Showhouses are organized to bring together fund-raisers, local interior designers, architects, and landscape designers who transform a home into a feast for the eyes. Designer Show Homes are often historic structures, and some are returned to mint condition after years of disrepair and neglect.
Months ahead of the planned event, a group of fund-raisers and ASID designers form a committee to choose the house from applicants and select a color scheme and theme for the home. Designers are selected to decorate one room or outdoor area following the guidelines set forth. After a total transformation, the public is invited in to tour the home, speak with the designers, and gather design ideas and inspiration.
Everyone benefits! Proceeds from ticket sales generally are earmarked for a local charity, hospital, or symphony. Local designers, merchants, and tradesmen are given lots of publicity and exposure. And the public has the opportunity to meet design professionals in the settings they have designed, see the work of local craftsmen, as well as view furniture, art, antiques and accessories.
Some, like the Pasadena Showcase House of Design, have websites with background information on the home, designer listings, ticket information, and driving directions. Some are institutions, such as the famous Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club Showhouse. But, large or small, famous or not, area showhouses attract scores of people.
Attending a local showhouse shows your support for the local charity and local artists. Volunteering to assist with your local showhouse will benefit you, your community, and local design professionals. You'll be involved in a wonderful community activity, meet interesting people, and get great ideas for decorating your own home.
To find a showhouse in your area, see the Showhouse Listings.