Renaissance Interiors: Updates from Old York Designer Show House

Reproduced from Accent Home & Garden Magazine Blog

I am Linda Hentschel of Renaissance Interiors of North Reading, MA and I've been selected to re-design a very interesting (read: odd!) area on the second floor of the McIntire Farm.

A Tiny Space
My space is quite a challenge - first of all it's tiny - it's only three feet wide and eleven feet long. In addition to that difficult size, add two doorways and one window. Hmmm. And the craziest thing is that I LOVE it! That's because this awkward, unused space presents me with the perfect opportunity to explain my design philosophy without words and in action. I believe that any space can be and must be functional as well as beautiful. I love to create sophisticated, elegant and timeless spaces but these rooms must also be smart and work hard.

Secret Hideaway Before

Last February
Designers from Boston to San Francisco were invited to preview the 1920's farmhouse selected as the 20th Annual York Decorator Showhouse in order to create a plan for a space we'd like to design. From the minute I saw my little nook, I envisioned the 'Secret Hideaway'. I am designing for an imaginary client that has a young boy, Jack, who wakes up too early in the morning. His clever parents have built the 'Secret Hideaway' - a kid sized space where Jack can spend quiet time with a good pirate picture book or a favorite stuffed animal and some imagination. As the designer, I've provided a comfortable, warm, enveloping space (the beautiful) that also has sturdy storage drawers built into the bench and a treasure chest to stow a young boys gear (the functional). My goal is to make the 'Secret Hideaway' come to life and show that with thoughtful design there is no such thing as unusable space- even if it is three feet by eleven feet.

Secret Hideaway Before

May 2, 2009
Last night was the Designer Reception and the opportunity to meet with my design partners. What an amazing collection of talent. And such dedication - from the volunteers that brought in food to the photographer that took a group photo - clearly everyone is committed to the success of this Showhouse. As a fund raiser for the Museums of Old York - supporting historic buildings - what designer could refuse such a great cause?

Today is the first chance I've had to see my space since I was there in February. It is even smaller that I remembered, but it has excellent light and great potential. We had lots of company today since the Showhouse was open to the public for 'before' tours for the first time in York Showhouse history.

June 19, 2009
What a difference a month makes! I always tell my clients that paint provides the biggest impact in any space and today I was reminded how true that is. My extraordinary decorative painter, Steve, has transformed what he calls 'our cocoon' into a bright, livable space. He has invested 17 hours sanding, priming and painting all of the moldings, the walls and the ceiling. The results are amazing!

Secret Hideaway Sketch

June 27, 2009
I'm happy to report that my space is finally starting to look like a room. Since I am in North Reading, MA and an hour from the Showhouse, most of my work has been happening way behind the scenes, so my room has looked a bit deserted.

Today we installed a solid wood bench with a matching cabinet above. The custom furniture for the ‘Secret Hideaway’ was built in Haverhill. The size and style of the bench and cabinet were easily specified in May. The stain color, the maps, the hardware and the brass rivets all were selected with a bit more agonizing. The best part of custom building with the brilliant (and patient) Mark and Dave- we can continue to design as we build and the process is fluid, with each detail confirmed as we go. We also installed the one-of-a-kind light fixture — I think this is my favorite part of the room!

July 3, 2009
It is crunch time! The house is packed with people focused on delivering a spectacular experience for each visitor. It is fun and crazy and noisy and even productive.

The Secret Hideaway floor is going in today. Normally the floor installation would be done at the beginning of the project but a Showhouse creates unique scheduling issues and flexibility is key. We wanted something outstanding but not distracting and we literally stumbled upon our solution. You'll want to take your shoes off to walk on the natural pebble floor we selected.