Local decorator and Cabot native Nina Butler, of Nina Butler Interiors, is the interior designer chosen to decorate The Idea House. Standing in the front doorway of the home, she directs a parade of busy crewmembers. Dillard’s delivery van has just pulled up for the first of many deliveries the department store will make to 21 Cossatot Circle in preparation for Cabot’s first Avenue of Dreams home showcase.

Since November, Butler has worked continuously on the house, selecting everything from major appliances, to lighting, even hardware. "I am so honored to have been selected as the decorator for The Idea House, and to get to work with the Uniquely Southern Homes construction crew and all of those involved," said Butler.

Nina Butler

Butler, who has over 20 years of experience in interior decorating, designed The Idea House in a Tuscan style. She chose the Tuscan approach because it is the latest trend and fits the home owners. "What I offer as a decorator is I get to know them [the customer]. I feel the way their house is decorated should be an extension of their personality," she said.

Inspired by an original painting by Nebraskan artist Connie Baker, the walls are coated in a warm, soothing auburn paint. The home’s fixtures are bronzed with a vintage finish. In many rooms, built in shelving allows for displays of various sorts.

The Idea House’s master bath includes a large Jacuzzi tub, separate shower with multiple massaging shower heads, two sinks, and a new slow-close toilet; the lid cannot be slammed shut. The bathroom also features an in-wall coffee maker and a TV with a DVD player. In addition, two large craftsman-style pillars stand on either side of the tub, adding a sense of height to the room.

Head upstairs to find The Idea House’s theater room, complete with ticket booth, and glowing Exit sign. Butler selected overstuffed, brown leather recliners courtesy of Dillard’s Lane’s collection of theater seating. The theater room isn’t complete without the 103-inch projection screen. With the walls painted a dark chocolate shade, and a drop-down black-out screen installed over the room’s one window, viewers can enjoy their favorite movies, sports, or shows in "crystal-clear quality" said Butler.

The home contains approximately $125,000 worth of furnishings provided by Dillard’s, Nina Butler Interiors, and other local companies. Butler’s company showcases the new line of area rugs by Shaw Living, The First Lady Collection. These rugs will be sold with the home’s other furnishings at "special show prices" said Butler; an estate sale is July 11, 2005.

Butler volunteered her effort at The Idea House to benefit a local charity, The Open Arms Shelter, which is a temporary home for neglected and abused children operating out of Lonoke, AR. All of the money made from ticket sales to The Avenue of Dreams will be donated to the shelter.

Appointments with Nina Butler can be made by contacting Nina Butler Interiors at 605-3754, or by leaving a message at 843-4301, mail box one. Consultations are arranged by appointment only.