The 2010 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House will comprise two elegant residences on the 41st floor of The Mansion on Peachtree, a Rosewood Hotel & Residence.
The Mansion residences feature lavish amenities including spa services at 29 Spa by Lydia Mondavi and a true culinary experience at Craft, one of the restaurants of Chef Tom Colicchio, a James Beard Award winner.
The Christmas House, again a benefit for the Alliance Children’s Theatre, will be open to the public for tours Thursdays through Sundays, beginning Friday, November 26, and will close December 12. Traditional highlights of the annual Christmas House include Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts Holiday Boutique, the Holiday Tabletop display, Product Showcase, art from local galleries, and ongoing programs and seminars. This year’s house promises more holiday decorating ideas than ever before!
The two residences will feature some of Atlanta’s—and the country’s—top design talent. Complete details, including a special Champagne and candlelight tour, can be found on the Official Atlanta Christmas House website.
This year’s designers, in brief:
Hutton Wilkinson, Tony Duquette, Inc., with Stephen Boyd
Celebrated designer Hutton Wilkinson, Tony Duquette, Inc., is designing one of his signature spaces in the residences at this year’s Christmas House. He is being assisted by Atlanta designer Stephen Boyd. Hutton Wilkinson was born in Los Angeles, and grew up in the architectural offices of his father and grandfather. At eighteen he had the opportunity to apprentice under the great American design icon, Tony Duquette. Wilkinson worked for Duquette as a volunteer apprentice for two years and then as a paid assistant designer for three years before starting his own interior design firm. While self-employed Wilkinson continued his professional association with Tony Duquette collaborating in partnership with the great designer on a myriad of projects over the next twenty-five years. Besides his own commissions, designing custom interiors for Alida Davison Rockefeller, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Stanfill, a palace complex in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for Princes Tarfa Bin Abdul Aziz and executive offices for Twentieth Century Fox Film Corp., Wilkinson with Duquette collaborated on interiors for Mr. and Mrs. Norton Simon, Herb Alpert and Doris Duke as well as houses in Paris, France and Venice, Italy for Mr. and Mrs. John N. Rosekrans. In 1994 Wilkinson and Duquette officially became business partners, Wilkinson purchasing one half of the Tony Duquette Studios Inc. as well as the international trademarks to the name “Tony Duquette.”
In 1998 Wilkinson and Duquette, at the invitation of the Bergdorf Goodman store in Manhattan, launched a collection of one-of-a-kind, fine jewelry, which has been popularly accepted by both the public and the fashion press. Since the success of this new enterprise, Wilkinson has devoted much of his time to the design of these unique jeweled creations under the “Tony Duquette” trademark. These jewels have been used by such varied designers as Tom Ford, Gucci; Oscar de la Renta; Balmain; and Badgley Mischka to name a few of the many designers who have requested his one of a kind jewelry for Tony Duquette.
After the passing of Mr. Duquette in September of 1999, Wilkinson as owner, creative director and president of Tony Duquette Inc. continues to design and market fine jewelry as well as a collection of home furnishings for Baker Furniture, textiles for Jim Thompson, lighting for Remains Lighting and tabletop accessories and interior decorations under the registered international trademark, “Tony Duquette” and Tony Duquette Inc.
Hutton’s book with Wendy Goodman, Tony Duquette which chronicles the great designer’s life and oeuvre was published by Abrams Books in November 2007. The first edition printing of 10,000 copies sold out before Abrams could ship it from their warehouse, the book being number one in its category on Amazon.com and one of the one hundred top selling books in the world during November and December 2007. A second edition was released in early February 2008. The book is now in it’s third printing. He is also the author of More is More: Tony Duquette.
Mr. Wilkinson is the president of The Anthony and Elizabeth Duquette Foundation for the Living Arts, a non-profit public foundation dedicated to presenting museum quality exhibitions of artistic, scientific and educational value and to purchasing, preserving and promoting the works of Tony Duquette. Mr. Wilkinson is also a member of the board of directors of “Save Venice Inc.” a non-profit American organization dedicated to preserving historic works of art and monuments in Venice, Italy. tonyduquette.com, huttonwilkinson.com
Amy Morris, Amy D. Morris Interiors
Amy Morris graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and interior design in 1999. But while still in school, she interned at Gandy/Peace Inc., where her interest in contemporary design was brought to life. Morris then worked with Barbara Westbrook for five years, where she acquired an appreciation for both traditional and French modern designs. Combining those collective influences to form a transitional aesthetic, Morris opened her own interior design firm—Amy D. Morris Interiors—in 2005, specializing in a relaxed style that also pays special attention to the architecture, balance, scale, light and color of an interior space. She has completed projects across the Southeast, from Atlanta to Baton Rouge, Amelia Island to Orange Beach, Florida. Her work was featured on the cover of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ July 2009 issue when she was one of the magazine’s 2009 Bath of the Year contest winners. Morris has also appeared in Traditional Home. She’s also participated in Christmas at Callanwolde and the Holiday House at Glenridge Hall. amydmorris.com
Beth Webb, Beth Webb Interiors
Beth Webb has more than 12 years of experience as an interior designer. She believes that scale, proportion and a sense of timelessness are the foundations of any successful interior, whether it’s traditional, eclectic or contemporary. Her projects range from homes in Georgia to estates in Greenwich, