Game Changer

Through originality, self expression and exacting execution, the arbiters of style who created our recent showhouse pushed Atlanta design to a new level. The result: a collaborative that created its own set of design rules in the process. Their expertise and artistry, exhibited in the following portfolio, will inspire you to create your own design rules—and know how to break them!

2010 will go down as the year that classic and contemporary design collided—and nobody noticed, proving the point that people don’t have to choose to live one way or the other. At the recent Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House, the question “What style is it?” proved to be a moot point, since it was shown that all looks can coexist beautifully. Comprising two residences on the 41st floor of The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence, the rooms in this year’s showhouse were nearly impossible to label, as many served multiple functions—namely: guest room as home office and den as breakfast room—a true indication of our multitasking lives. And while the way we live has changed considerably since the first Christmas House 36 years ago, we think the future looks brighter than ever.

 

BREAK THE RULES

Beth Webb softened this angular space with some help from Raymond Goins, who hand-painted the striking walls. “Horizontal stripes are usually found in powder rooms or children’s bedrooms,” says Webb, “but this solution turned out to be a beautiful focal point that not only creates an uplifting optical illusion, but really envelopes you in the space.”

 

GRACEFUL & GRAPHIC

In Phoebe Howard’s take on the classic wood-paneled library, glossy dark brown paint unifies the room’s many angles and soffits, allowing them to recede into the single-tone backdrop. Four narrow bookcases were given graphic punch with a mix of ceramic vessels, antique books and a special collection of six original Albert Hadley sketches, set in Lucite. The room’s masculine effects are tempered by cream-colored upholstery that appears to “float” amid a stitched cowhide rug, its geometric motif echoed by cutouts in the sheer window panels, a graphic pillow made from luxurious Holland & Sherry fabric and a painting by New York artist Doug Glovaski. Howard’s signatures—symmetry, softness and selective editing—keep the look classic and clean above all.

 

+ NATURAL BEAUTY

Tish Mills describes her breakfast room as “the most contemporary space she’s ever done.” Inspired by modern-day Berlin, the designer called upon a variety of textures, styles and colors—chartreuse, amethyst, orange and white. Imagining the home to be the Atlanta crash pad for a globe-trotting couple, Mills cocooned the space by hanging art over two windows and establishing vignettes that encourage viewers to look north out the window above the intimate dining nook. A walnut table with an irregular edge represents one of Mills’ most personal new ventures; embedded with real amethyst, it brings nature indoors in a calming way. A white-upholstered settee grounds the space, but pillows made from edgy Romo fabrics and a tangerine rug from Moattar give it a little punch.

+ SIMPLY STRIKING

Jeffrey Reed complemented the cherry cabinetry in this kitchen with striking Montclair marble countertops. Considering the room’s diminutive size, Reed continued the same marble up the backsplash. “Bringing in too many elements into this small kitchen would have made it look overdone,” he says. “Instead, the toned down look creates the illusion of a larger kitchen.”

 

+ WHIMSICAL WELCOME

In this multifunctional space, Amy D. Morris used bold textures as well as pops of burnt copper and chartreuse against ink-black walls—all reflected through a staggering custom mirror—to entice the sophisticated dweller to pause to reflect for a moment. The vision began with an enchanting chandelier from R Hughes; its dramatic splays of bronze are echoed in accents throughout the room. From the porter’s chair to the hammered iron-and-glass shelves to the Plexiglas desk floating in the center of the space, each feature is carefully positioned to create a unique sense of fluidity.

 

+ OPULENCE REIGNS

This study by Hutton Wilkinson for Tony Duquette, created in concert with Atlantan Stephen Boyd, is marked by maximum comforts, due in large part to an ample mix of furnishings covered in the former’s latest fabrics for Jim Thompson. In fact, the room was enveloped in these textiles with abandon: upholstered walls, sumptuous curtain panels, folding screens and more displaying a range of colors and motifs. “Duquetterie,” the elegant fabric used for the folding screens, was inspired by the design of a chest Duquette designed for Elsie de Wolfe in 1941, and this showhouse marks its first appearance in the U.S. The duo took several opportunities to display Wilkinson’s Tony Duquette licensed pieces for Baker Furniture, as well: shallow niches flanking the fireplace were punctuated by Regency Pagoda Lamps on pedestals, and Sunburst Torcheres on bases flank the terrace wall, giving the room a curated effect. Meanwhile, Wilkinson’s California Sunburst Pendant for Remains Lighting shines from above.

