September 19, 2014

There’s an idyllic spot just south of the airport in Atlanta that is in complete contrast to my busy city. It’s a town called Serenbe that is made up of four hamlets – yes, I said hamlets – that hone in on arts, agriculture health and education. Instead of major art centers, crowded restaurants and too much traffic, the Serenbe community houses a charming playhouse, boutique shopping, art galleries and trail riding. 

I had the opportunity to go there last weekend to visit the Serenbe Designer Showhouse, a collaboration of 12 designers over three different floors of one of the most magnificent houses I have ever seen. The English-inspired “cottage” featured a plethora of well-dressed spaces, including a mudroom, master bathroom suite, guest retreat, gentleman’s office, open kitchen and terrace garden. 

Main Floor

Janie Hirsch (J. Hirsch Interior Design) designed this beautiful, timeless kitchen to be the heart of the home – a gathering place for entertaining and a place of comfort. Shades of white and gray are true to today’s trends, and hanging lanterns add more warmth to the space. 

Lanah Jackson of Robert Brown Interior Design designed the dining room, which she calls a new take on the classic Cotswold-style home – with eclectic furnishings and contemporary artwork. The light fixture incorporates its cords into the design, and the space, which is directly across from the kitchen – is light and airy. 

The master suite was designed by Yvonne McFadden and features the master bed, bath (first picture above) and walk-in closet. A freestanding soaking tub is the focal point of the bathroom, which also features shades of gray and white like the kitchen. A bench was incorporated into the shower area, which features detailed stonework throughout.

The living room by Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier was designed with pretty much every interest in mind – be it reading a book, doing a puzzle in the bay window nook, curling up to the fireplace or watching television with loved ones. Her choice in seating in the bay window doesn’t impede the lovely view outside, which can be challenge. 

The powder room (with the amazing piscine wallpaper), laundry room and mudroom were designed by James Wheeler of J. Wheeler Designs. “Designing [these spaces] gave me the opportunity to show that everyday spaces can be sophisticated,” he explained. “I’ve used a color palette of jewel tones, and I’ve applied out the box elements, including wall coverings and fabrics, to elevate each room’s aesthetic. Washer and dryer by Bosch.

The rear porch, designed by Hope Vanzant of HMS Designs, features an edible “living wall” with peppers and spices. 

Kerry Howard designed the entry foyer and stair hall to illustrate what he calls a “story of a family of collectors.” A bold light fixture extends up the stairs to the second floor.

Second Floor

Moving to the second floor, Julie Witzel of Julie Witzel Interior Design was in charge of the gentleman’s office and hall. Warm woods and ample lighting in this space make way for creativity and repose, according to Witzel. 

The guest retreat and bath were designed by Karen Ferguson of Harrison Design. Double – but separate vanities – and a pillow-like texture on the shower walls are the highlights of this guest bath. 

Terrace

Moving to the terrace level, I was genuinely and pleasantly surprised by these spaces. The bed and bath by Niki Papadopoulos of Mark Williams Design Associates features the designer’s philosophy of mixing scale, pattern and texture. 

The terrace family room designed by Melanie Davis Bracey of Melanie Davis Design encompassed two spaces – one open and wide and the other more intimate and personal. The drapes on the far side of the smaller room create the illusion of more space beyond those walls. 

The terrace garden was jointly designed by Missy Madden and H. Todd Yeager of Bellwether Landscape Architects and was one of many outdoor extensions of the beautiful home. 

If you live in or near Atlanta or are planning a visit this month, I would definitely suggest  you check this out this amazing and inspirational house. It’s open through Sept. 28, and it’s quite a sight to see.