Exterior view of the Topeka home that underwent a challenge for the ERC Designers’ Showcase. It is located on Boswell Avenue in the College Park neighborhood.

Interior views of the Topeka home that underwent a challenge for the ERC Designers’ Showcase.

What do you get when you combine a team of talented home designers with a house in need and contributions to a worthy cause? That would be the 2010 ERC Designers’ Showhouse in Topeka.

This year’s 30th annual event, presented by Every Woman’s Resource Center (ERC), benefits the organization’s work on behalf of children and families in northeast Kansas. The home selected this year to receive a complete interior renovation, courtesy of area designers, is owned by the Campus Ministry at Washburn University.

Located on Boswell Avenue in the College Park neighborhood, the historic pillared two story was built in 1922 by renowned architect Thomas Williamson. Chosen area interior designers competed for the opportunity to re-design each room. The result is a dramatic transformation that provides a houseful of creative and captivating home decorating ideas.

“The designers that worked on this year’s project went above and beyond with their creative work, renovating a space that both meets the needs of Campus Ministry at Washburn as well as showcases their talent and the latest in interior design,” notes Reva Wywadis, ERC executive director.

Designers had to meet the challenge of incorporating functional meeting spaces for the ministry as well as fun, youthful décor for the college students who reside on the second floor.

Tourists of the house will not be disappointed. The fully accessorized rooms display an abundance of design inspiration. Attention to ceilings with color, wallpaper and texture is presented. A variety of tile treatments is incorporated in the redesign of an Asian-themed half bath. Functional kitchen bi-fold cabinetry eliminates inaccessible space. Creative wall treatments include a painted technique that mimics the look of an abstract forest and faux exposed brick. In addition to new materials, recycled furniture, DIY art, and refinished cabinetry demonstrate ways to stretch a decorating budget. Window treatment and lighting fixtures are also worth copy-catting.

For more information, including show hours and tickets visit www.ercrefer.org.