Galleries: Trends & Inspirations
A Personal Tour of the Southeastern Designer Showhouse
Dining Room, designed by Mrs. Howard and Max & Co., Southeastern Designer Showhouse
What inspired you as you created this room? “The beautiful grasscloth from Cowtan and Tout that had so many luscious colors of green, which I carried throughout our room.”
Anything else we should know? “Dark moody dining tables look their best at night – filled with candles and flowers and laughter.” – Phoebe Howard
Paneled Study, designed by Wyeth Ray Interiors
What were your inspirations? “I knew as soon as I saw the artwork (by Vee Speers at Jackson Fine Art) that the woman was going to be not only the inspiration for the room, but also the focal point. I love everything about her and really created a story in which formed the rest of the space. In my mind, she is standing watch right of the foyer and guarding the home. She is both modern and timeless, which influenced the mix of furnishings such as the clean lined Jiun Ho sofa to the traditional desk from Formations.”
What are some fun facts/tidbits about this space, the items in it, the reason behind the color scheme, why that chair, etc.? “I took colors from the art and used them to move your eye around the space. The custom Kyle Bunting rug specifically grounds the space in such a beautiful way while feeling like it was always meant to be there. I fell in love with the 18th C. Italian fragments the instant I saw them at A. Tyner. While they were already 6.5 feet tall, I raised them another foot to create balance on the opposite wall of the artwork. They pair beautifully with the other elements in the space.” – Whitney Ray
Salon, designed by Robert Brown Interior Design, Southeastern Designer Showhouse
Describe the person/people you see living in this room. “Our most successful showhouse rooms of the last few years have been designed as if I were living in the space. This works best when a client is not part of the puzzle. We have the chance to explore and consider designs that we are interested in. We are in a place where we do not over-design to get attention or make a statement. As we do in all of work, we want to do spaces that are sensible and enjoyable.”
What was challenging in this space? “The design challenge was considering the scale of the room. We chose furniture that is properly scaled for the space, yet comfortable for it to be enjoyed. For example, the main sofa is 120-in. long – much longer than standard. The amount of furniture items make it work so that a big group would be comfortable. Pieces are movable and interesting in shape and scale.” – Robert Brown
Pool Lounge and Bar, designed by Melanie Turner Interiors
What was your goal in this space? “The original space was a screened porch turned into a lounge. We wanted the room to feel like you still had that screened porch feel with the comfort of being inside. The California-style of the house gives the open experience and the magnitude of the great outdoors, while the marble floor gives a nod to Art Deco. Venetian plaster walls and ceilings create an open and light space.”
Describe the person/people you see living in this room. “We see travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, book worms, Sunday paper-readers, board game players and everything in between loving this room. The indoor-outdoor feel allows people to experience an at-home vacation.” – Melanie Turner
Bedroom & Bath, designed by Michele Johnson Design
Where did you get the idea for this space? “My start in design began with nurseries, so I felt urged to pay homage to that. I created a new type of nursery, which I’m calling a Grande Creche, which is French for a nursery for your grandchildren. It’s a sophisticated update to the traditional nursery.” – Michele Johnson
Talk about some of the more fun elements in this room. “The playroom (closet) wallpaper screams Art Deco, as well as so many architectural elements of the home. The bedroom wallpaper is at first a very feminine color palette but with sultry earth undertones, which are my personal favorite as a designer. The sofa is so loungy; the grandmother entertains her grands here while wearing her most fabulous gown, lying on the sofa having a martini while the littles play in the floor and peruse the Andy Warhol coloring book.” – Michele Johnson
Bedroom & Bath, designed by Nellie Jane Ossi, Southeastern Designer Showhouse
What was your inspiration? “When my mother, Phoebe Howard, did her first showhouse, she did a pink bedroom. It has become an iconic room of hers that many still refer to and love (including myself!). When I was asked to participate in this show, I thought it would be so special if I created a modern take on the classic pink bedroom.
Describe the person/people you see living in this room. “I see this bedroom as a reflection of the modern woman. A transformative, chic take on pink that isn’t the traditional delicate pink – instead it’s glamorous and empowering. I injected notes of silvers and champagne to brighten it up and add a layer of luxury.” – Nellie Jane Ossi
Bedroom and Bath, designed by Amy Newell Designs & Events
What inspired you as you created this room? “The inspiration for this guest bedroom came from a visit to France. I loved the feeling of breeze wistfully moving through the bedroom and how the serene light reflects of each piece feeling so intentional and meant for every corner of that room.”
What is a standout piece in this space? “The piece above the desk has a skirt made by quilling. Quilling is an art that’s centuries old, which was important to the overall feeling of this room. Another aspect is the fabric in each panel of the pelmet. Each panel on the valance has a different scene creating a beautiful narrative in the fabric.” – Amy Newell
Media Lounge by Bailey Ward Interiors
What inspired you as you created this room? “I started designing this space in the dead of winter as I was excitedly craving and looking forward to spring. People are spending so much time at home in this time, and I was so inspired to create a more formal but also fun and fresh take on your typical basement.”
What was challenging about this project for you? “On a personal note, I started this project when my baby girl had just arrived prematurely and was in the NICU at Piedmont Hospital. Due to COVID, we could only spend 4 hours a day with her for the first 48 days of her life. This project brought me so much purpose and so much joy in a tough season for our family.” – Bailey Ward
Lockers & Laundry, designed by Studio Wellington
What was your inspiration? “Our inspiration was derived from the juxtaposition of Art Deco to our modern age. Our goal was to bring forth relevant materials and styles that would evoke the great designers of those periods, with the functionality of life today. For example: The Shagreen wallpaper, from Cowtan & Tout felt like an updated take on something Jean Michel Frank would have used. The mohair cornice, with Schumacher fabric, brought to our mind something we might find in Gatsby’s grand mansion.”
Describe the person/people you see living in this room. “In our dream world, Gatsby would walk these halls and throw lavish parties—that we would clearly be invited to. In reality, we hope that a modern-day family finds themselves surrounded by a space created with a functional sophistication, that inspires even the most mundane tasks of their day-to-day lives.” – Ashley Malone & Stephanie Abernathy