DESIGN CONNECTION

“It happens in New York, Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Diego and Chicago. In fact, it seems to happen in most of America’s major cities. It’s an event eagerly anticipated by the cognoscenti because it showcases the best of the best in interior design—and it’s about to happen here in Las Vegas—finally: the first-ever ASID (American Society of Interior Designers) Showcase House.”

I first wrote those words in 2007 in anticipation of an event that I’ve been trying to make happen here in Sin City for a long time, and now I’m proud and happy to say that my dream of “a house on a hill in a shiny new city” is about to come true—and in a very big way.

Located in the Promontory section of the very exclusive Ridges community on the far west side of the valley, the house has been named “The Falls” by its owners, Michael and Rhonda Mona, principals of Mona Co. Development here in Las Vegas. It has been so named because of all the numerous water features both inside and out, which even includes a river that fills the magnificent infinity pool of this most innovative and design-filled residence. But that’s only a small part of what makes this inaugural ASID Showcase House such a special event.

The home truly represents the marriage of great architecture and expert design as ASID joins for the very first time with the Las Vegas Parade of Homes, which is well-known for its annual showcase of luxury homes. Visitors to “The Falls” will not only have the opportunity to see a home on a grand scale (17,000 square feet), but also be given a chance to familiarize themselves with local interior designers and to see the wares of some 48 vendors as well, who will be exhibiting their products throughout the home.

Lisa Hester, executive director of the Las Vegas Parade of Homes, sums it all up by saying, “We at Parade of Homes are trying to show what can go into a comprehensive custom home. The Parade of Homes needs to be a platform to educate as well as show cutting-edge technology, design and architecture in a natural setting.”

And of course, ASID is hoping that this first collaborative effort with the Parade will help to enlighten the consumer as to the benefits of hiring an interior designer when building a custom home or decorating an existing one.

Personally, it’s always been my belief that designers view a home from the inside out, while architects view a project from the outside in. But, by joining forces and working together, they are able to create homes that are certainly more functional, and as a result, that much more comfortable to live in.

“The Falls” is home to many unique design features which include: sliding glass walls that disappear to encourage the much sought-after feeling of “indoor-outdoor” living; the extensive use of stone throughout—not only on the exterior, but the interior as well; and the use of beautiful teak wood on ceilings and floors.

Additionally, there is a two-story waterfall in the main entry hall that is simply outstanding and a must-see. It’s elegant and exciting at the same time and one of my own personal favorites in the home. Also featured is the always stunning, custom glasswork of Las Vegas’ premier glass artist, Leslie Rankin, which is complemented by a one-of-a-kind dining room chandelier by Washington state glass artist, Robert Kaindl.

The artwork that will be displayed throughout the residence has been carefully selected and is to be presented solely through The Gallery at Summerlin with its superb mix of painters and sculptors.

The ASID Showcase House is one among approximately 18 homes that will be presented during the Parade that will run from April 18 through May 4, 2008. But it’s a very special and inspiring home that needs to be seen not only for its beauty and imaginative design, but also to help support the outreach programs that ASID promotes for the local Las Vegas community.

The chosen charity for the local ASID chapter (Central California/Nevada) is the Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity, which will receive a significant amount of the proceeds from the sale of tickets when purchased directly through ASID for this event.

“ASID members embrace the concept that design is more than a job. It’s a way of relating to the world,” says Paula Rubidoux, past chapter president who, with Beth Pope, are chairwomen of the event, along with Bobbie Joe Kinsey acting as design coordinator, Diane Dumont as installation coordinator, and your humble correspondent as design chairman.

Tickets to the home tour are priced at a mere $25 and when purchased directly through ASID will help to fund future Las Vegas Habitat for Humanity projects. To purchase tickets by PayPal or credit card, go to www.asidcanv.org. Contact Stephen Leon with any questions at (702) 873-5358 or e-mail him at SoleilDesign@cox.net.

Stephen Leon is president of Soleil Design Intl. Inc. and has been designing and manufacturing custom furniture and cabinetry for more than 25 years, along with his accomplishments in interior design. He has served on the board of directors of the Central California/Nevada Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers. Stephen can be contacted at soleildesign@cox.net.