When presented with the challenge of designing a room for the National Symphony Orchestra 2003 Decorator's Show House we saw an opportunity. Take a mundane 1907 "Flemish Revival" wreck of a house, and a room that no designer wanted. Each wall had a double door, the room's fireplace was sinister, and the placement of the baby grand piano (in a 14' x 16' room!) was mandated.

Starting with the architecture - lighting, custom moldings, Donald Kauffman's "magic" paints - we created an inviting, livable room filled with rich materials and textures. We masked an awkward double door with a striking eight-panel faux baby ostrich leather upholstered screen and sheathed the dirty green tile fireplace and hearth with the unexpected: mica tiles. We opted for a rich celery silk mohair fabric for the sleek sofa, coral/green/yellow striped wool curtains from Coragio - unlined to allow the sunshine to ignite them - and a rich mix of black lacquer, bronze, silk and crisp glazed linen to punch up the scheme. The finishing touch - two striking original canvases by David Bell over the fireplace.