Decorator show houses are a labor of love, and I am pleased to report great success in my return to the Historic Ellicott City, Inc. (HEC) show house circuit. There are only eight (8) days left to tour this historic Gem in Woodbine, MD; don't miss this one!
NEW EVENTS
On Saturday, May 28th, at 1 p.m. join me in the pool house for a "Conversation" where I will talk with a local fine artist, Bruce I. Campbell. Bruce is a part of the copyist painter collaborative at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

Bruce I Campbell, at work in the Naional Gallery of Art...
On Thursday, June 2nd, join Black Ankle Vineyards for a wine tasting from 3 -7 pm. ($12.00 participation fee)
On Saturday May 24th, several classic car owners stopped by. What fun!
Many of you attended HEC's virtual "Show Your House" series last Summer. I transformed a very traditional Victorian parlor with my signature design into the 21st Century in August. I must apologize as this post is late publishing due to some unforeseen delays along the way. HOWEVER, I can assure you that you will NOT be disappointed. There is ALWAYS a plan B, and sometimes C.
In addition, given the current supply/demand that my industry has been subjected to, this is the perfect opportunity to acquire exquisite furnishings, art, and accessories WITHOUT having to wait months for it.
While I enjoyed that process immensely, nothing can take the place of the hands-on-roll-up-your-sleeves involvement for my creative design work. This year, HEC has taking a different direction by hosting its first spring show house. We are honored to have acquired the rights to use historic Oakdale , former home of Maryland Governor Edward Warfield, in Howard County Maryland. The home is a classic American Federal mansion.

HISTORY
"Currently listed for sale at $6,000,000 by Richard Watson of Long and Foster Real Estate, this culturally, historically, and architecturally significant home, Oakdale, circa 1838 and 1898, former home of Maryland Governor Edwin Warfield, is a magnificent estate on a tranquil 180-acre tract only 20 miles from both the Washington and Baltimore beltways. On The National Register of Historic Places and sited on land acquired by the Warfields in 1766, the main house boasts 12-inch thick brick walls and 12 fireplaces, with 24 rooms and 5 baths comprising over 9,500 sq. ft.
Impressive, original detail and craftsmanship are prominent throughout, and the grand front porch, graced by 18′ Roman Doric columns, provides a striking view of the property’s fields and woods, bested only by the stunning vista from the rooftop widow’s walk. An addition to the main residence, Oakdale Hall (2005), masterfully designed and artfully integrated, provides an additional 8,870 sq. ft. of space and a superb setting for grand entertaining or concerts. A large pool and indoor spa further enhance the property. The combined structures are gracefully connected via a 120′ covered colonnade merging into the main wraparound porch."
You have just 15 days to tour this beautiful Estate so don't miss this one. The event opened on May 11th, with a preview gala preview party, with live jazz, catered dinner, and an evening show house tour. Friday and runs through June 5th, 2022. The site is breathtaking to say the least! Get your tickets now.

THE EVENTS
The May 11th evening preview gala was a big success, as many came to celebrate under the stars (no rain) and contribute to HEC's mission, which is to preserve and restore historically significant buildings in Old Ellicott City, and Howard County. The annual decorator show house is HEC's primary fundraiser, and your attendance is an important part of that mission.
The main, and show house entrance to Historic Oakdale
Here are a few words from HEC's President, Connie Siegel:
"Last night's preview party was an overwhelming success! With County Executive Calvin Ball, Sen. Katie Fry Hester and Del. Courtney Watson, as well as the entire Mariani Family for the ribbon cutting we welcomed over 150 guests. Through the meticulous planning by our Treasurer, Joan Becker, the food, the tables capes, the music and the poolside dining setting could not have been more perfect.
Early arrivals poolside on Wednesday evening
Board Member and Treasurer for HEC, Joan Becker introduces Theodore Mariani, owner of Oakdale, during Wednesday night's gala preview party, and Connie Siegel, HEC President to the right. Will you join us next year?
"All the guests with whom I talked were so impressed with everything. They couldn't wait to tell others and many will return again for "another day in the country". We've had TV spots on WBFF 45, WJZ13, WBAL and the Sunpapers , Home and Design print."
Plan to make it a day trip because there is so much to see; get away from the noise of the city, and spend a day in the country among trees, rolling hills, birds, flowers, water, and like-minded people who appreciate beautiful architecture, interior design, fine antiques, interior decoration, and the decorative arts. Weather permitting, you may enjoy catered box lunch by the lake.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Look for announcements soon regarding special events:
- Classic Car Show
- Wine Tastings
- Artist Talks
CREATIVE DESIGN
Now on to my submission for this year:
- Formal Dining Room - Approximately 440 Square Feet
- Architecturally Significant
- Abundance of Daylight
- Challenges
- New Skills
- Strange and Funny Stories
- A Few Surprises

Above, just a few details...plaster damage and major cleaning was in order.

Above, a full view of the existing formal dining room. Note the very long table, English Queen Ann style side chairs, and the Persian rug from the Embassy of Iran, Washington DC. - Gathering area (also my space) beyond and finally the Living Room in the background.

Room 5 "Gathering area" is my seconded designed space this year. View into the dining room and staircase in the middle ground. Big changes are planned...

Entry hall extended and grand staircase - BEFORE
ANTICIPATION:
What beauty lies beyond these fabulous pocket doors? You must come and find out! I am onsite with HEC:
- Thursdays 10:00 - 8:00
- Fridays 10:00 - 5:00
- Saturdays 10:00 - 5:00
- Sundays 11:00 - 5:00

Looking West into the main dining room from the Gathering Area (My 2nd Designed Space For This Year)
Look for updates on this post soon with more details of this year's submission from Rhonald Angelo Interiors:
- History On The Property
- Special Event Announcements
I can't wait to see you there! Remember, come early in the day, and bring friends and associates because there is much to see and do.

It's time for dinner at eight. My sincere thank you to all of my followers and HEC supportors for attending this year's HEC Decorator Show House. I will see you next year!