated to a sneak peek. Barry invited me to come the day he was having a in his room. That was fun to watch. I’m going to have to tell Bob, my photographer, that Barry treats his shoots like I do. Everything may be completed however, to the camera’s eye, things may need to be adjusted. It was great fun to watch Barry tweak and look through the lens to see if the shot was to his satisfaction.

In the midst of this, Barry and I sat down for a conversation about the house. I am not a reporter but I play one on my blog. The ‘problem’ is while sitting in Barry’s room, after a while when I was feeling more comfortable, it was difficult for me to focus on the interview. Why? Because the room literally started speaking to me. No, I wasn’t hearing voices. Not that kind of speaking to. You all know my love and sensitivity to music ~ harmony and rhythm play large roles in my designs. I was sitting there looking at Barry when out of the corners of my eyes, I kept seeing connections in the room that began a beautiful song in my head. I started sneaking peaks when Barry would look away for a moment to collect his thoughts and then it just took me over. I think in Barry’s mid-sentence I said, “This room has wonderful rhythm.” Barry’s eyes widened and he said, “Thank you!” He proceeded to get up and start showing me the connections in the room ~ some I had already seen, some I had not. It was exhilarating. There we were running around the room gleefully looking at all the elements. Honestly, it was like two kids in a candy store. And I thought, ‘I like this guy.’ Why? Because he made me feel welcomed to understand his design (versus keeping it a secret) and comfortable to be myself. In fact he mirrored what I was excited about. He’s a regular guy ~ albeit with incredible talent and clients by the score ~ but a regular guy just like I’m a regular gal that gets excited about such things as rhythm. He told me that some of his clients with kids play games for years connecting all the dots in his designs. How wonderful is that? How thoughtful! When you go to the show house and you are in Barry’s room, look for them. If you do not hear a symphony in your head ~ call me ~ I’ll take you through and play the music. If you are unable to go, I tried to capture much of what I was seeing in the photos, the way I was seeing it but it is difficult to recreate. I will try.

Barry was a gracious host. He’s a gracious man. He’s an intelligent man. He’s a kind man. I guess you’d say I’m a fan. Hmmmm…. I wonder if he has a fan page on Facebook. Sign me up!

Most of the furniture in the room are from Barry's own lines. The beautiful mirror that you see is a repurpose ~ an old factory window. The metal mullions of the mirror and the mechanism that connects the bolsters to the daybed are part of a larger metal/metallic rhythm in the room. Barry also connected his room to nature ~ bringing in the elements in the scenic backyard.
The beautiful chandeliers Barry brought home with him from New Zealand in his suitcase ~ they completely fold up. The fabric choice for the pillows mirror the water waves in the backyard pool.
There is also a theme of circles and geometric shapes in the room. You see it in the ottoman, the art behind the chair, the sculpture on the mantel, and in the chair's jewelry (rings on the arms) which doubles as a place to hang one's glasses. The nail head on the ottoman is part of the metal rhythm. The rug mirrors the texture of the grass outside.
Intimate seating areas in quite a large room.
The banquette and a metal screen behind it serve as a visual divider between the living area and kitchen. The chairs are another repurpose. Barry did not change anything on the the chairs ~ they are exactly as he obtained them. The worn leather and wood finish are harmonious as they engage with the hues in the room and add interest with their diverse period influence.
The artwork continues to bridge the outside with the inside as the pictorial themes connect to what is immediately seen through the windows. What a fabulous place to display the art!
I love theses chandeliers. They are wonderfully graphic.
The kitchen was done be SieMatic. Exquisite. The counters are literally a material that is made from trash and wears better than granite. The greenery is from Barry's farm ~ they trimmed the trees.

What an amazing space. I cannot wait to go back. I know I will see more connections. It's the room that keeps on giving.....

A funny tidbit ~ my camera battery died at the end. I had not yet taken a photo with Barry ~ UGH! ‘I can use my phone,’ I thought, ‘but who will take the picture?’ Guess who took the picture of Barry and me with my cell phone? The professional photographer shooting Barry’s room ~ how funny it that??

You may remember this dress from my picture with Barclay. It was the same day. What a day!

I so enjoyed my afternoon with Barry.

Click here to see the other lovely rooms in the Show House….

