What does it take to thoroughly transform a rundown, outdated bathroom into a sensuous powder room in two months? It takes a village! Located within 6 miles, as the crow flies, from Durham Village, live a team of talented and giving craftspeople who donated their time, talent and materials for the benefit of the programs of the Junior League of Hartford.

Sharon McCormick of Fairchild House Interiors spearheaded the renovation of the powder room for SHOWHOUSE 2006 with the aid of junior designer, Sara Nelson, and office manager, Ana Maria O’Keefe, both of Durham. Sharon’s inspiration for the room was a faux finish called “Slate Blue Mist”, recently created by Patrick Ganino of Creative Evolution in North Madison. Sara was charged with finding the perfect floors for the powder room and an adjacent hall. Well, she did! Ice blue glass tiles complemented by random 18K gold tiles now sparkle in the bathroom, while bronze metallic tiles shine in the hall. (Thankfully Ferazolli Imports donated the tiles, which were held in a vault!) Aaron Keathley, owner of Keathley Building and Remodeling in Middlefield, tore up the old floor and installed the new, which the co-chair of the Showhouse promptly deemed “Sexy!” In addition, Aaron spent his time freely to build a gorgeous radiator cover with a golden wrought iron grill, repair walls, and install carved moldings on the ceilings. Jim Coughlin of Perfection Painting painted the trim, while Patrick performed his slate mist magic on the walls, as well as gilding the ceilings. Ana deftly managed the ordering and arrival of the silk fabrics, trims, crystal lighting, drapery hardware, mirrors, and the million other items that required tending to. Finally, Kevin Hughes of Mutual Plumbing, newly resettled in Durham, generously donated his time to install the “water closet” donated by Middlesex Plumbing.

SHOWHOUSE 2006 is open through May 21. Please pay a visit to see what the local talent is up to, as well as to support the Junior League of Hartford. For further information, please call 231-8970 or log on to www.jlhartford.org.