Review Article

The Mix: Design Time

By Lauren McCutcheon

Photograph by: Todd Mason/Halkin Photography LLC.

 Antique divan or custom daybed? Wallpaper by Allegra Hicks or David? This month, interior designer Michael Shannon answers our prayers — and quickly solves the design woes of the decorator-less masses — with the launch of DesignSource, a by-the-hour branch of his Center City firm. That’s right — no more committing to a full-house makeover. For $175 you get 60 minutes of his undivided attention and access to trade-only merch. One, two or four hours: See what your money can buy.

 

WALLPAPER
“Fans” in Summer
Pink by Allegra Hicks for Stark.
Time: 2 hours for selections + 1 more to decide: 3 hours x $175 = $525
Materials: $203 per 11-yard roll x 12 rolls = $2,436
Total cost: $2,961

DAYBED
Custom, from Martin ­Industries; fabrics for ­pillows and daybed from Old World Weavers and Lelievre.
Time: 4 hours x $175 = $700
Materials: $4,000 (daybed) + $1,800 (pillows) = $5,800
Total cost: $6,500

ART
Two fine-art photographs by Susan Dunkerley from the Print Center.
Time:
1.5 hours x $175 = $262.50
Materials: $900 each x 2 = $1,800
Total cost: $2,062.50

DRESSER
Vintage piece, lacquered by Martin Industries, with new brass hardware chromed by Wade Technologies.
Time:
4 hours x $175 = $700
Materials: $490 (dresser) + $300 (paint) + $130 (8 pulls) + $58 (chroming) = $978
Total cost: $1,678

PAINT
(if used instead of wallpaper) Regal Matte finish by Benjamin Moore.
Time: 1 hour to choose + 1 hour to write up specifications: 2 hours x $175 = $350
Materials: $54 per gallon (as purchased by you or contractor)
Total cost:
$350 + paint cost

 

HIRE HIM!
DesignSource at Michael Shannon Designs.
By appointment only.
119 South Juniper Street, 215-717-5145,
michaelshannon-designs.com.

 

 

Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, May 2008
 

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