Mansion in May Designer Showhouse Sneak Peek

Earlier this month I took a field trip to Blairsden for the Mansion in May Designer Showhouse in Peapack-Gladstone, NJ.  This year’s signature fundraiser for the Women’s Association of Morristown Medical Center will raise funds for an expanded pediatric intensive care unit and new autism center at the Goryeb Children’s Hospital, in Morristown Medical Center.  The show is open through May 31st.

Amid the beautiful countryside landscape of Blairsden, I met a group of bloggers for a champagne lunch and tour.  Comfortable shoes are a must to tour the 52 beautifully designed interior and exterior spaces by top designers  James Rixner, Scott Salvator, Barbara Ostrom and more.

Mansion in May Designer Showhouse

The mansion was built between 1898-1903 by C. Ledyard Blair, New York financier, who founded Blair & Co. investment bank with his father and grandfather, John Isley Blair–a self-made millionaire and philanthropist.  The original Architects are Carrere and Hastings.  If the names sound familiar, it is because they also designed the New York Public Library and the Fricke building in New York City .

James Rixner gives the Grand Salon a modern and elegant design suitable to entertain the most formal occasions.  The breath taking Baccarat chandeliers are the jewels of the room.

James Rixner, Designer

Grand Salon – Before Photo: Wing Wong

Colombo Mobili, Beacon Hill Fabrics

Baccarat

Paolo Pantaloni – Colombo Mobili

Barbara Ostrom

Mrs. Blair’s Drawing Room – Before Photo: Wing Wong

Bentley Home

Ostrom injected cheerful color and modern art to the Drawing Room.  The traditional classic pieces and symmetry are balanced  with contemporary ones and a touch of whimsy, such as in the painted blue and white ginger jars and monkey that adorn arch of the bookcase.

Bentley Home – ottoman

Osborne & Little, Andrew Tedesco Studios

James Yarosh, Designer

 Yarosh‘s Atrium had great bones.  Beautiful molded details and rich upholstered walls and furniture in Clarence House-Hill Brown Fabrics .  Although the room has no window, the ceiling illuminates the space .  I love the combination of dark green upholstery and bright green on the walls.

Atrium Before – Photo:Wing Wong

 The Blairsden is open through May 31.  Hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. everyday in May.  There is offsite parking only.  Free parking and free shuttle to and from Blairsden is provided.  Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at the door and online at www.mansioninmay.org  Bring a friend for a full day of design to benefit Goryeb Children’s Hospital.