2002 Decorators' Show House      Living Room

The Living Room is one of the few rooms original to the Show House.  The architecture - Palladian doorways and arched openings - is echoed by the curve of the room's piece de resistance - the black lacquer chinoiserie secretaire.  The play of shapes throughout the room enlivens the space.  Passages in and out of every wall were a challenge to unify.  One hundred and thirty yards of Lee Jofa champagne colored silk were draped with dramatic effect around the perimeter to unify the room and provide privacy.  The addition and installation of the antique gilt chandelier and an antique French marble fireplace lend a Continental feel.  Antiques, including a mahogany Regency center table, were mixed with timeless reproductions such as Bergere style chairs, elegant carved mahogany daybed, and custom designed octagonal end tables.  

The floors were lightly buffed and then an artist was commissioned to paint an intaglio design on the hardwood.  The floor pattern united the two ends of the room.  Cozy, comfortable seating near the fireplace is conversational with the daybed offering seating at the other end of the room.  A gorgeous fresh white flower arrangement on top of the center table and an antique chinoiserie planter with a topiary garden bring a bit of the outdoors into the room.  The oversized convex sunburst mirror over the fireplace brings sunshine into the space.  The warmth of the champagne color scheme brightens the room and underscores the motto on the sofa pillow, "Blonde rooms have more fun"!