A Look Back at the 2016 RSL Designer House: Pineapple Acres
As this year's Designer House event coincides with our 15th anniversary, we thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and revisit our spaces in some previous Designer Houses. As you might know, the Richmond Symphony League (RSL) hosts its Designer House fundraising event biennially, selecting a new location and group of designers each time. u-fab interiors has been a proud participant in this prestigious event since 2013, and our rooms in those homes hold a special place as some of our favorite projects to date. 2016’s Designer House was hosted at the stunning Pineapple Acre estate, a Georgian Revival home nestled in the charming Ginter Park neighborhood and owned (at the time) by Dr. Archer and former State Secretary of Administration Viola O. Baskerville. Once again, this event was a true testament to the talent and creative genius of Virginia's top interior designers. Join us as we take a look back at Pineapple Acre!
A Magnificent Venue
The house, fondly known as Pineapple Acre, was designed by architect Courtenay Somerville Welton in 1929 and sits on just over an acre of landscaped grounds. The formal grounds included a terrace, in-ground swimming pool, fountain and garden paths. Inside, the house featured five bedrooms, three full baths, two half baths and a library with a Palladian window overlooking the extensive gardens.
Notably, Dr. Archer and former State Secretary of Administration Viola O. Baskerville were the first African-American homeowners selected to host the Designer House.
Designer Will Chambers was selected for the remarkable task of revamping the spacious 3rd-floor primary suite, known for its impressive size and unique attributes, including four dormer windows. Drawing inspiration from the estate's lush surroundings, Will described his design concept as "Grandmother’s Mid-Century Garden" and set out to transform his vision into reality. His creative journey began with a floral fabric adorned with white roses and fresh green leaves against a black linen backdrop, beautifully capturing the essence of simplicity and elegance.
Notable Features
Wall-to-Wall Showcasing: Within this spacious room, every wall became a feature wall. Gilded recycled oil drum bottoms, gold metal flowers, and an aged rounded mirror orchestrated a symphony of textures and visual intrigue. Five golden boulders adorned the wall, functioning as both a vanity shelf and a display for cherished items, including a portrait of the homeowner's mother and classic Chanel pieces.
A Fiery Elegance: The room's centerpiece, the fireplace, featured a stunningly bold and dark painting on loan from Paul Lindsay. Faux flickering candles provided a warm glow, and intricate gold leaf work (skillfully executed by Diane Williams of Art to Di for) added a touch of opulence to the room.
Custom Creations: The room was graced with custom-designed chairs, a reverse camel-back headboard bed, and carefully handcrafted bedding, all contributing to a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary design elements.
The Grand Drapery Wall: A grand wall of draperies, fashioned from faux silk satin, not only concealed an unsightly pole but also framed the space beautifully. The pesto green satin introduced an inviting atmosphere, providing soft definition to the room's grand dimensions.
Milk Glass Memories: Will’s grandmother's milk glass collection added a sentimental touch to the room, evoking fond memories for many visitors, and Strawberry Fields Flowers and Finds supplemented the collection with Fenton Milk Glass pieces. Additionally, Metro Modern graciously loaned Murano glass pieces and art glass to be displayed throughout the room.
The 2016 Designer House held at Pineapple Acre was an impressive tribute to creativity and design. As we reflect on changing times and ever-evolving trends, we’re endlessly inspired by the incredible talent and varied visions brought to life by Virginia's foremost interior designers. This year’s event at the Taylor Estate is no different, and is currently open to the public for tours from through October 9, 2023. In addition to daily tours and special events, Designer House features an on-site café, perfect for a leisurely meal or a quick refreshment, as well as a boutique where local artisans showcase an array of handcrafted treasures, from clothing, jewelry, accessories, and home goods to stationery and crafts.
Hours are as follows:
Monday through Friday - 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Saturday - 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sundays - 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thirsty Thursdays - 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
For tickets and a full schedule of events, please click visit the RSL’s website.
All photos provided by John Magor.
