2023 Southeastern Showhouse
Back in November, I was given the opportunity to design a space in the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ 2023 Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens. The custom-built residence was an elegant 8,500-square-foot estate located in the middle of Buckhead Atlanta. It was one of the most recent projects by builder and developer Benecki Homes, architect William T. Baker& Associates and interior specifications designers Source. The residence’s overall design aesthetic was Streamline Moderne with Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences, meaning stylized functional features that celebrate elegant curves, long lines, sharp angles and geometrical shapes. The residence’s overall design embraced the beauty of imperfection.
My design process
I was invited to design the side entry hall, informal powder, desk space and the laundry room. This is a space that is typically, in my opinion, closed off to visitors, but I wanted to create a space that is for your backdoor friends.
Once plans were received, keeping my goal for the space in mind, I immediately took notes from the architecture and hardscapes—Steel doors and windows, hardwood floors and marble. My vision was sparked! Specifically when it came to the marble, I was instantly inspired by the vibrant colors.
I quickly found inspiration but the project had its challenges. My main obstacle was working remotely. I knew making detailed notes from the start was key to staying organized. Overall, I traveled to Atlanta ten separate occasions for site visits mixed with sourcing, while others were to participate in the showhouse activities. It was such an amazing experience, I didn’t want to miss a thing!
Side Entry hall
I knew I wanted to use Porter Teleo hand painted Wallcovering as my first layer. The narrow entryway called for a show stopping artist. As a long time fan of Nashville artist, Angela Simeone, I knew her organic painterly strokes would fit the bill! The creative design behind the custom Kyle Bunting runner supplied the touch of softness the space needed. The Natasha Baradaran mohair bench from R. Hughes was the final piece de resistance!
Laundry Room
The checkerboard marble walls in the laundry room carried its own weight. Angela Simeone added the last touch it needed with another custom work of art! Wouldn’t you want to do laundry in here?
informal powder room
I had my wall covering selections made for the informal powder room, until a Sunday morning Instagram rabbit hole led me to Lonesome Pictopia’s one-of-a-kind murals. This all-female team has the wow factor this showhouse is deserving of! Did I mention that these ladies from Portland, Oregon flew in to personally install the hand painted mural and gild on site?
Desk space
I took cues from the circular design of the informal powder room vanity and chose the Mannie console from Bradley USA. The urban electric sconces were the perfect pairing to continue the geometric theme. The subtle hints of blush in the Moattar rug are a nod to the custom art in the entry hallway, as well as the TEW Gallery art selections throughout the space. The oversized McLain Wiesand mirror was intentionally chosen to create different compositions with every step. Take a moment to look at each individual facet. What do you see?
A big thank you to the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine and Brad Hanner for giving me this opportunity. It was an honor to work amongst interior icons I respect, as well as being the sole representative for Alabama.