“Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” -William Morris

When Stacy Stater asked me to be Lead Designer on the 2022 St. Margaret’s Hospital Guild Showhouse , I jumped at the opportunity! To collaborate with fellow designers and tradesmen from the area is always an exciting and honorable task. The prospect of helping the Guild raise $3 Million for Eskenazi Hospital for families affected by Mental Health and Addiction would have been enough to say YES! The exposure for Stater’s new company, Home & Willow Design was an added bonus.

Supply issues have forced all of us in the home industry to think quickly on our feet. The creative side of my brain always wants to start painting this beautiful masterpiece, but alternatives must be selected to meet deadlines….but when you bring it all together in the end, I think IT’S PERFECT! It’s just as it should be!” I’ve almost completely forgotten about the 25 times I had to reselect.

We were awarded the Guest Bedroom Ensuite. The first time I walked through the charming 1900’s home, my discerning eye took in all of the beautiful embellishments. Leaded windows, stone arched doorways, historic wood floors, and…it reminded me of my sister’s home in La Jolla, California.

I wanted to bring California to this beautiful Indiana home. I truly wanted it to be La Jolla…the Jewel. I chose a “Traveler’s Palm” wallcovering in shades of blue for a splash in the bathroom. The bedroom walls would be bathed in a dark Naval paint. I envisioned a natural woven grasscloth for texture on the focal wall. A lot of natural and organic elements were hand selected. Future guests would feel welcomed, relaxed and a bit pampered.

When I use dark paint in a room, I always circle back with things that lift and lighten the space. Lighter bedding, pillow and window seat fabrics, as well as some reflective accents. The fixtures and lighting were from Brizo and Hubbardton Forge, both sponsors of the Showhouse. I chose Gold and Nubby Cream Linen, because I knew these would add warmth.

Drapery Street really came to the rescue and took on all of our Window Treatments needs. I love how they listened to my wishes and worked tirelessly to give me all the embellishments that had already taken root in the design. As the main window treatment resource for Home & Willow Design, I love working collaboratively with the very talented Drapery Street team.

A powerful memory of mine, will be working with the “Maggies” (Guild Members). They work non-stop and cooperatively with all of us designers to create a beautiful home. I’m not going to lie, I loved it when I overheard someone telling a Maggie or friend about how much they loved my room!

During the Key Awards night we learned that a million dollars was being given over the next 3 years to Eskenazi Hospital for families affected by Mental Health and Addiction! It was an honor to receive second place for the Major Supporting Area Key award, along with the First and only National Ferguson Design Award!

A big thank you to all the vendors who supported us this year: