Designer home benefits multiple sclerosis research
As far as dream homes go, the 18-room designer showcase on display at South Coast Collection could turn out to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those interested in design.
“I think it’s really amazing,” said Rick Campos, owner of Christopher Tracy Interiors in Newport Beach. “This may be the only time we’re able to do this if we’re not able to find a similar space another year.”
The Dream Home tour and lecture series — a collaboration between SoCo, the Costa Mesa shopping center; Burnham-Ward Properties; and the American Society of Interior Designers Orange County chapter (ASID) — enabled designers to work from the ground up to transform an empty 5,300-square-foot, one-level commercial space into a showcase on universal design.
“It’s not just about making the space handicap-accessible; it’s about designing the space for everyone,” said event Chairwoman Adriel Cogdal, owner of Adriel Designs in Costa Mesa, while walking through the elaborate rooms. “These spaces are designed to fit the needs of every level of ability and every limitation.”
This is the first year that the organization, which does annual home tours, has taken over a commercial space, Cogdal said.
And, after recognizing the unique properties of the wide-open, even-grade space and its potential, ASID choose the National Multiple Sclerosis Society as this year’s beneficiary.
“The charity component tie-in with the design element is brilliant,” said Campos, who also serves on the ASID board of directors for the Orange County chapter. “It shows that you can live beautifully with [multiple sclerosis].”
Self-guided tours of the project at 3303 Hyland Ave. Suite C-1 are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through March 25. The event will stay open until 8 p.m. Wednesdays for Meet the Designers Night and lectures are hosted each Saturday.
“It’s a great experience, it’s great exposure, and it’s a great cause,” said Julia Caro, owner of Caro Interior Design and an allied ASID member. “As the population is aging, it’s really important to look at incorporating elements of universal design. Also, with the economy, people are staying in their homes longer.”
Cogdal hopes to sell all of the 10,000 available event tickets, which begin at $25 and can be bought through the ASID website.
Besides generating hefty proceeds for multiple sclerosis research, that many tickets translates to an equally hefty increase in foot traffic to the center, which has seen a resurgence of activity in the last couple of years with the addition of the OC Mart Mix, restaurants and other retailers.
“We’re thrilled to partner with ASID to benefit the National [Multiple Sclerosis] Society in this unique venue,” said center co-owner Scott Burnham. “Everything about this project spells uniqueness, and SoCo strives to provide something different ... all the people coming to this home tour are potential customers and are interested in design and style, which is what the center is all about.”
Although the interwoven rooms, all decorated in shades of magenta, gray and lime, have to be torn back down after March 25, the space will not return to being an empty storefront.
Another retailer is already lined up to move in, but Burnham could not reveal who that tenant is as of Thursday.
All the products and appliances used by the designers are on sale by local retailers, many of which are in SoCo, Cogdal said. Other salvageable materials, such as the flooring, will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.
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