It may have been Stephen Drucker, editor in chief of Town & Country, and formerly editor in chief of House Beautiful, that said,

“Showhouses are built on fantasies”.

Above Lane Brooks, Christopher Peacock Home, Wayne Nathan, NathanEgan & Richard Abbott, Paris Ceramics, at the Paris Ceramics Showroom planning their room in collaboration with Decorati at the Hamptons Designer Showhouse.  

I couldn’t agree more and I think what he was saying takes on a dual or ironic meaning with a closer look. Of course, and Stephen’s intended meaning, is what the public and viewing trade see when walking through a room: ideas, insight, inspiration, muse, fantasy, vision, flight of the imagination. What they don’t and shouldn’t see is the scramble, money, time, stress, phone calls, car rides, sub contractors, emails, tears (sometimes) AND – some would say — sheer fantasy of agreeing to do a showhouse once you’ve done one and still believing that 1) you’ll be able to finish it on time; and 2) believing you’ll come out sane on the other end.

Well, I have to give it up to Richard Abbott, President & CEO of Paris Ceramics, for taking on the challenge of agreeing to take part in the design and fabrication of a room in the prestigious Southampton Designer Showhouse this year. Known for their antique flooring, bespoke stone and tile designs, mosaics and now their reclaimed and engineered wood flooring, Paris Ceramics is truly a company not to shy away from challenges. Richard has taken the reigns of the company and in the last two years increased their product offering, service level and competitiveness. After all, the company is named after the man who married Helen of Troy – not the city in France.

The room debuts July 24th and I’ve managed to get some glimpses of what he’s been working on to fill it.

Below is a photo of a nearly completed oversized Union Jack backsplash for the wine room at this year’s Southampton Showhouse.

Below is a photo of a nearly completed floor made of Italian white oak painted black and white then lacquered for a high gloss finish. It’s cut and assembled off-site then packed-up and shipped to the showhouse and re-assembled – all done from measured drawings.

I don’t know about you, but this looks to be shaping up to be an amazing space. Paris Ceramics has attracted some superb partners. As a tease, I can let you know that Christopher Peacock Home and NathanEgan Interiors are involved. Stay tuned!