 

+ RESTFUL RETREAT

The design for Liz Williams’ master bedroom stemmed from a classic Rose Tarlow fabric she’d been waiting for years to use. It established the palette of greens and blues and, from there, her inspiration grew. A skirted Rose Tarlow chair, with its graceful lines, plays against the stronger shape of the iron bed; draped elegantly with fabric panels, the sleeping spot gains added comfort thanks to an upholstered headboard. Striving for a personal, collected look, Williams combined a variety of pieces, as well as several shades of crisp greens, blues and browns. This made it easy to add favorite finds into the mix—like a pair of painted Swedish chairs—without throwing off the scheme. Dressmaker details, such as those on the window treatments and softly pleated bedskirt, make the room feel truly special.

 

+ NATURAL ELEMENTS

In a nod to classic California design, Capella Kincheloe brought the outdoors in—41 floors above ground. The powder room features an oil painting by Jules Cozine that captures the beauty of trees in a variety of vivid shades. Kincheloe takes that color cue and repeats it throughout the room, giving the windowless space an airy quality. In the master bath, opposite, a stump-turned-wood stool and an alabaster bowl pendant against a backdrop of warm creams and oranges play up the designer’s vision of a natural yet luxe environment.

 

+ A STAGE FOR LIVING

Due to the long, narrow shape of this living room, it was important for designer Susan Ferrier to first establish a successful floorplan. Conversation groups around the room’s perimeter are comfortable and inviting while, in the center of the space, a custom daybed connects them and provides a luxurious spot to lounge. In lieu of a true dining table, Ferrier chose an entry table that is just as convenient for dropping off personal belongings as for eating a formal meal. Eschewing too many accessories, she filled the large volume over the table with a low-slung chandelier. Although it’s oversize, the fixture has a lightweight look that doesn’t overpower the framed photography beyond; plus, it’s balanced by compact lanterns nestled softly within the wall of drapery—hinting ever so slightly at the outdoors within view. Custom furnishings—many by David Iatesta—plus Continental antiques and Bobby McAlpine’s signature pieces for MacRae give the room its strong character, while gilded and coppery touches add glamour.

 

+ ARTISTIC APPROACH

Designer William Peace gave this modern den a classic spin with pair of handsome mohair-upholstered chairs and a round cocktail table designed by icons Angelo Donghia and Warren Platner, respectively. A Charles Pfiester bowl, from Peace’s personal collection, rounds out his nod to timeless design. But artwork is truly the focal point of this pared-down room. “We intentionally wanted to be spare with the furnishings because art is very important in this space,” says Peace. A Margarita Checa bronze infuses the room with movement while an elegant Tom Swanston painting with silver leaf echoes the stainless steel found throughout the den and adjoining kitchen.

 

+ GRAND PERCEPTION

An effortless blend of details makes this kitchen seem much larger than its 200 square feet. Michael Bell, of Inspirations Kitchen & Bath, started with a soft palette of neutrals and then executed ingenious ideas to create a chic minimalistic look that would visually expand the space. Simple curved edges on the center island and in-panel restoration glass on the upper cabinets create a sense of flow. But one of the most unassuming tricks was forgoing a typical backsplash behind the range. “We used travertine with a pillow edge for some visual depth, and then set it in a classic subway tile pattern. It’s clean and elegant, and really helps the room feel bigger,” says Bell.

+ TALL ORDER

High-rise living poses challenges in outdoor décor but Bill Hudgins’ terrace, a convergence of Roman and Asian influences with modern balance and structure, presents a space crafted to withstand the elements. Instead of an abundance of motifs in a single space, Hudgins envisioned a clean, crisp juxtaposition of soft and sharp elements to present a striking focal point. The circular pedestal table and garden stools balance the rectangular patio; together with the angular selenite crystals, the composition seemingly mimics the Atlanta skyline.

