Designer show houses generate interesting innovations, trends
Great architecture can always be admired on its own, but when correct interior finishes are applied to any type of structure, it makes a building or space sing. Interior design and decoration are man’s most recent contributions to the visual arts. It is only in the past century that the planning, placement and selection of furniture has been recognized as a bona fide profession and held in high regard by those in the “know.”
The 1920s and the 1930s emerged with an unprecedented awareness of design and decoration due to the World’s Fair every few years. There, architects, artists and designers came to fame because of the importance of the event and the focus of the world’s privileged classes. Who today can’t recognize a Mies Barcelona chair? Well, that ubiquitous chair was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe for the German Pavilion at the 1929 International Exposition in Barcelona, Spain. The power of these shows is incredible for an interior designer, whether established or unknown.
Designer show houses also generate design innovations and establish the latest trends. Year after year, all over the world, interior designers are selected by committees to participate in show houses that generally raise funds through ticket sales for the benefit of a charity or school. Design show houses are the equivalent of a fashion show’s catwalk or a screening at a film festival. A show house has its group of followers, which range from benefactors of the given charity or school to people involved in the construction and building industry to competing interior designers, design students and the flock of aspiring decorators, as well as the public in general.
People come to visit the show house and to meet and chat with one of the designers in the hope of taking away some idea or inspiration that will make their home fresh and new. Keep in mind, though, when visiting these shows, that they are exactly that — show houses. Not all of the ideas will pertain to your style. Don’t expect exhibits to be sane or even practical. The designers chosen for these shows are, for the most part, those who create fashions and an overall look, but these may not be looks to which the average household can aspire or even understand. Like the fashions in a runway show, the take-away might be a new color combination, hemline or accessory, but not necessarily the whole ensemble.
Visiting a show house can be an exhilarating experience for some — including me. My advice is to keep an open mind and refrain from envisioning yourself living in any of the rooms; you will only be setting yourself up to be let down. It is best to tour the show once quickly to get your bearings of all the rooms, and then slowly go back to each room to take in the small nuances of colors, accessories, etc. Of course, visit your favorite room(s) again and then once more, if necessary. The ideas that stick out will most likely be your favorites — and the ones most likely to gel with
your home.