Show houses feature the work of some of the nation’s best designers, decorators and architects.

Photographs and videos are a wonderful way to appreciate stylish home interiors, but to get the full effect of truly great home decorating designs and ideas, there’s nothing like seeing the rooms in person. This is why many of the country’s best interior designers showcase their ideas in decorator show houses, where visitors can go to check new designs and get inspired.

Sheila Bridges is president of Sheila Bridges Design, based in New York City. Her own Manhattan apartment and those of many of her clients have been featured in magazines and books, including Designing Women, Martha Stewart Living, House & Garden and House Beautiful, and Time Magazine named her "America’s Best Designer," in 2001. Sheila is also the host of the new series Sheila Bridges: Designer Living, debuting on Fine Living in January 2003. Here she describes what it’s like to visit a show house and how it can help you decorate your own home:

• Great rooms. Show houses are basically assortments of rooms designed by decorators, interior designers or architects and they serve as concrete examples of the professionals’ work. They may have different themes or styles, and are open to the public for viewing.

• Great ideas. People visit show houses to find inspiration. Walking through, you may see things you like and things you don’t like. Either way, the designs will likely spark your imagination and help you start thinking creatively about the rooms and spaces in your own home. If you see something inspiring, hold the idea in your head until you get home, and then see if it works for you.

• Designers. You might also find the work of one designer or company so impressive that you decide to become a client. Making connections with professional is one of the main reasons show homes exist.

• A good time. And, on top of all this, visiting a show home is a great way to spend the day. For people who love home design and decorating, walking through stylish and beautiful rooms, gazing at unique furniture and learning about color and materials is just an old fashioned good time. So if your home could use a few new ideas, or if you just want to spend the day in some gorgeous spaces, visit a show home in your area today!

Design Intuit: Focus on Showcase Houses
www.designintuit.com/issue0003/focus.html

Home Portfolio: Kips Bay Decorator Show House
www.homeportfolio.com/GetInspired/GreatAmericanHomes/04.26.01/index.jhtml

American Society of Interior Designers
www.asid.org

Interior Design
www.interiordesign.net

The Interior Design Society
www.interiordesignsociety.org/about.shtml

Next: Advanced Materials for Home Decor