The official empty house party was held today for the Bucks County Designer House, and I guess that means there is no turning back! The participation in these events is always a two-edged sword. That being exciting, and stressful all at the same time!
This year, the house is really a fabulous property. It is an historic house owned by Solebury Township. The location is great from a close-to-home standard for me this year. The locations is the intersection of Street Road and Upper Mountain Rd in New Hope. There are multiple outbuildings, barns, and many garden areas. All in all, it has every promise to be a great show house.
Black-eyed Susan will be doing the main house living room! While the plans are in place, and the furniture ordered, paint colors selected and most subs on board to help, there is still much to be done! The work is all a donation, all in the name of charity for the Doylestown Hospital. Even though we have many of our subcontractors committed to help, there is so much to be done on our end that it at times feels a bit overwhelming.
This year, my painter is only on board for limited days and hours. This means that Sneelock (and most likely myself....) will be doing a lion's share of the work. The good news is, that the room is is relatively good shape. There are many things that go into selecting a room....(actually, the committee selects you. Each designer is asked to give first, second and third choices, submits ideas for each choice in detail, and then waits to get an assignment. We got our first choice!! That is always a coo.
Back to the selection process.....we try to take into consideration the general state of the room (i.e. areas that need refinishing, repairing, rebuilding......you get the idea!) I guess the bad news is, it's a rather large room----so Sneelock and I can count on spending a fair amount of time doing the special painting effects. It's been quite a few years since I, myself, have had to do the actual painting! It seems the economy has taken a hit on nearly all the subs and it's not so easy to get donated labor. Years ago, I can recall a rather large room that I did where I painted the entire thing myself and did a special rag glaze on the walls and ceiling!! Yikes! This year,I have in mind to do a wide awning stripe (painted). With all the new offerings we are embarking on at the retail location, this could be a real challenge!
I'll post updates as we progress. We have a great pallet and a wonderful design vision. (We sounds like quite a team......actually, so far, I have just a few!) I'll give you several hints.....Swedish washed oak sofa and chairs upholstered in natural linen and rich gray/brown walls. Just wait till you see the drapery fabric! Stay tuned for updates and photos along the way.
Here is what our room looks like as we begin!
And by the way, Black-eyed Susan will be selling tickets for the month long event. The opening gala is a large fund raiser and tickets are available to the public. It is aways a great event, with the first peek at the designer rooms and visits with the designers of each space. Check with the retail staff is you are interested in attending.
Here goes! I think you'll enjoy the ride.
This year, the house is really a fabulous property. It is an historic house owned by Solebury Township. The location is great from a close-to-home standard for me this year. The locations is the intersection of Street Road and Upper Mountain Rd in New Hope. There are multiple outbuildings, barns, and many garden areas. All in all, it has every promise to be a great show house.
Black-eyed Susan will be doing the main house living room! While the plans are in place, and the furniture ordered, paint colors selected and most subs on board to help, there is still much to be done! The work is all a donation, all in the name of charity for the Doylestown Hospital. Even though we have many of our subcontractors committed to help, there is so much to be done on our end that it at times feels a bit overwhelming.
This year, my painter is only on board for limited days and hours. This means that Sneelock (and most likely myself....) will be doing a lion's share of the work. The good news is, that the room is is relatively good shape. There are many things that go into selecting a room....(actually, the committee selects you. Each designer is asked to give first, second and third choices, submits ideas for each choice in detail, and then waits to get an assignment. We got our first choice!! That is always a coo.
Back to the selection process.....we try to take into consideration the general state of the room (i.e. areas that need refinishing, repairing, rebuilding......you get the idea!) I guess the bad news is, it's a rather large room----so Sneelock and I can count on spending a fair amount of time doing the special painting effects. It's been quite a few years since I, myself, have had to do the actual painting! It seems the economy has taken a hit on nearly all the subs and it's not so easy to get donated labor. Years ago, I can recall a rather large room that I did where I painted the entire thing myself and did a special rag glaze on the walls and ceiling!! Yikes! This year,I have in mind to do a wide awning stripe (painted). With all the new offerings we are embarking on at the retail location, this could be a real challenge!
I'll post updates as we progress. We have a great pallet and a wonderful design vision. (We sounds like quite a team......actually, so far, I have just a few!) I'll give you several hints.....Swedish washed oak sofa and chairs upholstered in natural linen and rich gray/brown walls. Just wait till you see the drapery fabric! Stay tuned for updates and photos along the way.
Here is what our room looks like as we begin!
And by the way, Black-eyed Susan will be selling tickets for the month long event. The opening gala is a large fund raiser and tickets are available to the public. It is aways a great event, with the first peek at the designer rooms and visits with the designers of each space. Check with the retail staff is you are interested in attending.
Here goes! I think you'll enjoy the ride.
5 comments:
Oh Susan! How I'd love to be able to help you with this project! It would be such an honor!--I fear that when the day comes that I am flexible in the days you will be moving on to bigger and better things...
I am so looking forward to the pictures of your progress! I can't wait to see the awning stripe on the walls! You never cease to amaze me with the fabulous flair that you give to every project you do!
That is so great that you guys got your first pick! Someone in that committee knows style when they see it!
Wow i cant wait... Susan, we saw the Princeton house last year and your room was the best. Will you be doing the retail store again? that was fun... If i can help let me know.. Tracy
Hooray for first pick! But yikes on painting stripes yourself...
It will be fun to see the progress from afar.
I know it will be the best one. No doubt in my mind. Lee
Yeah, there is only good things comming especially by getting your first choice picked. It will be a delight to walk through this process and see the final outcome. Take good care with all that work, and it is a good thing that you have such a wonderful right arm by your side...
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