Local decorators assist in Designer ShowHouse

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Two Sikeston residents, Connie Throop of Connie Throop Designs and Robin Dial, designs&blinds.com will be part of the decorating team as Southeast Missouri Hospital and the Interior Design Program at Southeast Missouri State University present the region's first Designer ShowHouse of Ideas this fall.

Marge Sullivan, director of Volunteer Services at Southeast, said this first joint venture in a major "before" and "after" redecoration project "will showcase home enhancement ideas for the public to tour, enjoy and put to use in their own homes."

The home chosen as a designer showcase is the former Gary and Wendy Rust home at 700 North Pacific, now owned by the Southeast Missouri State University Foundation.

Designer ShowHouses are typically held in metropolitan areas to benefit a sponsoring not-for-profit organization, provide professional interior decorators a showcase for their skills and services and give the public an enjoyable and educational opportunity to pick up new ideas for home enhancement, Sullivan explained. "Our ShowHouse will have the extra benefit of giving university majors in interior design and allied arts an invaluable experience to add to their resumes," she added.