Decor Arts Now

There are certain commonalities each year at the Hampton Designer Showhouse.  You can count on blue and white, greek keys, a “horse-themed” room and sumptuous outdoor spaces.

This year was no exception.

But you should leave any showhouse worth its salt with design ideas that you have not seen before.  Despite some of the typical features, this year’s showhouse satisfies in this regard.

Here are  seven “fresh” design ideas from the Hampton Designer Showhouse.

1. While we all know that outdoor fabrics now mimic those found indoors, and outdoor curtains are de rigueur, you don’t always see a painting suitable for an outside display, as seen above.

2. A white kitchen?  But of course!  Still, check out that backsplash behind the range.  What a wonderful installation in that sunburst pattern.  Don’t miss the 3d texture found in the tiles.  Definitely an idea to copy.  The natural wood accents also are lovely.

3. Trim your curtains, pillows and upholstery?  Often.  Passamenterie on an area rug is not as common, but it was found all over the showhouse.  The rug in the master bath had one of the more elaborate trims.

4. Love me a new product that I have not seen before.  I fell HARD for this bow chandelier.  Unfortunately the program did not have a credit.  Please visit me on Facebook or Twitter if you know the source.

5. Palladian-style windows tend to present a design challenge when it comes to dressing.  These awning curtains paired with the window box are quite charming.  The spear hardware also is unusual.  As for watering those plants?  No need.  My friends Cynthia and Caroline of Diane James Home and the Buzz blog can solve that problem with ease.

6. Stripes are always “in.”  (And everywhere–see above.)  It was very creative to install the striped wallpaper both vertically and horizontally in this bedroom.

7. As for the “horsey” room?  It had the standard horse imagery for the art, plus a saddle and riding boots.  While many designers choose a color other than white for the panels in a beamed ceiling or even wallpaper, painting a mural is more unique.

As an added bonus, I feel compelled to share a photo of the following room because I have never seen anything like it.  I heard that there was a heated twitter discussion on how livable the rooms in a showhouse should be.  I am guessing that this room sparked the debate.

While I am not advocating that you copy this room, it is thought-provocating.  The room is called “Her space. Her space.”  Who is her?  Do you think one of those beds is for the home’s watch dog?

Want to see more images of the Hampton Designer Showhouse?  Head over to my friend Stacey’s blog.

If you are interested in seeing previous Hampton Designer Showhouses  click here, here, here, and here.

All photos by Lynn Byrne for Decor Arts Now. 

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