This year, I was fortunate enough to be awarded an upstairs bedroom in the Designer House. I designed the space, not as a guest room, but as the master bedroom of a single gentleman in the city. My imaginary client for this room was a middle-aged single man who grew up in a traditional rural setting but preferred a metropolitan lifestyle. He travels frequently and enjoys the arts. The creation of this imaginary client, I feel, keeps the design focused and purposeful. Each item in the room reflects an aspect of the client's life and is designed for low-maintenance.

Since 1984, the Richmond Symphony Orchestra League has sponsored the Designer House every other year to raise money for the Richmond Symphony. This year, more than 6,000 people toured the Designer House. For each Designer House event, the RSOL determines a large host home for the event and then invites local Designers to compete for the opportunity to decorate one of the 20 to 30 spaces in and outside of the home. The Designers transform their spaces, donating their time and materials.

Designer House month-long event features daily general admission tours, an on-site Café and a Boutique where local artisans sell items like clothing, jewelry, accessories, home goods, stationary and crafts. Special events such as the Preview Gala and Thirsty Thursdays are offered and the Designer House venue is available for rental for private parties.