Thom Filicia

In getting ready for High Point Market ~ in tandem with my gal, Kristin ~ I was thinking about her post with the picture of Thom Filicia.
There's Kristin with Thom ~ I took the picture. He was the nicest man. Full of hugs and kisses ~ happy to be there, grateful to be there, humble. Never underestimate the power of humility.

Thom is featured in House Beautiful:

"Designer and Style Network host Thom Filicia creates a show house apartment, inspired by the movie The Big Chill, as part of this year's Designer Visions: Cinema Style"

I perused his work. Humble and talented. Take a look and see for yourself....
He has a special touch with contrast, shape, and form. The lines and color of this chair are wonderful against the textured neutral wall covering.
Again, love the color of the leather against the dark cabinets.
Orange and hot pink! Lauren look at this!
Self explanatory with shape and form ~ superb.
Details, details.... its all about the details.....
Clean, crisp ~ a touch of the old with the chair. Lovely juxtaposition.
Sumptuous symmetry.
Love the lines and the contrast of the wood tone of the dresser with the walls. Adds a touch of warmth.
How cool is this??!
I would love to spend a warm, sunny day here. Why is it that as I continue, I start to fantasize? It just brings me there.
Symmetry done with a casual hand. Wonderful!

I hope he's at Market again. This time, Kristin will take the picture!

(P.S. I wrote this post before I left for Market. When it posts, I'll be there getting ready to return home with wonderful pictures from show rooms and people to share with you!)

CharityWorks' Green Designer Show House ~ Part IV

To review all the posts from the CharityWorks' Green Designer Show House, click here.

Let's go to the lower level before we go outside. Remember I said one of the rooms I am smitten with lives on the lower level, well here it is.... Nancy Colbert designed the wine tasting and powder room. When I walked into the room I thought, 'Now that's what I'm talking about.' I loved it from the moment I entered.
Fun back splash!

Clean lined yet a shag-o-licious rug.
Cozy corner to snuggle with your beau and sip some wine. The table is gorgeous.
Simple and elegant.
Love these chairs!
The powder room is sleek and sophisticated.

The wine cellar connected to the wine tasting room was closed the day I was there. I did smash my face up against the door though to peek through (I'm sure they cleaned the smudge I left before the show house opened). Lisa Weiss of The Wine Cellar Company completed it. The cellar was striking. What a fantastic pairing to have in your home ~ a wine cellar with a fabulous room designed to enjoy the vino.

After a few sips of the finest wine, one may saunter over to the "Guilt-free Golf" room designed by Lynni Megginson.

What a concept! Jim, my husband, swooned when I showed this room to him. I don't think I have ever seen him swoon quite like that (I'm a little insulted; I don't think he has swooned like that over me :-) Seriously, this room has got it all for the golfer in the home.

Next we have the free and clear of clutter "Green With Envy" television room designed by Susan Gulick.

This is truly a lounging room to kick back and watch one's favorite show. I love the leaf motif at the crown. The wall art is repurposed hardware used in the most unique way.

After drinking a delicious Pouilly Fuisse, swinging a club or two, watching my favorite show, it's time to get some fresh air..... and I know just where to go! Dee Thornton of Houseworks Interiors' loggia.
What a great place to entertain and enjoy a warm breeze.
The driftwood mirrors are ideal for this green venture and for the outdoor space. I fell in love with them.

Mojito anyone?!

To lounge by the pool or comfortably eat outside, we move to the lovely Barbara Hawthorn's space. Barbara was there the day I was discerningly accessorizing.
"No, these glasses are too much here."
I think I'll serve balsamic-glazed salmon fillets at my imaginary party here.
"They look wonderful here."
I agree. The hues connect beautifully. What a lovely vignette.
I need three ladies to try out these chaise lounge chairs with me. Any volunteers?

The one fact I love about this Show House is that there was a learning curve with Green Design. Designers in the know shared their knowledge. Many did research and were pleasantly surprised with what they found. I have struggled with Green Design myself in the past trying to find items that were truly Green and beautiful. Not so much now. Companies are stepping up. It's the fastest growing segment in interior design today ~ rightly so. I saw repurposing done so well in this show house, so ingeniously it was inspiring.

I hope you enjoyed this journey with me through this unique and very well done CharityWorks' Green Show House. I am actually going back. Once is never enough when a learning opportunity is before me. This time, I am going with a group of friends who happen to be designers and artists. I am already looking forward to discussion that will follow our visit. Do you think they'd mind if we do it by the pool???

Happy Weekend!