It was my first time attending the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Decorator Show House. This year, the event takes place at The Eck House, built by Baltimore businessman Franklin Eck, at Cromwell Valley Park. As I drove out to Towson, I really didn’t know what to expect. The literature said that the event, which runs until May 20, was in its 36th year and that 18 local designers had taken the “1972 farmhouse and transformed it into a welcoming home.” What I found was a makeover that was a little more HGTV than Architectural Digest, but charming nonetheless. There were a few moments of design brilliance and plenty of simple DIY ideas to keep me busy all summer long.
Here is the best of it.
For me, the highlight of the house was the eclectic living room done by Cashmere Interior. The global textiles and accent pieces were right on trend. I loved that the designer took advantage of the ten foot ceilings using large scale furniture and light fixtures which gave it a California vibe.
Another success was the screened in porch done by Victor Liberatore Interior Design. The gray and white chevron floor transformed the space. I am always a fan of artwork hung in unexpected placed and the botanicals that hung under the windows are a great example of how to pull this off.
1996 Cromwell Bridge Road
Towson, MD 21234
April 29-May 20, 2012
Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.
Tickets are $25 in advance and are available through the BSO Box office at 410.783.8000, BSOmusic.org and all Graul’s Markets (Ruxton, Mays Chapel and Hereford), Budeke’s Paint Stores, Watson’s Garden Center, as well as other businesses in the area. A complete listing of ticket outlets can be found at bsomusic.org. Tickets are $30 at the door.
Photos by Krista Smith.