Holiday Showhouse Inspires Unique Designs You Can Recreate

We’re putting all of the chic designs found inside (and out) the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ Home for the Holidays showhouse on our Christmas list. From statement vignettes to tile mosaics fit for the walls, crazy, handmade wall installations and treasured holiday touches in every room, every detail brings us cheer that’s sure to last beyond the holiday season.

Tucked into historic Brookhaven, this new home is drenched in unique, sophisticated design ideas from local designers we love. Every room offers gasp-worthy style moments that force you to grab your camera as much as you’d like to remain still to take it all in. Here’s what we learned. 

You Can Have Holiday in Every Room

I always wonder how to sneak in touches of holiday when I spend a lot of time and energy on the tree. Here, no space was spared, and the ideas are easy.

• Add swags on the staircase and above doorways
• Use garland galore 
• Toss a few sparkling ornaments into soap dishes or display bowls and trays 
• Swap out centerpieces for seasonal trees, winter deer, sprigs of greenery and even some twinkling lights

My favorite takeaways: Hanging wreaths over artwork, putting a tree in every room, but sparing myself the trimming (organic is in, so other than a few lights or simple bows, let it breathe).

Tile Is Always Worth the Splurge

Not one bathroom floor was an afterthought, and the statement making mosaics found throughout the showhouse illustrate that this is the element of your bathroom worth the splurge. Don’t shy away from geometric patterns or mosaics full of color, and play around with sizes and shapes. 

My favorites: Triangles and the color combination from Cathy Rhodes, of Cathy Rhodes Interiors and the art deco half moons from Huff Harrington Design, both found in the bathrooms upstairs.

Yours Walls Can Speak Volumes 

There is so much unique art donning the walls throughout the showhouse (some local, some flown in from Europe), but our homes really start to tell their own story when the artwork is like something your visitors have never seen before. On the upper landing, Emily Dunn, of Emily Dunn Interiors, flew in artist Ran Adler from Naples, Florida to install rare silk tree thorns to mimic the swirling movement of birds. It’s fascinating, and second only to the mahogany pod installation Adler did on the next level down–both the perfect way to let your eyes travel down this huge, 3-story wall. 

• Try hanging an empty frame around a 3D object
• Mix materials with your frames so it feels more like a gallery
• Hang unexpected objects on the wall, like greenery, branches or bulky items

Honorable Mentions: The blue and cream square tiles installed in the study bathroom from Jessica Whitley, of Jessica Whitley Studio and the butterflies in the his-and-hers game room from Lisa Brown with Pure Design House. 

A Vignette is Art In Itself 

One thing that catches your eye, no matter what room you’re touring, is the subtle vignette found on bookcases, coffee tables, you name it. Each is curated with sophisticated delicacy and offers culture, character and a touch of personality to a room. 

• Gather old books topped with interesting statuettes
• Pour Mahjong tiles into a glittering display bowl
• Top stacks of coffee table books with vintage artifacts
• Invest in a gorgeous barware collection and keep it out, stocked and ready for service

My Favorites: The holiday cocktail-inspired barware in the upstairs lounge

Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ Home for the Holidays showhouse runs through Dec. 14. You can see a complete list of the designers and sponsors, and check tour dates and times for the Home for the Holidays showhouse at atlantaholidayhome.com