Local interior designers were challenged to design and furnish a room with Victorian "style" or interpretation, colors, fabric, design, furniture and décor.  The interior designers were invited and selected by the owners and the Main Event by Emily planner. The designers represented local charities selected by the house owners. To learn about the charities, see their gallery.

 

Prior to the Designer Showcase, pre-design open houses, tours and gala were available to the public with a request of a donation that included catered refreshments.  At the Pre-Design gala the visitors learned about the selected designers, reviewed their storyboards, their selected artwork, their design plans and learn about the local charities who were represented. 

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Once the house was completely designed, a Showcase Gala continued for a six-week open house, April 14 to June 2, 2018, that gave the community and surrounding areas an opportunity to visit, experience a trip back in time and enjoy the designers’ interpretations.  The designers received recognition and potential clients.

 

During the Showcase, donations were requested for guided tours of the house's designs. The main dining room was open as a Victorian “tea” room with drink (teas and coffees) available and local catered fare was complimentary buffet style). The entrance fees contributed to the charities. 

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Artwork Selections 

Artwork for the Showcase was selected by the designers from local artists based on the design theme of their room. The combination of local artists and designers was a unique experience for all to enjoy during the Showcase. For the local artists who participated in the rooms' designs, see their gallery.

 

All the rooms' artwork, designers' furniture, and accessories were available through the boutique. The boutique included additional artwork, house accessories, local products, and the art which was represented in the designers' rooms.

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Special Activities

During special evening showings, we offered local poetry readings, local acoustic music, local art displays, art workshops, local heritage stories, and educational presentations for all ages. The charities were represented weekly with art activities on their Charity Days and brochures were provided during the showcase for additional donations. Special activities cost $20 to benefit the charities and pay for catered services.

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Designer Activities

Every guest was encouraged to vote for their favorite designer’s spaces for people choice awards.   As in art exhibits, a local respected designer was chosen to be a juror for Best in Show.  The winning designers received a Designer Showcase certificate for framing. At the end of the showcase all profits were donated to the local charities which were selected.

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