Saturday, May 3, 2014
There’s
plenty to see at the 2014 Decorator’s ShowHouse until it closes on May 11.
Decorators and interior designers came together at Greystone’s Villa D’Ambra to
create rooms sure to inspire the inner decorator in all visitors. Here are 10
things you definitely need to see while touring the house:
Pops
of color
The
first thing to note about the 2014 Decorator’s ShowHouse is the use of color
throughout each room. The library walls are outfitted in a bright, raspberry
color, while the furniture in the living room has hints of spring greens and
blues. Attendees can reference the exact Benjamin Moore paint colors used in
each room in the program book.
Architecture
The
remodeled rooms in Villa D’Ambra aren’t the only attraction this year. The
house itself is also a sight to see. The Mediterranean-style, 12,000
square-foot house is completely unique. Michael and Michelle D Ambra built the
house in 1994, but remodeled based on inspiration from the couple’s time living
in France. The outside features a limestone, 3,000 pound arch with a gate
guarded by two lions. The roof is made of Mexican tile with copper gutters. The
inside features a 28-foot high foyer with Italian tile.
Another
sight to see is the 64-light crystal chandelier imported from what was once
known as Czechoslovakia.
Ode
to Birmingham
Jay
Howton & Associates designed the dining room to tell a tale of a
well-traveled couple with a love for their city of residence. In fact, the back
wall of the room reflects their admiration for the Magic City. Three historical
images applied to aluminum depicting landmarks such as the Alabama Theater and
Vulcan grace the wall. A harp in the corner represents the Alabama Symphony
Orchestra, according to Howton.
Chic
office space
The
third bedroom in the house may be decked out in calming colors such as gray,
silver, neutrals and lavender, but it doesn't mean that it can’t double as a
stylish work space. On the left wall sits a Lucite desk. It’s definitely a chic
way to get some work done in a relaxing environment.
Repurposed
items
Remodeling
a home doesn't always have to mean breaking the back. The house’s second
bedroom is fashioned like a small man cave with fishing and sports decals all
over the walls and plaid bedding. Two interesting details in the room are the
headboards on the two twin beds. G & G Interior Design made them out of
warehouse pallets, turning something old into something totally new and
stylish.
The
same goes for the maid’s room on the first floor designed by Virginia College
students. Shoes are the dominant decorative piece throughout the room, but
footwear isn't the only accessory being put to use. Students used regular belts
as curtain ties.
Personalized
touches
Who
says curtains have to be boring? The man cave-style upstairs bedroom curtains
are far from it. G & G Interior outfitted the windows with a plain pair of
white curtains with a twist. Sewn across the panels are stretches of multi-colored
zig zag fabric that adds an interesting detail in an unexpected place.
Fun
cookware
Just
because it’s a barbeque pit, doesn't mean it can’t also work as a decorative
piece. The orange, pig-shaped grill in the breakfast room works perfectly into
the colorful theme of the breakfast room created by Christine’s + Bagatelle.
All of the elements together create a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of the
Southwest.
Unique
seats
The
barstools in the kitchen add a touch of fun to the room designed by Kelly Kirkland.
One stool in particular is outfitted with bike pedals.
Different
floral arrangements
Roses
and lilies need not apply when it comes to the first bedroom upstairs. On the
bed sits a different kind of floral arrangement resting in a blown glass vase filled
with water and flowers. The arrangement fits right in with other unique pieces
in the room.
Dog
paintings
Dog
people unite! The loft area located upstairs has a corner completely dedicated
to man’s best friend. Two pieces of wall art portray two pooches like the
royalty that they are by outfitting them with crowns. The paintings fit nicely
with the royal and court jester theme of the space designed by Bill Aroosian.
This article is original write by Mia Watkins on al.com.