 

+ FASHION FORWARD

The playful but purposeful master bedroom by Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos was inspired by fashion plate Iris Apfel. The duo covered a staggered wall of windows with a heavy curtain to establish a new bed wall, augmenting the subtle scheme with sumptuous linens, whimsical accessories and inspirations from different cultures and eras—much like the pieces Apfel is known to don. Atop a Chinese chest from Coup d’Etat is a copy of the book dedicated to Apfel, A Rare Bird of Fashion, which mingles with embellished wooden hat forms and other artful accents. A curious sculpture by David Katz fills the window nook while customized pendants from The Urban Electric Co. act as lighthearted alternatives to traditional bedside lamps. A brass-finish bench, borrowed from the personal collection of Björk Antikt & Studio’s Amy Wikman, was reupholstered in white hair-on-hide for a modern look while Tai Ping’s Haiku Yukata I rug pulls the colors of the room together brilliantly.

 

+ LUMINOUS LAVATORY

The master bath by Barbara Howard is pared down and positively bathed in white, channeling a modern-day interpretation of Billy Baldwin. Howard designed Parsons-style custom vanities with generous toe-kick reveals that create a floating effect. To accommodate an awkward angle between the vanities, a simple custom bench offers a place for one user to sit while the other gets ready for the day or an evening out. Above it, raspberry tones in an abstract work by Sally King Benedict enhance the cool blues and grays of the Ann Sacks marble spanning the floors, while curvaceous vases from Gramercy Home act as playful counterpoints to the clean lines of the room.

 

+ MARVELOUS MEDLEY

Carter Kay and Nancy Hooff had a purposeful vision when creating a guest bedroom that would accommodate the demands of changing lifestyles. They crafted a space that might welcome a grown son, reflecting both the memories of the boy and the cultivated interests of the cosmopolitan man. Thus emerged a practical balance of old and new that establishes a sense of place. Rustic leather, a vintage desk and chairs covered in Italian newsprint are offset by unexpected elements such as dramatic lamps lacking shades. The result is a room that is, at once, functional and whimsical.

 

+ ELEGANT EFFECT

Kathryn Leach took an elegant approach in decorating this bedroom, with myriad grays and layers and layers of luxurious silk. A pair of accent pillows with decorative detailing add a fanciful touch. A elevated four-poster bed introduces drama into the room’s otherwise reserved aesthetic. And while the large-scale contemporary artwork is eye-catching, it’s the chandelier outfitted with Swarovski crystals that is this bedroom’s crowning jewel. “When there’s a lot of sunlight,” explains Leach, “it reflects off the crystals and lights up the entire space with a prism effect.”

 

+ ORGANIZED STYLE

Whether the look is traditional or contemporary, smart storage solutions should always be at the forefront when designing master closets. Peggy Snider-Houghton of Closets and More equipped this one in sleek Tuscan Teak Grigio Melamine—with column pullouts, three-way cabinet dividers, tilt-down hampers, jewelry inserts, even doors that reveal space for off-season clothing. “Doors are useful for protecting from dust, and it contributes to an overall tidy look,” she says.

 

(RESOURCES)

living room STITCHED COWHIDE RUG Stark Carpet WINDOW TREATMENT AND CLUB CHAIR FABRICS Jim Thompson BURMESE CARVED CHAIR Designer’s own APPLIEQUE PILLOW Holland & Sherry through Jerry Pair LEATHER BOOKS A. Tyner Antiques MANTEL Francois & Co. PAINTING OVER MANTEL Doug Glovaski through Sears-Peyton Gallery ALBERT HADLEY SKETCHES Designer’s own INK STUDIES AND OILS ON PAPER T. Botero Galleries ALL OTHER RESOURCES Mrs. Howard

dining room WALLS Raymond Goins from RL Goins Chandelier & Pedestals Paul Ferrante through Ainsworth-Noah & Assoc. CHINA AND FLATWARE Hermès SETTEE Edward Ferrell through Ainsworth-Noah chairs Nancy Corzine through Ainsworth-Noah TABLE Cameron Collection through Ainsworth-Noah crystal 1925 Moser through J. Clayton Spears & Co. RUG Edward Fields through Tai Ping Carpets CONSOLE & BAMBOO COLUMN LAMPS Parc Monceau Fine Antiques & Accessories SILK SHADES Edgar-Reeves RAINWATER CHEST & LAMPS Nancy Corzine through Ainsworth-Noah MIRROR Mclain through Ainsworth-Noah GILT STANDS A. Tyner Antiques

