ARF Hosting 5th Annual Thrift Shop Designer Showhouse And Sale

“Now in its fifth year, the ARF Designer Showhouse is a great kick-off to the summer season,” said Lisa McCarthy, ARF Board President and event Vice Chair. “We salute the designers who have brought such creativity to their assignment, and look forward to seeing everyone.”

On Saturday, May 30th and Sunday, May 31st, Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons (ARF) is inviting East Enders to visit their specially decorated Wainscott Thrift Shop during ARF’s annual Designer Showhouse and Sale. The event will kickoff on Saturday, May 30th with a Cocktail Party Preview hour at 5 p.m. From 6 to 8 p.m., the Showhouse will be open to general admission Cocktail Party guests.

This year, the Showhouse will display designs from Brian P. Brady, Jamie Drake, Kevin Hart, Tamara Magel, Mark Schryver, and Peri Wolfman. Every item in the Designer Showhouse will be up for sale with proceeds benefiting ARF. All of the designers involved are animal lovers and are donating their time to help the cause. Each room will have thrift shop pieces and items that the designers have donated from their own collections.

Brian P. Brady’s experience lies in designing comfortable, classic interiors. Brady said that his room is like a “well-worn country farmhouse sitting room.”

Kevin Hart and Lakshmi the dog. (Courtesy Photo)

Kevin Hart is based in New York and East Hampton. His studio focuses on residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design projects. Hart drew inspiration from dogs for his room. He calls it “The Portrait Dog Sitting Room” and describes it as “a fun, useful, comfortable room with an eclectic mix of contemporary and historical pieces balanced in a way that transcends any one period.”

Jamie Drake is a notable interior designer, who received the 2013’s Star of Interior Design by Fashion Group International. Drake calls his room a “Turkish-delight.”

“For the 5th Annual ARF Designer Showhouse, I wanted to bring an element of sultry whimsy, creating a room to relax in,” Drake said. “The beautifully ornate Turkish-inspired sofa is flanked by comfortable and inviting chaise lounges and other treasures from ARF’s ‘Ali Baba’s Cave.'”

Tamara Magel is a designer who brings fashion to interior design and also tries to use the cleanest approach for her materials when launching her projects. Magel entitled her room “Guest Room at Camp Barn.”

Mark Schryver uses eye-catching pieces in every design and has been featured in The New York Times and Home Companion. Schryver calls his room “Tippi’s Bedroom” in honor of Tippi Hedrin. He was inspired by a bed that he found at the ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop.

Tamara Magel and Squeaky from ARF. (Courtesy Photo)

Peri Wolfman is credited with introducing the design world to “all white” and is also the author of best-selling books about homes and design. She calls her room “Out of Africa,” and it features vintage boots, saddle racks and hand-crafted benches.

Over 200 guests from the design world and Hamptons social community are expected to attend the preview cocktail party. The event will feature a vodka bar, wine donated by Channing Daughters Winery and hors d’oeuvres by Insatiable EATS.

The Saturday evening fundraiser will showcase a selection of ARF dogs and cats that will be up for adoption. ARF also added a new event this year, “Meet The Author.” Jorge Bendersky, the author of DIY Dog Grooming, From Puppy to Best in Show: Everything You Need to Know, Step by Step is taking part in a special book signing during the benefit.

On Sunday, May 31st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Showhouse will be open to the public.

Tickets for the exclusive preview hour on Saturday are $250 and general admission is $150. On Sunday, the Showhouse will be open to the public with a suggested donation of $10.

The ARF Thrift Shop Designer Showcase and Sale is located at 17 Montauk Highway in Sagaponack. For more information, call 631-537-0400 ext. 219 or visit www.arfhamptons.org.