We love a showhouse - and we're so lucky that one of the best ones is right here in our backyard: the Southeastern Designer Showhouse. Even in these crazy, upside down times, Ann and I made sure to squeeze in a couple hours to visit the 2020 house. Can I tell you what a glorious escape it was? (Spoiler alert: we're anxiously waiting for the official spread to hit so for now, we're making do with a few tease-y Insta photos of the house.)
The front of the Villa Flora.
First of all, a huge shout out to our favorite hometown design magazine, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, who pulled this one off flawlessly, complete with safety measures, sanitizer, masks and all. Sure, the glitzy parties and events were off the table, but AH & L did a great job of promoting the house and it was quite the talk around here.
Second, as always, the design talent was simply off the charts. A star-studded list of interior designers raised the bar for inspiration, creativity and execution, making it all look effortless and unbelievably chic.
Third, the house is just plain fun! Fun like you want to move in and instantly throw a party for 100 of your besties. (A little history on the house: it sits on a gorgeous, coveted lot in Buckhead and was originally designed for the late Charlie Ackerman, a well-known real estate and security industry figure and Atlanta civic leader. As the Showhouse, it got a glorious makeover by Benecki Homes, our good friend architect Linda MacArthur, SOURCE, Cole Construction and LandPlus.)
The back of the house. The iron-windowed living room is brand new.
As AH & L said, this house gets you pretty darn close to Santa Barbara without moving - and yes, the house completely embodies that cool Cali-chic vibe. At 11,000 square feet, the house is large but lives cozily with separate living spaces that feel intimate. Gorgeous windows and bright light prevail throughout the house, especially in those rooms where the view is the spectacular new pool and gardens.
How fabulous is this?! Photo: David Christensen.
Other design zingers: heavenly, smooth-as-silk Venetian plaster walls, an indoor lap pool, the coolest wet bar in the study and a chic-y chic dining room that had us swooning.
Amy D. Morris designed the living room. We're crazy about those green velvet armchairs. Photo: Drew Wills photography for @businessofhome
The dining room, designed by Wolf Design Group, was awash in white. And texture was everywhere. Look how great those dining chairs are. Photo: David Christensen.
Robert Brown Interior Design never disappoints. We loved this study. Photo: David Christensen.
The snazzy wet bar off the study. There were lots of brass accents throughout the house. Robert Brown Interior Design. Photo: SNC Interiors.
Bedroom by Pickering House Interior Design. Drew Wills photography for @businessofhome
Source Atlanta created the master bath. And yes, the window is new. Photo: David Christensen.
And this talk of showhouses reminds us of one of our very favorite projects ever: the 2019 Southeastern Designer Showhouse. We had just officially launched Huff Harrington Design and we had a blast working on the elegant veranda just off the master bedroom.
Hope you've enjoyed this little home tour - maybe it's transported you to Santa Barbara or some other gorgeous locale or maybe it's inspiring you to fluff your own nest. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the full story in the September 2020 issue of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.
Ta ta.
