From classic to modern
Twenty interior designers transform a historic mansion: Inside the Villa de Luxe
We can only imagine what renowned architect William Ward Watkin would think today if he joined the throngs touring his 1920 Italian Renaissance creation in Shadyside. With the talents of 20 top interior designers at work in the historic home, we think he would approve for the most part.
Villa de Luxe, as the designer showhouse at One Longfellow Lane is dubbed, is open to the public for exploration this weekend and next. Wrapped around the tours is a series of lectures, book signings and garden presentations, all hosted by presenter Luxe Interiors + Design with proceeds benefiting Preservation Houston.
There's a bonus for interior design buffs — most of the furnishings and accessories on display in the showhouse will be sold.
Luxe hand-picked the designers, who have dressed the house in various interpretations ranging from classic to modern to a mix of old and new. Jane Page-Crump and Bill Stubbs have coordinated the interior design effort and contributed their own talents in the living room and in the sun parlor, respectively.
The designers' works run the gamut from pure traditional laced with antiques such as Donna Vining's master bedroom to the resplendent dining room dressed by Sandra Lucas and Sarah Eilers to Marlys Tokerud's contemporary interpretation for a second floor bedroom suite. We particularly enjoyed the work of Connie LeFevre who furnished the pool area. One caveat — the swans, though very convincing, are not real.
There's a bonus for interior design buffs — most of the furnishings and accessories on display in the showhouse will be sold Feb. 21 at OneKingsLane.com. And that's with a 30 percent discount off of retail value.