Decorator's Showcase, Home Tour

There are only a few times when it is acceptable to walk through a stranger's home and unconscientiously admire the rooms. The 23rd Decorators' Showcase in Lexington is one of those great opportunities. Mom and I planned an afternoon there for some Mother's Day fun.

The showcase is being held at the 157 year old Highland Hall on Old Richmond Road. It was built by Isaac Shelby, the grandson and namesake of Kentucky's first and fifth governor.

Participating Lexington area decorators and home stores designed and furnished the rooms of the  Greek Revival style home. Mom and I braved a steady downpour and were rewarded with a very enjoyable afternoon spent admiring the gorgeous home and the decorators' work.

Mom and I are standing at the Receiving Foyer. 

The home is divided into 18 room areas with 2 additional areas outside. They were classically styled, updating the home while maintaining the character, ambiance, and charm.

John Christian Enochs designed the Drawing Room. It was a feast for the eyes with all of the impressive artwork.

The Drawing Room

Decorated and furnished by Greentree Antiques, the Dining Room was furnished with a smaller scale table and chairs. The furnishing were from the period of the home or earlier. It was lovely and inviting.

The Dining Room

The Dining Room

The Dining Room at Highland Hall

  The "Common Gallery" (or side porch) was designed and furnished by For Friends. I could have sat out there for hours watching the rain.

Mom standing in the Common Gallery at Highland Hall

the Common Gallery at Highland Hall

The "Owner's Post," which is the first room you enter after climbing the curved staircase, is designed and furnished by Scout Antiques. It is a second story living room. I loved the burgundy leather Chesterfield sofas and the turquoise blue chairs around the table. Mom loved the black wing-back chair.

The Owner's Post at Highland Hall

The Owner's Post at Highland Hall

"Lake View Sleeping Room" is the most feminine room in the home. Designed by Ivy Downs Interiors it is a warm yellow with bright and comfortable furnishings.

Lake View Sleeping Room

  The Veranda was designed by Gratz Park Inn. I grabbed several ideas and pictures for future projects from this space. It is very Kentucky-style, classy and comfortable.

The Veranda at Highland Hall

The most impressive part about the Gathering Room, designed and furnished by Norwalk Furniture, is the beautiful wood fireplace wall.  A comfortable masculine room, it is adorned with deep green walls and cozy gold colored touches so women would feel right at home, too.

Gathering Room at Highland Hall

Gathering Room at Highland Hall

Highland Hall's Kitchen was the most popular room in the home. The owner, William C. Hurt, II, made the walnut island himself. Creative Kitchen and Bath accessorized the room.

The oven wall was the former fireplace, and it also contains the washer and dryer.

Kitchen at Highland Hall

Kitchen at Highland Hall

Kitchen at Highland Hall

Kitchen at Highland Hall

 I love the seeded glass paneled cabinets, granite counter, and the onyx subway style backsplash tile.

Kitchen at Highland Hall

 Above the Kitchen is the "Traveler's Suite." Designed by house. This bedroom is well appointed for an honored guest.

Traveler's Suite at Highland Hall

Traveler's Suite at Highland Hall

I hope you've enjoyed the brief tour. Check it out in person if you're in the Lexington area. There are some beautiful rooms I did not post here so some surprises still await. (Make sure to ask about the gun closet, too).

Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hurt, II, for sharing your beautiful home.

The Decorator's Showcase is at Highland Hall, 6208 Old Richmond Road, Lexington, KY. http://decshowcase.com/. This event is an ongoing fundraiser for the Nursing Home Ombudsman Agency of the Bluegrass. Tour hours: Wed- Sat 10-4, Sunday 12-4. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays and Sunday, May 27. Tickets are $15 and available at the door.