Northern Neck hosts decorator showcase

Richmonders who escape to "the Rivah" will be able to take some fresh décor ideas home with them next weekend.

Rooms worthy of a shelter magazine will come to life at the first-ever Northern Neck Decorator Showcase on the Rappahannock River.

Five homes at Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury in Irvington are being decorated by six designers in keeping with the area's coastal-chic aesthetic.

Homes will be open Thursday through June 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at Westminster Canterbury, 132 Lancaster Drive

"Decorators will apply their talents to entire homes, not just a room here and there," said Micki Clay, showcase coordinator. "The Northern Neck has a reputation for a sophisticated, yet laid-back style. Visitors to the showcase will get to see a real illustration of that design sensibility."

In addition to the tour, guests can explore the 165-acre landscaped grounds, gardens and walking paths and dine alfresco around the lake.

Following are details on the home designers:

Chesapeake and Crescent, Kilmarnock

Paula Thomasson is instilling a two-bedroom house's den, formal living and dining rooms, full kitchen and screened porch with a warm and classic, clean-lined style.

The Pedestal, Kilmarnock

Pam Deihl and daughters Mary Beth and Wendy are decorating a two-bedroom home with a sunroom. They describe their approach as a refined style that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Nancy Myers' Interior Innovations, White Stone

Interior designer Nancy Myers calls her style "coastal ease living." She's using soft yellow walls and area rugs from Safavieh and Martha Stewart to set the stage for a large, light-filled cottage with interesting architectural details.

Nunnally's Floors and Decorating/Northern Neck Home and Garden, Warsaw

Dianne Nunnally Thorn is giving a one-bedroom cottage a traditional look with a twist, including a mirrored chest and walls coated in eco-friendly paint from Sally Fretwell. The living room opens out onto a patio that Northern Neck Home and Garden is adorning with flowers, outdoor furniture and garden accessories.

ReArrangements/Brocante Home, Irvington

Brocante Home's Rachel Pugliese and Ann Carpenter, an interior refiner with ReArrangements, teamed to decorate a one-bedroom cottage that opens onto a hedge-enclosed terrace. Distressed and hand-painted furniture, old-fashioned iron garden pieces, elegant chandeliers and European decorative accessories provide French-country style and vintage charm.

Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door and are good for all four days. Buy tickets at participating decorators' shops, branch offices of showcase co-sponsor Chesapeake Bank, shops in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula and online at http://www.rw-c.org/showcaseticket or (804) 438-4000. Proceeds benefit the Rappahannock Westminster Canterbury Foundation.

Contact Julie Young at (804) 649-6732 or .