An 8000 square foot house is a really BIG house, but the space at the home selected for the Orange County 2004 Philharmonic House of Design was elegantly transformed by 15 design firms, designers, and landscape architects. Spectacular views of the valley and mountains were seen from many spaces of this Nellie Gail Estate "American chateau" in southern California. Visitors were able to tour the house and beautifully coifed grounds from April 27 to May 25, 2004.
The American Society of Interior Designers/ Orange County Chapter worked with The Philharmonic Society of Orange County to raise funds to support The Philharmonic Society and its Youth Music Education Programs.
The color palate of Benjamin Moore paints included Titanium, Dessert Tan, Old Country, Buxton Blue, Horizon Grey, Kittery Point Green, Cherry Wine, Jet Black, and Simply White. The colors selected provided a wide range of choices, while keeping the whole space harmonious and consistent.
A special treat on my visit was a chance to hear the designers themselves talk about their space. They provided details on their design, furniture and accessory choices, color scheme, and special touches. Each one of them was enthusiastic and gracious about sharing their inspiration and information. It provided a lovely afternoon and lots of great decorating and design ideas.
This very elegant home was enhanced by the creative genius of the designers. Luscious fabrics, padded or faux painted walls, bead or crystal trimmed pillows, blankets, window valances, lighting fixtures, and lampshades provided exquisite detail. No holds were barred to make this magnificent California villa a real showplace.
The Kitchen, designed by Beth Whitlinger, ASID, IIDA, incorporated some of the original plan from its previous, and now dated, 1980’s re-do. New cabinets, appliances (except for the Sub Zero freezer and refrigerator) and stones were used in the footprint of the former space. Adding a window opened up the space to a grand view of the pool and grounds below the home. The center island and cook top hood were scaled down to better fit the room.
The walls of the kitchen were treated with a parchment finish with a pearlized Venetian plaster. The ceiling beams were stained dark and murals were added in each coffer to create a chateau feeling. The travertine floor had inserts of granite and a metal acanthus flower tile, surrounded by marble mosaic. A fleur de lis mural, detailed acanthus crown molding, dark-colored granite countertops, and crystal chandeliers add elegant touches.