One could think of the creation of a designer showhouse as a magic show by committee. A crew of 20 or more interior designers must telescope six or 12 months` work into 30 days, sometimes less, to completely transform a house of architectural or historical significance and make it so appealing the public will pay to see it.
Designers start from ground zero, scraping and painting and wallpapering, hanging window treatments, struggling to get oversize sofas through doors or up staircases, all at a fast-forward speed. Then a vetting committee comes through to pass critical judgment on their work.
Part of the magic is that it gets done at all under this kind of pressure–and the remainder is the amazing metamorphoses that occur.
Starting with the 1997 Infant Welfare Society of Chicago Lake Forest Showcase House in April and concluding with the Third Annual Celebrations at Home at The Merchandise Mart in November, the 1997 season was a decidedly banner year for this unique form of wizardry.
With so many examples of smart and creative uses of color, resources and design, we thought it a good time to present our first end-of-year Best of the Showhouses awards.
For those who may not have been able to visit these homes, enjoy the views here–and take home some ideas too.
TRENDSETTING
LOOKS AND TOUCHES THAT KEPT POPPING UP
With showhouses ranging from turn-of-the-century Victorians to 1920s Spanish villas, participating interior designers took their cues from the architecture. Still, within those parameters, there seemed to be some overall trends we spotted–some that you might consider incorporating in your home.
Traditional. The look was prevalent, though pared down in a bow to today`s time-challenged lifestyles. There was a lot more negative, or empty, space and fewer accessories.
Restrained. Far-out was far from in. No one attempted the bizarre.
Pretty. This was definitely in. And it often was achieved with lovely floral fabrics and high-quality textiles in window, floor and bed treatments.
Painterly. Exquisite mural and trompe l`oeil work showed up in most of the showhouses–not just in nurseries and bedrooms where it was seen in the past, but also in communal areas such as dining rooms and foyers.
HOW TO REACH DESIGNERS
Here are addresses and phone numbers for the interior designers recognized on our cover:
John Himmel of Richard Himmel Antique and Decorative Furniture, 1800 Merchandise Mart, 312-527-5700.
Mary Southworth of Southworth Interiors Inc., 730 Forest Ave., Lake Forest, 847-295-6074.
Kathleen Willoughby of Among Friends, 821 Chestnut Ct., Winnetka, 847-441-9970.
Philbin deGot and Joe Rayman, 3357 N. 51st St., Milwaukee, 414-442-2282.
Perry Maiorana of Roy Klipp Associates Inc., 202 E. Westminster, Lake Forest, 847-234-8340.
Jae Berni of Jae Berni Interiors Inc., 1232 William Ave., River Forest, 708-771-7960.
