Decorators' ShowHouse comes to Greystone

Decorator’s ShowHouse

April 26-May 11

Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. • Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. • Sunday, 2-6 p.m.

Shuttle service available from Church of Brook Hills lower parking lot

showhouse-al.com

The Decorator’s ShowHouse is back on the U.S. 280 corridor this year.

The 2014 home, located at 4021 St. Charles Drive, is a Mediterranean-style estate situated on approximately 4 acres overlooking a privately stocked lake in the heart of Greystone. RealtySouth currently lists the house for $2,750,000.

Its owner, Michael D’Ambra, is a former CEO with Time Warner Cable. Listing agent Sherry Best said D’Ambra often traveled to France, and his time there influenced the home’s design and décor. The exterior is constructed from 1-foot square stone blocks, a balcony is attached to every bedroom and the home is filled with items imported from Europe.

But, Best thought a makeover was in order.

“This house is in fabulous condition, but it was built in the mid-90s and its style is outdated,” she said.

As a ShowHouse, local design teams will transform much of the decor in D’Ambra’s estate. 

In February, Best said organizers invited decorators and design store owners from across Birmingham to examine rooms in the home and choose which ones they would like to convert. Once selected, teams assembled at the home for a kickoff party on March 1, and the next day they got to work. 

Teams used their own resources to put together a new look for the rooms they were assigned, changing wallpaper, window decor and furnishings while leaving the architecture untouched. When the home opens to the public this month, it will sport modern style throughout.

Now in its 38th year, the Alabama Symphony Volunteer Council has grown the ShowHouse into its largest annual fundraiser. From April 26 through May 11, the home will be open for public tours of the estate’s new look. Every item used in the redecoration is for sale, including the paint colors.

Tickets are $20 at the door and benefit the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. Lunch is served daily from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for $13 and includes a beverage. A sweet shop will provide treats for $3.

ShowHouse hours are Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, 2-6 p.m.

No parking is allowed at the home. Shuttle service is available from Church of Brook Hills lower parking lot during operating hours. No infants, children younger than 8, backpacks, large tote bags or purses, umbrellas and cameras are allowed in the ShowHouse.

For more about the home, call Best at 540-7171 or Matt Robinson at 907-7171. For more about the event, visit showhouse-al.com.