2010 Richmond Symphony Orchestra League Designer House

After spending 12 formative and fun years living in Richmond, VA, I don't need much bribing to go back and visit. So this past weekend, I picked up for a girlfriends weekend cleverly coordinated with the 2010 RSOL Showhouse. It was wonderful to visit my old stomping grounds AND to see designers from around the U.S. that I have become acquainted with thru work and/or Facebook!All I can say is - if you live anywhere near Richmond, VA or feel like hopping on a plane, it would be worth your while to visit this 1913 English Tudor estate (named Rothesay) which sits majestically on the James River. The talent, energy and resources that were poured in to this historic home is extremely evident. Every product, finish and design concept was well executed.

Ironically, the showhouse originally caught my eye because my friend Tobi Fairley, a well known designer from Little Rock, Arkansas designed the Stair Hall space at Rothesay. As always, Tobi's style and grace is expertly combined with her signature flair for color.

I absolutely love these sconces designed by Tobi and fabricated by Julie Neill.

Is this dining room a show stopper or what? Jennifer Stoner did an amazing job taking the homeowners' restored antique triple-pedestal Duncan Phyfe dining table and custom designing pieces to go with it that give the space a fresh look of sophisticated glam.

I was already having heart palpitations at this point and then the Kitchen, designed by John K. George & Co. took my breath away. John used one of a kind vintage salvaged materials and combined them with the latest in technology for a rustic kitchen that still boasts the latest and greatest anyone would want in a kitchen.

I had a great time talking to Kelly Brown who did an amazingly simple and uncluttered design for the Garden Room. From the Living Wall designed by ELT EasyGreen Living to the custom table by Christopher Hildebrand Design and the killer chandelier by Lindsey Adelman Studio, there wasn't much need for anything else in this space because every detail Kelly used was so thoughtful and unique.

I am a sucker for small, interesting spaces like the tiny Study designed by Blaise Adams and David Barden (pictured). The space was originally the garage (just big enough for a Model T!)

Another small space that I loved, loved, loved was the Little Girls Powder Room designed by Jenny Andrews. This space had so many well appointed details, I think I stood in it for 15 minutes. The flocked wallpaper combined with the silk smocked balloon valance and the accessories were right up my alley.

I also got to chat with Kathy Morgan of Williams & Sherrill who designed the sunroom. The fretwork on the walls made my jaw drop. Stunning!

The finale of the showhouse for me, was the "David & Kelly Forever" space in the third-floor loft designed by Kat and Mike Liebschwager of Ruth & Ollie. Inspired by design icons David Hicks and Kelly Wearstler, this loft design just spoke to me.

Kat took her happy Buddha to Shades of Light and had a lamp made of it. Clever huh?