Sunbrella fabrics are being featured at a Designers' Show House in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., benefiting the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter. Durable, care-free Sunbrella is featured in many of the outdoor living spaces of a palatial estate that sits on the waterfront in the historic Idlewyld neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale, reflecting the style of an old Key West mansion.
"Sunbrella is such a part of the Florida lifestyle and offers the perfect decorating touch for our house," said Joanne Snead, ASID, who is serving as design chair for the house.
Applications for Sunbrella fabrics at the estate include cushions and paneled outdoor draperies. A gazebo on the property incorporates Sunbrella fabrics in an application that is both decorative and functional, providing a splash of color as well as privacy screening.
"We have encouraged our designers to be creative in how they use Sunbrella fabrics," Snead said. "With beautiful chenille and other fine fabrics, Sunbrella can go anywhere inside or outside the home today. In Florida, we are seeing more Sunbrella in family rooms and other active, casual living areas."
Sunbrella fabrics are available to interior designers through Silver State (www.silverstatetextiles.com) and to consumers through Calico Corners (www.calicocorners.com.)
Twenty-one nationally and locally-acclaimed interior designers, selected from a group of more than 50 applicants, have transformed various areas of the Broward show house to showcase unique styles and talents. The house will be open to the public from March 1 through March 19. All proceeds benefit the programs and services of the American Red Cross, Broward County Chapter.
With a working committee filled with the who's who of Broward society, headed by chairs Kendall and Gilbert Spencer, the use of the house itself was donated by Joseph Piccirilli, co-founder of Sound Advice home electronics stores.
"We're looking forward to the Show House becoming a staple event in the community," said Bill Epps, CEO of the Broward Red Cross Chapter. "Not only will the house benefit the essential mission of the Red Cross, but local commerce will enjoy the traffic it creates as well."
Michael Payne, who hosts HGTV's Designing for the Sexes, will serve as honorary chair of the show house and will be a special guest at an invitation-only preview party.
