Trade Secrets has learned that when designer Sharon McCormick of Fairchild House hired assistant Sarah Nelson, she sent Nelson out on her first big project: check all the local showrooms for product for the upcoming Showhouse. At Ferazzoli Imports in Middletown, Connecticut, Nelson happened upon some eighteen-karat tile she was sure would be perfect for the powder room. The fact that they were being held in a vault did not dissuade her. Perfect is perfect.

"I could have killed her," says McCormick. "Once you've seen those tiles there's no going back." Other jewel-like touches McCormick used are the Etruscan gold and crystal sconces and Venetian glass mirror over the sink. By the way, Ne England Home is a proud sponsor of the showhouse, as well as this year's Newport and Junior League of Boston's showhouses.