breakfast room CUSTOM GEODE DINING TABLE Harmonious Living by Tish Mills SETTEE Charles Pollock through Ernest Gaspard & Assoc. CHANDELIER Ironware International through Ernest Gaspard ANTIQUE PERSIAN RUG Moattar Ltd. UPHOLSTERED STOOLS Custom from Romo Fabric CHEST William Switzer through Ernest Gaspard PAINTINGS Olena Zvyagintseva and Clem Bedwell through TEW Galleries PILLOWS Custom fabricated from Romo Fabric CRYSTAL SPECIMENS Harmonious Living by Tish Mills KITCHEN CABINETRY DCD Kitchen & Bath Studio  HARDWARE Liberty Hardware MARBLE Marmi Natural Stone RANGE Wolf

retreat DAYBED Custom by Amy D. Morris Interiors DAYBED FABRIC Gainsborough by Schumacher MIRROR Custom by Caroline Budd CHANDELIER Lumiere Chandelier through R Hughes PORTER’S CHAIR Coup d’Etat through R Hughes VINTAGE PLEXIGLAS DESK Foxglove Antiques LEATHER DESK CHAIRS Marcali through R Hughes RUG Moattar Ltd. TYPEWRITER ART Andre Petterson through Pryor Fine Art GOLD SHELVES Custom by Bradley Hughes SCONCES Melissa Sconce by the Urban Electric Co. IRON-BASE OCCASIONAL TABLE Holly Hunt through Jerry Pair HANS HOURGLASS TABLE IN POLISHED BRONZE by Jonathan Adler through Pieces BRONZE SEA URCHINS Pieces MAGNIFYING GLASS Hillhouse RUG Moattar, Ltd.

study 18th CENTURY ITALIAN COMMODE Regalo Antiques GILDED MIRROR Custom Abbey Mirror through Bradley Hughes CHANDELIER SUNBURST PENDANT by Tony Duquette for Remains Lighting SOFA Custom through Bradley Hughes PAGODA LAMPS ON STANDS Tony Duquette for Baker Furniture RUG Moattar Ltd. OIL PAINTING Donna Hughes through Bradley Hughes ALL FABRICS Jim Thompson TERRACE FURNISHINGS Michael Taylor Designs BONTANICAL DESIGN Pollen FABRIC Jim Thompson

master bath CUSTOM VANITIES AND BENCH Bell Custom Cabinetry/Inspirations Kitchen & Bath MARBLE AND VANITY ACCESSORIES Ann Sacks FAUCETRY Kallista through Ann Sacks ART Sally King Benedict through Anne Irwin Fine Art ACCENT PILLOWS Paul + Raulet SMALL DRINK TABLE Mattaliano through Jerry Pair master bedroom BED Lee Industries BENCH Björk Antikt & Studio DIAMOND PENDANTS The Urban Electric Co. RUSTIC GARDEN TABLE Provenance Antiques ORGANIC STONEWARE SCULPTURE David Katz through Belvedere INK AND PENCIL STUDIES T. Botero Galleries RUG Tai Ping Carpets BLACK LACQUER CABINET WITH GOLD DETAIL Coup d’Etat through R Hughes GEODE SPECIMENS Harmonious Living by Tish Mills TESORO CORAL BOXES The Mercantile FLOOR LAMP Holly Hunt through Jerry Pair FRETWORK LOUNGE CHAIR McGuire through Baker ANTIQUE MIRROR Ainsworth-Noah DRAPERY FABRIC Arabel Fabrics DRAPERY HARDWARE Vesta BEDDING Restoration Hardware and West Elm BUDDHIST MONK STATUE August Avery ART Bill Lowe Gallery ALL OTHER RESOURCES Mark Williams Design Associates

