SHOWHOUSE: A Fly On The Wall...

As you may know from previous posts, the York Designer Showhouse is now in it's second to last week and we will soon have to wrap up.  I know, I know....I still haven't shown the final pictures....I will only torture you this one last time before the final reveal.

We started off the day with a luncheon at the York Harbor Reading Room - a charming restaurant on the coast with lovely gardens and beautiful views!  Prior to the luncheon, we were treated to a panel discussion from four of the designers who worked on the house - Chris Chapin and Sara Lee from Company C,  Ann Cowenhoven, Barbara Hirsch, and Pauline Vastardis.  All talked about their inspiration for their spaces and their experiences executing their designs.  A fabulous summer lunch followed!

York Harbor Reading Room - photography by R. Palazola

After the luncheon, I spent some time at the Showhouse.  One of my favorite things to do is be a "fly on the wall"!  I hover around the spaces and listen to the comments.  And the good thing is, I have not heard one negative comment yet!!  After a couple of minutes of eavesdropping, I step in and introduce myself and see if the visitors have any questions!  I found two older women who were picking up the fabric on my skirted table and were examining what was underneath!  I didn't have the heart to tell them that they weren't supposed to touch!  Seems like the two items in the "Poolside Portal" that are generating the most interest are my window curtain and my chandelier!

The window curtain is a very simple white mesh fabric with turquoise, jade and crystal beads strategically sewn on.  The curtain is covering the window of a door that leads to the outside pool area (hence the name "Poolside Portal".)  The view was too beautiful to cover up, but the window needed some dressing as it's the first thing you see when you walk into the space.  The mesh allows the light and filtered view in, and the beads give it a little detailing.  Unfortunately, it is very hard to photograph during the day, but hopefully I will have a photo soon!

The other item of interest is the chandelier!  It's an open work, white metal frame with glass drops made from recycled Coca Cola bottles.  Reuse, recycle and repurpose!!  If you remember those slender green glass bottles, you will appreciate the glass drops on the chandelier!

Photography by R. Palazola

Kind of looks like an atom!  The shadow of the frame and light on the ceiling adds a wonderful glow and pattern!

The chandelier was courtesy of our favorite lighting store, Lucia Lighting in Lynn, MA.  Lucy Dearborn, owner and "proprietress extraordinaire" knows everything there is about lighting! (And she is so much fun!)

Lucy Dearborn - photo pilfered from the internet

  Her shop has a very eclectic assortment of lighting that is traditional, contemporary, whimsical and always very tasteful!  Another aspect I find fascinating about her store - it's a converted funeral home!  One of the first day's I visited the store, an elderly woman came in and was looking around.  She turned to me and said "This is where I waked out my husband.  I just wanted to see what they did with the place."  Ok, maybe a little strange, but there are definitely no bad spirits there!  And Lucy and her staff always make you feel welcome!  Check them out at www.lucialighting.com.

   Eight more days and the 24th Annual York Designer Showhouse closes its doors.  There is still time if you haven't visited!!  http://www.oldyork.org/Visit/showhousepreshow.html

I PROMISE...the next post will be full of before and after pictures of our spaces at the showhouse!!!

Stay tuned!

"To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness, for that is when the stars shine brightest." - Unknown.