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

Somerset Show Home

Last week I went to check out the Somerset Show Home in Birmingham. It was really fun and interesting to see how Derocher and Dominick Tringali Architects bonds green living features in a comfortable and stylish manner. The eco-friendly elements are not all apparent to the naked eye and demonstrate to the average consumer how easy it can become more energy efficient.

The foyer. I loved these doors. They gave a nice added light to an area of the house which can sometimes feel isolated and dark.

The office, done by Ralph Lauren, was my favorite room in the entire house. Located just off the foyer I thought this room seamed the traditional study feel and classic simplicity beautifully. I guess I shouldn't expect anything less! The animal prints, leathers, "boom" table lamps, sketches and finishes made this room cozy and timeless. The bookcases are stained in eco-friendly wood stains from M.L. Campbell. The carpet is 100% wool.

The kitchen is designed as a space that is more effective for the modern family. It is truly a 'live in kitchen'. The built in cabinets are from Downview Kitchens and have a Environmentally Preferable Product certification. They are made with 100% recycled or recovered wood fibers. The display cabinets up top are air tight to prevent showcase pieces being covered in dust.

All the lights in the home are LED or CLF (compact florescent). Great Lakes Lighting took on the task of lighting in the Show Home and I think they did a nice job with the accent lighting, under cabinet lighting and unique cable lighting that is upstairs.

Now we're talkin'. I am all about the espresso maker. I think if I had this kitchen in my house I would be a very, very good cook. Never again would my dinners be made by removing a carton from the freezer and simply switching the oven to bake. Oh, by the way, these are Energy Star appliances.

This is pretty flashy too. From Kohler, this troff sink allows for easy waste removal. Imagine chopping veggies and just being able to push them all into this sink and letting the water whisk them away. Neato. The home is equipped with faucets that have low-flow aerators which helps reduce the flow. Low flow fixtures also include showers, toliets and tubs. This helps the consumer save money on bills and of course make them feel good about cutting mother nature a break.

Hellooooooo, Pantry. Movable layers, organizational shelves and fully stocked!

At Duncan Fuller, we are big on this design feature. The "family command center" located right off the kitchen makes scheduling easily accessible for kids and parents. Also, we get a look here at the wood floors in the kitchen. The floor is green-engineered wide plank American walnut flooring, supplied by Schafer Hardwood Flooring Co. Because being local is a big part of being green, Schafer Flooring uses Michigan trees that are harvest by low-enviromental-impact suppliers. By cutting down on the distance for both production and truck transport, this product is a very nice green choice. Not to mention the added bonus... drum roll please...the left over saw dust from cutting and sanding the boards is used by local horse farms for bedding material!

Right off the family room is the conservatory. Not only does this help to bring the outside inside, the palms create the benefit of producing oxygen!

I just took this picture because I love bar carts.

The dining room which is also done by Ralph Lauren. We all know I have a weakness for blue and white porcelain. I LOVE the framed scarf. Delish.

Dining Room

Living Room (Also done by Ralph)

Scarf pillows, I must do this.

Now, going up stairs....

Upstairs seating done by Resoration Hardware

This tub is like a pool. I wish I had also taken a picture of the shower. I swore I did, but alas, it did not show up on my camera once I got home.

Nothing says bathtime like a bubbles light fixture. I hope they drop this down about 7 feet. It is so close to the ceiling that upon first glance it is unnoticable.

Master Bedroom seating area

Espresso machine in the bedroom. This house has me all wired on the caffine hookups!

The quirkey cable lighting that has a very efficient voltage.

The upstairs laundry. I like the neaky the washer and dryer. Upon first glance no one would know... I should also mention that there is also a laundry room on the first floor. Fully functional with a special dog bath tub!

This house provides many distractions. Distraction numero uno, the theater room. Fully stocked with popcorn machine and candy vendor.

Numero dos, the Wii room. Not to mention there is a craft room, air hockey room, band stage, s'mores fireplace pit...

Okay, last but not least, the garage. I have never seen such a beautiful garage. Organized. Clean. It almost looks like you could serve lunch off the floor. I really liked how the slats are on every wall, making it easy to hang all the junk that usually gets accumulated in garages.

Well, that is all for now. I hope you all enjoyed the pictures. I will do a post later of even more ideas for the average home owner to utilize the benefits of going green!