master bedroom BED Ironies BRANWEN BED through Ainsworth-Noah & Assoc. SKIRTED CHAIR AND ALL FABRICS Rose Tarlow MELROSE HOUSE through Ainsworth-Noah GATE-LEG TABLE, PAINTED BLUE STOOL AND TOLE SCONCES Paul Ferrante through Ainsworth-Noah RUG Mashad circa-1900 Persian through Sullivan Fine Rugs PAINTED SWEDISH GROTTO CHAIRS A. Tyner Antiques IRON TWIG FLOOR LAMP Vaughan through Ainsworth-Noah EGLOSIME MIRROR McLain Wiesand through Ainsworth-Noah GOURD LAMPS Vaughan through Ainsworth-Noah HEADRESTS ON IRON STANDS A. Tyner Antiques ART Huff Harrington Fine Art

master bath TUB AND PLUMBING FIXTURES Elegant Additions ART tina steele lindsey PENDANT LIGHT Björk Antikt & Studio STOOL Ironies through Ainsworth-Noah & Assoc. powder bath CUSTOM VANITY Bell Custom Cabinetry/Inspirations Kitchen & Bath PLUMBING FIXTURES Elegant Additions ART Jules Cosine

dining room CUSTOM CHANDELIER Chateau by Solaria DINING TABLE David Iatesta Garden Table through Ainsworth-Noah & Assoc. DINING CHAIRS Custom Palladio chairs on casters featuring custom-stenciled backs, Susan Ferrier Design by Douglass Workroom PAIR OF WOODEN PEDESTALS AD Antiquity, Birmingham CIRCA-1780 STONE URNS IN IRON ARMATURES AD Antiquity, Birmingham ART COLLECTION From The Architect’s Brother by Robert ParkeHarrison, through Stonehenge Gallery, Nashville COTTON SCRIM DRAPERIES Rose Brand on Phillips Metal Works Hardware by Threads WORKROOM

living room OCHRE SNOOZE SOFA R Hughes MULTI-PART COFFEE TABLE Torque Leaf interlocking tables by Bobby McAlpine for MacRae URN LAMPS Belgravia table lamps by Circa Lighting SIDE TABLE WITH TRAVERTINE TOP Mattaliano through Jerry Pair GILDED PERCHING CHAIR Rose Tarlow Melrose house through Ainsworth-Noah PYRITE ON BASE Jerry Pair GOLD PEAR VASES AND WOODEN EASELS Roost

living room LANTERN SCONCES Ravenspoint in bronze by The Urban Electric Co. SET OF SIX Diminutive Italian Hall CHAIRS Susan Ferrier Design by Jan Hale Studio HAND-KNOTTED VEGETABLE-DYED HAMADAN RUG Designer Carpets SOFA Ironies Coterie sofa through Ainsworth-Noah GOLD PILLOWS Fabricated by Custom Slipcovers from Lewis & Sheron Huarache Gold faux tooled leather COFFEE TABLE David Iatesta Paris Table through Ainsworth-Noah FRENCH ALTAR STICKS Ainsworth-Noah METAL BIRD NEST AND EGGS Jerry Pair GILDED KLISMOS CHAIR David Iatesta Minoan Chair in gold finish through Ainsworth-Noah HUDSON SIDE TABLE IN GOLD Ainsworth-Noah UPHOLSTERED WAIST STOOL Bungalow Classic

den ART “Morning Glories” by Tom Swanston and “The Skin of Heaven” bronze by Margarita Checa, all through Bill Lowe Gallery CHAIRS Donghia Cocktail and Side Tables Knoll AREA RUG Edward Fields through Tai Ping Carpets CANDLESTICKS OwenLawrence

kitchen CABINETRY Bell Custom Cabinetry/Inspirations Kitchen & Bath HARDWARE Matthew Quinn Collection LIGHT FIXTURE Darryl Carter through The Urban Electric Co. ACCESSORIES OwenLawrence terrace ALL ITEMS Lush Life Home & Garden

guest bedroom, at left FOLDING SCREENS AND DESK A. Tyner Antiques SMALL PAINTING Doug Trump through Emily Amy Gallery ALL OTHER ITEMS Carter Kay Interiors guest bedroom, above BED AND CHANDELIER Kathryn Leach Home ART T. Botero Galleries closets Closets and More

