You guys–you’re going to love this post! I recently enjoyed poking through a designer showcase house in town and I came away with all sorts of ideas…which is very dangerous to the old pocketbook.
I went with a group of friends after a birthday celebration lunch. Look at everyone’s white jeans–our uniform in the summer! I love how everyone styles it a little bit differently. Our birthday girl went with a cute and cool seersucker dress. You’re supposed to stand out on your birthday, right?
But enough about what we’re wearing. You’re here to see inside this gorgeous house.
Merryman House Greenhouse Project
The designer house is a fundraiser for the Merryman House, a safe haven for abused women. The proceeds go entirely to this great organization and these specific funds will be used for the “Greenhouse Project.” Headed by Phyllis Stovesand and the El Arbol Garden Club, the project transformed a neglected house into a stunning home. Cindy Ragland, who serves on the Paducah Creative and Cultural Council put in hours of work too.
Several area businesses and designers contributed their talent to give the house, located at 606 Whitney Drive in Paducah, a spectacular makeover. I list the businesses and artists at the end of this post.
Take a Tour with Me
Because of the ongoing supply issues, some details weren’t quite finished. But I loved the fact they went ahead with the tours. It’s a good reminder that everything doesn’t have to be perfect to still be lovely. That’s a principle to digest and apply in opening our own homes in hospitality.
In the photo of the home’s office/study above, check out the painting…It’s a casual portrait of my niece that my mother did! Original art hung in every room and gave each space even more personality. All the art is for sale and the artists are donating a percentage of their proceeds to the project.
Blending Old and New and Fresh
One of my favorite things about the home was the combination of traditional and modern elements. Modern furnishings paired with traditional rugs and contemporary art sharing space with antiques created a warm, welcoming, interesting environment.
I also loved the fresh flowers in every room! I don’t have the funds to maintain having fresh flowers in every room every day but I do like to use them for special occasions. Sam’s and some grocery stores have beautiful flowers year-round. And, don’t forget your backyard. Nothing’s prettier than a bouquet of limelight hydrangeas or a colorful assortment of zinnias.
Matchy-Matchy? No Thanks!
I was thrilled to be asked to show my own artwork in the home. Do you recognize this painting (above) from the post I made about my parents’ home? It looks entirely different in this gorgeous bedroom. Here’s a tip for using original art work in your home: don’t try to perfectly match things.
See how the colors of the painting complement the furnishings without exactly matching them? It makes for a much more interesting room. Another large piece I did hangs directly across from this painting. It’s done in turquoise and green and it works well too. Remember the word “complementary” when you’re shopping for art and accessories.
Charitable Designers and Artists
Here are links to the designers, artists, and businesses who participated:
Mandy Oliver (Oliver Falder Design)
Higdon McBride Interiors
Bill Ford Interiors
The Grey Hare (John and Tiffany Gust)
Tanley Blake Interiors (Randi Stovesand)
Home Floor and Kitchens
Gallery 600 West (Nancy Flowers)
Michelson’s Jeweler’s (Table scape)
Lamon’s Antiques
Blooms ‘n’ Gardens
Walker Stone
The artists:
Paul Aho
Jane Bright
Tracey Buchanan (Hey! That’s me!)
Karen Dodson (My mom!)
Nancy Flowers
Mitch Kimball
J Nichols & Daniel Carlisle
Bill Renzulli
Craig Rhodes
Phyllis Russell
Randy Simmons
Michala Smith
Stephanie Young
Run Don’t Walk!
The last day you can tour the house is WEDNESDAY, June 20, so hurry on over there to see it. You can tour it between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and you can buy tickets at the door for $25. My photos don’t do it justice. You need to see it in person.
I’m so grateful to live in such a generous and supportive community! A lot of people put in a lot of work to raise funds for a project that will enhance thousands of lives. Who could ask for a better place to live than that?
Let me know what your favorite room is in the comments!
Linda Burrows
Love this little tour and the white jeans!
Tracey Buchanan
Glad you liked it! Aren’t we just the cutting edge of fashion? 😂