Showhouse Washout

On Tuesday of this past week, admist the torrential downpour, road construction and rush hour traffic, my Mom, Nancy (the future mom-in-law) and myself hopped in the car and drove down to Grosse Pointe for the Junior League Designer Showhouse.  Only being open for two weeks, we had planned ahead to go on this evening and then head out for dinner after we feasted our eyes on the works of some of Metro Detroit's finest designers.   This house seemed especially notable. Nestled along Lake Saint Clair this 6,500 square foot, French Normandy style home was built in 1928. The lake views, orginal cobblestone courtyard and meticulous architectural detail make this home a treasure. Having only 3 owners the home has been well cared for and is in fabulous condition.

It is always so fun and curious to see how other designers translate showhouse rooms.  With the Junior League showhouse only coming around every other year, it is a local partnership I always look foward to. Yet, it was not meant to be. As we leisurely drove (and by leisurely, I really mean leisurely. With my mom at the wheel I don't think we had seen the speed limit the entire way to Grosse Pointe. Just kidding, Mom. Kinda.) down Lakeshore Drive we saw in the distance a little power line problemo. Directly in front of the showhouse the power line lay on the street and, wouldn't ya know, the entire block was out of power. Hmpf. My night of inspiring design was just cut off at the knees.  Making the most of the night we headed over to The Hill restaurant and enjoyed selecting dishes from on of the best menus I have seen in a while. I few glasses of cab and some crabcakes later, we acknowledged that our little adventure had not turned out totally fruitless.

On Wednesday I was telling my showhouse misfortune to the ladies at the Schumacher showroom and they kindly let me flip through the booklet they recieved upon their visit to Grosse Pointe.  Next best thing!  Then our conversation took us to the DC showhouse and some ogling on the F. Schumacher website.  Kelley Interior Design from Bethesda, Maryland transformed this living space into a hip and cool study fit for all age ranges using primarly Schumacher products.  I always mosey on over to Schumacher for their modern day twists on florals, prints and all around versatile solids.  Their fabrics and trims all have a youthful, vibrant feeling that can really perk up any interior.  That being said, they really have some awesome go-to solids, like the linens shown here. 

 I love the design detail of the base of this sofa. Such an interesting way to apply the nailhead trim. The dark walls really make everything pop.  I think the interest of the striped lamp shade is another added point of curiosity.  Nothing is fighting to compete here, because in using the solids for upholstery there is an opportunity to bring in patterns in the pillows, skirted table and the throw blanket. The contrast welting on the ottoman is an understated way to coordinate with the color palate.

Ceiling detail? Yes please. Lantern? Yes please. Wall to wall sisal floor covering? Yesssss please. The translation of a skirted table from the traditional round to a more intriguing hexagon? Clever!

Love this desk. Also love how it is arranged (Megan, take note!).  Even the color scheme is translated in to the accessories, but I am really enjoying the pops of green in the topiaries.  I also like how the back if the hutch is painted the wall color.  It doesn't interrupt the flow or make the unit seem overwhelming for the space.

 

This detailing on the drapery panels is delicious.  I also like the pairing of two totally different chairs. The traditional winged back chair with the more modern wood framed chair create fresh contrast.  

While I could not get my designer showhouse fix in person, there is always the plethora of inspiring images on the internet.  The best thing about the world wide web is that with a few clicks we have access to the design happenings all over the country and world. While it is not the same as seeing the spaces in person, it is a satisfying substitute!

DC Showhouse images Via Angie Seckinger