DINING ROOM Interior Design by Beth Webb, 425 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite 11B-4, Atlanta 30305. (404) 869-6367; bethwebb.com
LIVING ROOM Interior Design by Phoebe Howard, Mrs. Howard, 425 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite 23, Atlanta 30305. (404) 816-3830; phoebehoward.net
BREAKFAST ROOM Interior Design by Tish Mills, Harmonious Living by Tish Mills, 349 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, ADAC West Suite B5B, Atlanta 30305. (404) 814-3838; harmoniousliving.net  PAIR OF MURANO GLASS LAMPS Steve Jensen through Ernest Gaspard SMALL PAINTING ON STAND Tish Mills Collection ACCESSORIES Harmonious Living by Tish Mills
KITCHEN Kitchen Design by Jeffrey A. Reed, DCD Kitchen & Bath Design Studio, 5250 Brook Hollow Pkwy., Norcross 30071. (678) 325-3600; dcdcabinets.com
RETREAT Interior Design by Amy D. Morris, Amy D. Morris Interiors, 1401 Dresden Dr., Suite 200, Atlanta 30319. (404) 389-0628; amydmorris.com
STUDY AND TERRACE Interior Design by Hutton Wilkinson of Tony Duquette with Stephen Boyd, Tony Duquette Inc. P.O. Box 69858, West Hollywood, CA 90069. (310) 271-4688; tonyduquette.com
MASTER BEDROOM Interior Design by Liz Williams, Liz Williams Interiors, LLC, 345 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Atlanta 30305. (404) 816-9868; lizwilliamsinteriors.com
MASTER BATH AND POWDER BATH Bath Design and Interior Design by Capella Kincheloe, Capella Kincheloe Interior Design, Atlanta. (213) 392-6892; capellakincheloe.com  MASTER BATH: RUG Keivan Woven Arts  POWDER BATH: SCONCES Danlar Lighting MIRROR Capella Kincheloe Interior Design
DINING AND LIVING ROOM Interior Design by Susan Ferrier, McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, 122 North Avondale Rd., Avondale Estates 30002. (404) 501-9200; mcalpineboothferrier.com  LIVING ROOM: SMALL FRAMED PAINTING OF “DRUMMER BOY WITH DOG” AD Antiquity, Birmingham FLOOR LAMP Munder-Skiles MELANGE THROW South of Market TERRACE PLANTER David Iatesta through Ainsworth-Noah LUMBAR PILLOW ON SNOOZE SOFA Lewis & Sheron Airo in Café Noir 9405 brown linen, custom fabricated by Douglass Workroom
DEN Interior Design by William Peace, Peace Design, 349 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite C2, Atlanta 30305. (404) 237-8681; peacedesign.org
KITCHEN Kitchen Design by Michael Bell, Bell Custom Cabinetry/Inspirations Kitchen & Bath, 1250 Alpha Dr., Alpharetta 30004. (770) 751-7861; inspirationskb.com
TERRACE Design by Bill Hudgins, Lush Life Home & Garden, 146 E Andrews Dr. NW, Atlanta 30305. (404) 841-9661; lushlifehomegarden.com
MASTER BATH Bath and Interior Design by Barbara Howard, Marshall Howard Inc., (404) 370-0334; marshallhoward.net
MASTER BEDROOM Interior Design by Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos, Mark Williams Design Associates, 659 Auburn Ave., Suite G-9, Atlanta 30312. (678) 539-6886; markwilliams-design.com  ROMAN RING FLOOR LAMP Holly Hunt through Jerry Pair fretwork lounge chair McGuire through Baker antique mirror Ainsworth-Noah drapery fabric Arabel Fabrics drapery hardware Vesta geode specimens Harmonious Living by Tish Mills tesoro coral boxes The Mercantile bedding restoration Hardware and West Elm buddhist monk statue August Avery steven seinberg painting Bill Lowe Gallery all other items Through Mark Williams Design Associates
BEDROOM Interior Design by Carter Kay and Nancy Hooff, Carter Kay Interiors, 318 Broadland Rd. NW, Atlanta 30342. (404) 261-8119; carterkayinteriors.com
BEDROOM Interior Design by Kathryn Leach, Leach Associates Inc., 2860 Piedmont Rd. NE, Suite C, Atlanta 30305. (404) 231-9233; leachassoc.com
MASTER CLOSETS Closet Design by Peggy Snider-Houghton, Closets and More Inc., 1146 King Industrial Dr., Marietta 30062. (770) 421-0211; closetsandmore.com