Philharmonic House of Design opens doors to the public

The 2003 Philharmonic House of Design will open its doors to the

public from May 6 through June 1, 2003. Chelsea Manor, the

quintessential English country house will showcase the latest in

design trends and techniques in this two-acre estate in the

equestrian community of Orange Park Acres.

This 8,000-square-foot residence with six bedrooms, seven baths

and a fabulous 1,650-square-foot game room will be transformed by 19

talented designers and three design students from FIDM, Interior

Designers Institute and Saddleback College.

Discoveries await in the design, garden and culinary lectures on

Tuesdays through Fridays, and Meet the Designers on Thursday

evenings. Find answers to questions about decorating new homes,

updating older ones and using the latest in design trends and

techniques. The tempting dishes from the Cafe, offered by Summit

Event Catering and dazzling gift items from the Boutique, complete

the experience.

Let’s take a sneak peek.

The entry welcomes you to traditional timeless beauty, displaying

an eclectic array of European furnishings, period rugs and tapestries

surrounded by embellished walls and lavish art pieces. Hand-carved

antiques, rich fabrics and fine art etchings enhance the European

drama in the powder room, featuring walls and ceilings hand-painted

in a classic damask pattern.

The girl’s room -- fit for a princess -- draws inspiration from

French chateaus, formal with youthful touches. The elaborate canopy

bed, painted and carved wood paneling and luxurious fabrics are

accented with Betty Grable-style touches of sparkle. The guest suite

and bath provides guests solitude and relaxation, as they envelope

themselves in luxury. Exquisite fabrics and frilly bedding contrast

with rustic edges.

The focal point of the drawing room is the marble and stone

fireplace. This living room carefully incorporates large antique

pieces, darker woods and raised panel wainscoting to create balance..

The Tudor-inspired dining room welcomes with its layered draperies,

historical tapestries, luster-stoned textured walls and leaded glass

accents. Deep, warm colors and rich woods provide a formal, yet

comfortable feeling.

The small, but richly appointed butler’s pantry features fine

finishes, along with priceless accessories and artwork. A sumptuous

stage for gastronomical creations, the kitchen has innovative

lighting enhancing Clive Christian’s cabinetry, which is custom made

in England. Varied textures and colors surround state-of-the-art

appliances. The morning room in British Colonial style, is

highlighted with tissue faux finished walls, and an interesting mix

of leather, sisal, natural zebra skin and rich woven fabrics.

The mud room and hallway are enriched with original paintings, and

fine linens and fabrics depicting themes from English and French art

and gardens.

Relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the true vintage wine cellar.

Antiques display wine collections surrounded by stone and

hand-painted murals.

On the second floor, the child’s suite is a red and cream fantasy

land. Amenities include a chair designed for the public by FIDM

students and a safari theme which inspires a sophisticated yet

playful atmosphere. Exotic animals are featured in the sheers, toile

and wallpaper.

The home office and bath are reminiscent of a cozy gentleman’s

retreat with dark mahogany antiques and lavish crown moldings,

marbleized rich brown walls, and gold and red accents.

Creative use of multiple wall treatments and stone applications

soothe the senses in the master bath’s sumptuous spa. The closet

provides a comfortable dressing area. Old and new furnishings suggest

traditional English comfort with a pared down and clean California

sensibility in the master bedroom and deck. The valance and bedding

display antique needlepoint creatively adapted for reuse in this

sanctuary gleaming with steel wool embellished plaster walls. Her

sanctuary is an elegant, lush portal to serenity. This intimate space

has patterned velvets, embroidered silks, lush trims and gold leaf.

The family retreat with fireplace is surrounded by comfortable

furnishings and family collections. The welcoming bar provides an

ideal place for entertaining.

Comfortable, large scale furniture upholstered in rich fabric

create a perfect space for fun and entertaining in the media room.

The bar, reminiscent of an English pub, has lovely Enkeboll

architectural carvings. There is a magnificent pool table, and the

fireplace houses an entertainment unit with a large screen TV.

Hallway one layers complex textures, colors and accessories, while

hallway two is an inspiring gallery filled with tromp l’oeil

painting, tapestries and artwork.

The 2003 Philharmonic House of Design will be open 10 a.m. to 4

p.m. Closed Mondays. Tickets are $20 now; $25 at the door. Passes are

$35 and allow you to tour the house and attend the lectures as often

as you like. Proceeds benefit the Youth Music Programs presented by

the Philharmonic Society of Orange County, who allow 250,000 students

annually at no charge to discover the joy of music. For additional

information, call (714) 840-7542. You can also visit the Philharmonic

Society’s Web site at www.philharmonicsociety.org.