Design Challenge: This Lake of the Isles Victorian home was the ASID Showcase House in 2000, and the owners wanted to show the home’s potential to prospective buyers. The third floor ballroom was large, but the narrow stairwell presented a challenge for getting furniture into the space.
Solution: In keeping with Victorian “more is more” style, the designers chose raspberry paint for the walls and ceiling and further embellished them with gilded panel mouldings and inset fuchsia striped wallcovering. Crystal chandeliers sparkle over two round tables covered with bullion fringed green velvet over a bird-patterned cotton underskirt. Fringed green velvet also dresses the custom buffet and drapes over the windows. A variety of patterns and textures in the upholstered furniture and wool needlepoint rugs repeat the raspberry color. Other Victorian touches include a graceful harp, potted palms, and a fainting couch (just in case the walk up three flights of stairs is too taxing).
