We asked Sarasota Orchestra Designer Showcase co-chairs Sharon Bolding and Norma Schiller, both veteran designers at Ethan Allen in Sarasota, what tour-goers can expect when they open the doors later this month to LPGA star Paula Creamer’s 10,000-square-foot dream home in Legends Bay at IMG Academies. Proceeds from the 33rd annual Designer Showcase will benefit the Sarasota Orchestra’s extensive youth programs.

Tell us about Paula’s house. Sharon: It’s a custom bayfront estate with 14 rooms, including four bedrooms, a library-study, club room and great room. The home has great architectural features and nice flow between adjoining rooms; and best of all for us designers, it’s completely ready for us to move right in and accessorize. Tour-goers will see something creative and new, not the same run-of-the-mill design. What’s the theme? Norma: “Refreshing Design 2010.” Each designer selected a room along with a drink that inspired their design for the room. We selected “Champagne Dreams” for the master bedroom. We chose a pale, pale soft gold for the walls and window treatment, and a very neutral champagne palette on the bed and wing chairs. The bedroom should be an oasis of calm and relaxation that takes you away from the stresses of the day. It’s grown-up in a playful sort of way. What are some of the other designers doing? Norma: Jonathan Slentz chose “Dubonnet” for the formal parlor, and he filled it with antiques. Jeanette Simpson of Kids Space Interiors chose “Root Beer Float” for a child’s room. Design trends we’ll spy? Sharon: Mixing traditional with transitional for a fresh new look. Norma and I are using a traditional four-poster bed with a very contemporary wing chair. Norma: Mixing colors—bright oranges, reds and green accents with a monochromatic palette on the furniture or the bed. Keeping things light, not overdone, using fewer pieces and many times smaller scale. Mixing materials, such as linens and other textures with metals, stone and glass to add variety to a room. And making a bold statement with the unexpected addition of a dramatic piece of furniture or art for a different vibe. You’ve both been contributing to Orchestra Showcases for more than 10 years. Sharon: We enjoy it. It’s always a privilege working with the symphony ladies who are professional and pleasant to work with; and it’s a privilege to be part of anything that supports the symphony and the youth symphony.—Ilene Denton

What’s Next?

For those whose idea of heaven involves curling up with music in a comfy chair, the Italian furniture house Natuzzi presents the Sound Chair.  A leather swivel chair with midcentury-modern lines reminiscent of Arne Jacobsen’s famed Egg chair, it has a sound system built into the headrest in which you can plug in your MP3 player. Around $2,500 to $3,000, depending on the leather option you choose. www.natuzzi.com z