Guest Blog: A Trip to Santa Rosa

We are beyond excited to introduce our first guest blogger, Homewood decorator Sandra Lynn! We just love when she comes in the shop because she always has such great ideas and incredible projects happening. So of course, when we started looking for guest bloggers we had to call her first. When we asked, her eyes lit up, and she new exactly where she wanted to take us in her post.

Today, on this muggy day in Birmingham, Sandra Lynn is gonna take us on a trip to Santa Rosa's Designer Showhouse.  Sandra uses her eye for detail and passion for space to guide us through the house.  Enjoy!

Santa Rosa Designer Showhouse for the Arts

If you are vacationing near Santa Rosa beach, you must tour the Showhouse for the Arts. I had a great time opening night meeting all the artistic people involved that produced a wonderful beach retreat with many architectural elements and lots of fresh design ideas. A nice shot of creative inspiration!

Dawn Thurber, architect, and Onno Horn, builder, should be very proud of their attention to detail in the 2011 Cultural Art Alliance's third designer showhouse. Located in The Retreat at Blue Mountain, the white stucco house overlooks Draper lake and the Gulf. Twelve designers showcase their talents along with an array of fabulous artwork from local and regional artists.

The Showhouse is open Wednesday-Friday from 1-6 until July 22. Tickets can be purchased at www.culturalartsalliance.com, Pizitz Home & Cottage in Seaside, Design on the Gulf, Bohlert Massey Interiors, Modern Interiors, and Tracery.

Custom ironwork is used throughout the house. Here a contemporary iron pattern adorns the transom above the opening to the kitchen-family room. Beyond the doorway you get a peak at the forged bar door.

Dining area designed by Pizitz Home and Cottage.

This small study has an awesome view of the water. Jennifer Hunter uses an eclectic mix of old and new in fresh tones of cream inviting you to relax and enjoy. 

Tin tiles on the vanity wall adjacent to painted sheetrock and a  wood ceiling in the powder room are just a few of the many architectural details in the Showhouse.

My favorite bedroom designed by Holly Shipman is cool, comfortable and serene in its soft palette of water blues, creams, and naturals. The bed tucks into built-ins with side shelves that are perfect for night reading material and the alarm clark. No side tables needed.

Attached to my favorite bedroom is this fabulous bath. I love the combination of materials. The clean lines of the continous tile floor and seamless glass allows the tile design and the iron divider to command all the attention.

Dressing a round side table with a flowing wide stripe fabric offers a fresh approach to skirted tables.

Clean and sleek built in cabinets in the small study. Such a clever way to display books by designer Jennifer Hunter.

Floating shelves pop of glass tile in the studio bar. Installing tiny puck lights is just another small detail not forgotten.

Isn't this house just to die for!  Ok, we want to hear from you- What was your faborite room? Have you been yet? Are you planning on going?

Now, we're sure you just love Sandra as much as we do! Imagine what she could do for your home...

Sandra Lynn

LYNN ALLEN DESIGN, INC.

2910 Linden Ave., Suite 107

Homewood, AL 35209

t205.877.9411  f205.877.9412

sandra@lynnallendesign