The Florida Orchestra Designer Showhouse at Ovation is all about the view — but not necessarily the one outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. • More than 20 designers from 11 companies have created a feast for the eyes inside two 20th-floor condominiums in downtown St. Petersburg. • One unit is designed in traditional styles, the other contemporary, but both showcase imaginative uses of color, texture and lines to create elegant yet livable spaces. • Even the most casual observer can pick up designer touches to incorporate at home. We loved the blues and earth tones as well as the metallics that added a subtle touch of sparkle. • If only we could capture the outside view so easily.
— B Buckberry Joyce, Times lifestyles news editor
Traditional unit Unit 2001:
3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths plus study, 3,660 square feet, plus 556 square feet of terrace
Contemporary unit Unit 2002:
3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths plus study, 3,660 square feet, plus 556 square feet of terrace
NATURAL ELEMENTS: David King and Lesley Carney, DoMA Home Furnishings
Designed to complement the colors of the unit's expansive bay view, this dining area features creams and lagoon blue mixed with warm woods and unique copper artwork by Javier Dones.
The ET2 starburst chandelier over the round noble onyx dining table adds a touch of fun and is a sure conversation piece. Like other pieces in the room, it has contemporary lines but would fit in a more traditional home as well. "I think it easily could go in a more traditional home. It's got such whimsy," design consultant David King says. "You can transfer a lot of these pieces to other spaces."
King and Lesley Carney also considered the angular architecture of this room and the adjoining foyer when choosing furniture pieces, opting for pieces with curves or soft shapes to soften straight lines.
In your home: Accentuate unique architectural features of your space. The inset wall in this dining room became a focal point with color, but mirrors, artwork or unique lighting could have done the job, too. "You could do a lot of creative things that could make that area pop," King says.
FAST FACTS
The 2010 Florida Orchestra Designer Showhouse
When: Now through April 4.
Where: Ovation, 180 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets: $15, available at the door.
Information: For details about the showhouse, call Rebecca Stewart at (727) 365-1007 or e-mail florchguild@gmail.com. For information about the units, call the Ovation sales office at (727) 898-1180 or visit ovationjmc.com.
DESIGN TALK
Many of the designers who worked on this project will be on hand to answer questions and talk about their work from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through the run of the show. Wine and light hors d'oeuvres will be served.
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