I thought about you yesterday while standing in the Living Room of the ASA 2010 Decorators’ Show House and Gardens. For 3 hours I answered visitor questions regarding a space designed by Stan Topol and thought about you. I gathered the postcards provided of the actual spaces in the home to share with you for this post.
When cameras are not allowed to capture what you see, how do you translate these ideas for use in your own home? With this question in mind, I came up with a few tips to help you get the most of your visit to this show house or any show house for that matter.
1. BE COMFORTABLE
This home has three levels and sits on 4 acres of lush landscaping and beautiful gardens. It would be a shame to divide your design focus or cut your visit short because of aching feet.
2. BRING A PAD AND PENCIL
Cameras are not allowed and your memory may not be very reliable either. Sketch rooms, furniture, window treatments, or anything else that captures your interested. This will be very helpful when recalling vital details.
3. TAKE YOUR TIME
Schedule ample time for your visit and leave whining friends/spouses/children at home. Furthermore, this is not a rushed tour so don’t feel pressured to move through the house faster than you’d like.
4. ASK QUESTIONS
Many times designers will be in their spaces and are free to discuss their inspiration for the room and sources for their furnishings. In that short meeting you may decide to give that individual your business.
5. JOT IDEAS FOR YOUR CURRENT SPACE
Are you currently working on a kitchen design? Your kitchen may not have the same layout, but can still borrow the color palette, flooring, and lighting options.
6. PAY ATTENTION TO FUNCTION AND FLOW
Keep in mind the purpose of each room. If you are in a library, consider the lighting plan. Is there a combination of overhead, ambient, and task lighting? How does the designer compensate for the lack of natural light?
If you are in a living room, pay close attention to the furniture plan. How many conversation areas in the room? How does the traffic flow in and out of the room? Observe the mix of fabrics and textures that make a room so comfortable/elegant.
7. UNDERSTAND THE COLOR STORY
Notice the flow of color throughout the house. Recognize how color effects the mood of the space. Is color used to camouflage flaws or accentual architectural details? What feelings do you experience while standing in that room? Is it one you want to recreate in your home? Write it down!
I hope these tips prove to be helpful on your next show house venture. If you decide to visit this home, I would love to hear your thoughts.
Do you have additional tips on getting the most out of a house tour? Please let us know!
April 19, 2010 at 1:12 pm
Great tips! And you're right on home tours, if you must leave all the known whiners and complainers at the house. I went on a home tour recently, and a certain family member was with me, rushing…I couldn't enjoy the tour.
April 19, 2010 at 1:14 pm
Never been on a house tour. But these are great tips.
April 19, 2010 at 1:43 pm
Fabulous tips! I will remember these. The house shows in my area (not decorated by well know designers) allows photos, isn't that great? Janell
April 19, 2010 at 1:59 pm
Great and timeless tips.
April 19, 2010 at 4:45 pm
Oh WOW!!! I'm glad that you blogged about this! I'll make sure I keep this in mind while I'm touring. Eventhough, I'll get the insider scoop from you hee hee!!!
April 19, 2010 at 5:19 pm
great tips, especially about the shoes and the time. i'm sure you had a blast.
April 19, 2010 at 7:31 pm
I like yor tips…lol leave whining friends, spouses at home! Great tip.
I also like tip # 6 function and flow, very important.
April 19, 2010 at 8:12 pm
I love your tips.
thank you so much.
xoxo,
raru
April 19, 2010 at 10:20 pm
Thanks for the fab tour…and for thinking of us!
April 20, 2010 at 2:13 am
These are great tips for anyone to take note of. A sketch pad is a must when cameras aren't allowed. I can't wait to see the showhouse. I haven't been yet but the pictures from the post cards look amazing. xo, Cristi
April 20, 2010 at 5:23 am
you inspire mwah daily girly!
April 20, 2010 at 12:02 pm
Thanks-the tips are great-very helpful.
April 20, 2010 at 12:21 pm
My staff and I make it a point to take "field trips" to at least one or two home tours every year. We take our time, discuss what we see with each other and take copious notes and pictures if they're allowed. Then we end up at a wonderful lunch somewhere and discuss it some more. Your tips are right on target…especially the shoes!
April 20, 2010 at 11:48 pm
I agree. Leave whinners at home. Whether on tour or jus tossing out the trash.
Mr.Goodwill Hunting
http://g-w-hunting.blogspot.com
April 28, 2010 at 9:16 am
That is really informative. Thank you for posting.
January 26, 2012 at 9:27 am
Yes six times. I’d add: don’t panic and go twice, once alone, and again with a buddy who can help you “see” things.
January 26, 2012 at 10:33 am
great post! And so true to leave the whiners home. Love the idea of brining a sketch pad- I will remember that next time. I usually just try and take a sneaky phone camera shot-but it always shows up blurry.