2013 Decorators’ Show House & Gardens Shines with Ideas

By Sylvia A. Small, principal, Sylvia Small Communications & Marketing If you're like me, you probably have at least one room in your house where you shut the door when guests arrive. My problem equates to writer's block. You have all the necessary ingredients to assemble a beautiful room, but you don't know where to start. So you keep closing the door! The 43^rd Annual Decorators' Show House & Gardens is a wonderful place to get fresh ideas for transforming an unappealing space into a masterpiece (or at least something more inviting).

Organized by the Atlanta Symphony Associates, the Decorators' Show House & Gardens runs through Sunday, May 12. The event has raised more than $1 million over the last five years to help support the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and its varied education and community engagement programs. Set on a wooded estate in Atlanta's Buckhead neighborhood, the French-inspired home is valued at approximately $9 million without furnishings. Put your checkbook back in your pocket because it's not for sale.

The 18,000-square-foot home was designed by William T. Baker, a leading residential designer. Baker will discuss "Designing Great American Homes" on Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. Check the website for details on other special programs.

The more than 30 design spaces reflect a unique theme chosen by the designer. The only request from the event organizers was to incorporate at least one musical element into each space. Although you will see lots of gray on the walls, you'll find colorful accents in most rooms. Look closely at the details because that's often what makes a room truly special.

The Decorators' Show House & Gardens is open Tuesday through Sunday. Purchase a ticket online or at the door for $25. Free parking along with a courtesy shuttle is available at The Medici Building, located at 3284 Northside Parkway. Get your parking ticket validated at the Show House's Ticket Desk. Boxed lunches, assorted sandwiches and desserts are available in the cafe. If you visit the Show House, please give me some feedback about your favorite room. Find out about other Atlanta home and garden events coming up this spring.