The designer showcase is a concept introduced years ago to raise funds for charities ranging from Hospice to AIDS relief to educational institutions. Designers, artisans, and builders donate their time and materials for some very good causes and promote their industries in the process. The public will pay anyway from $35 to $150 for tickets to tour homes that have been renovated, remodeled, and redecorated by various designers and artisans.

I worked on this showcase back in 2006. The room I had to work with wasn’t really a room at all. Being the new kid on the block they gave me a space without walls, flooring, or windows. The good news is that it was a William Turnbull home. Turnbull is the noted architect/developer who developed Sea Ranch in northern California back in the early seventies. Because the room was removed from the rest of the house, I did the style I wanted which ended up being transitional. It turned out to be a very cozy spot after it was finished.

I had some great French antiques to work with and some fabulous original Chuck Waldman and Jack Cassinetto oil paintings. As well, Kravet, Sheers and Window, and Lee Jofa were kind enough to loan me some of their outstanding pieces.

I had a built in sideboard installed by one of my workrooms, and custom cut mirror above it. We did up some great fabric treatments I designed: a custom zebra throw with bullion trim, a great slipcover for a tall bookcase, and a matching custom fitted skirt for the sideboard.

We did some high quality sisal carpet and a contemporary railing for the stairs.

I called the room “Mary Jo’s Retreat” for one of my best clients and dearest friends.