The Sephardic Community Center’s Décor by the Shore designer show house was unprecedented and an overall success. The house captured the sophistication of a museum and the elegance of a Syrian household simultaneously. The motivation, inspiration, and all out determination of the committee, designers, and community made for one spectacular achievement.
A designer show house of such high caliber takes a tremendous amount of energy and passion to produce. “I’ve always wanted to showcase interior design,” said Alice Adjmi, co-chairwoman and owner of the show house. “I wanted to run it and supply it, but I couldn’t do it alone.” Her enthusiasm for the project stemmed from a long desired dream of someday bringing a designer show house to the community. The joint efforts of organizers and volunteers have finally brought a long sought after goal into reality.
Judging from the success and awe-inspiring amount of funds raised for the Sephardic Community Center (SCC), it’s clear that the event suited the clientele. “The community has a great interest in design,” said committee member Linda Ebani. “We believe in family—it’s something that resonates within us. This event is an opportunity for everyone to get ideas for their homes.”
It was obvious that the house was designed by people at the top of their fields. Every room had its own unique style. It was simply something that could not be ignored. D&D 3rd Avenue, the designer supply center, called the show a “must see for all.” It was featured in the New York Times’ Home and Garden section.
The designers are among the best in the country. Many have been featured in Architectural Digest and they are all familiar with the high standards of our community homes. Multiple commentators and critics have said that the show topped Kips Bay, Club Designer Show House, in New York. For those not in the know, each year celebrated interior designers transform a luxury Manhattan home into an elegant exhibition of fine furnishings, art and technology. It has become a must-see event for thousands of design enthusiasts and is renowned for sparking interior design trends throughout the world. So, to say that Alice Adjmi’s show house topped the Kips Bay house is very high praise.
The house was built in 1898, but it looked as up-to-date and modern as any newly built home. The biggest challenge for some designers was “to maintain the integrity of the building without variation,” said design coordinator and event organizer Liz Sarway. It is a testament to their skills as designers to have the ability to modernize without destroying the home’s original architectural beauty. Inspiration for future designers was limitless; new ideas could be found around every corner. Wallpaper was layered to bring about new designs, bedding was embroidered by hand, and color was matched impeccably. “I enjoy working with a client who’s into design,” said designer Bjorn Bjornsson, “I get inspiration from their wants and personal style.”
The variation of style from room to room provided a design for every taste. For instance, the bedroom designed by Jamie Herzlinger was traditional with a defiant bohemian twist, while designer Marjorie Sobiloff was inspired by the outdoors and accessorized with modern elements. “You’re going to see something different each and every visit. It never gets old,” commented special events director Frieda Tawil.
Our community is known for its dedication to charity and the ability to make things happen. Not only was the event a huge success, but also a testament to how much the SCC means to each and every individual who participated.
“The SCC has allowed me to showcase my art since the beginning of my career. It was a pleasure to give something back through my work,” said community artist Lenore Cohen,
Other artists such as Eddie Cohen, Grace Bailey, Joy Mahana, and Lauren Dweck were featured in the event’s gift shop, along with items from community interior design centers like Textures 101, and many more.
“The SCC is benefiting the most,” said chairwoman Francine Dweck. “It was a great opportunity to participate. Special thanks must be given to Jennifer Sitt and Jennifer Tawil, who put together an amazing consignment store, and the fantastic committee that made it all happen.”
Committee members expressed tremendous appreciation towards fellow event organizers and especially towards Alice and Harry Adjmi, whose home was graciously offered for the showcase. Community volunteers, like Gladys Haddad and Adelaide Khezrie, gave up their free time, and put tremendous amounts of energy into making the show house a reality.
The event sold itself, with the help of impeccable graphic design by Greta Shwartz, and showed the potential and beauty of home decor. Again and again it has been said that the show house went above and beyond expectations. “It took the community to a whole new level,” said Liz Sarway. “It is definitely not a one time visit,” she added.
For everyone involved, Décor by the Shore was a tremendous challenge, one that they were glad to pull off. The designers and community came together to build something new and succeeded astronomically.
“The Sephardic Community Center is always trying to conquer something big and give back to the community,” commented Alice Adjmi. “We are like a family who works together, and together we accomplish great things,” she concluded.
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Sally Mizrachi recently graduated from the Yeshivah of Flatbush. She will be attending Hunter College in the fall. She is currently an intern at IMAGE Magazine.
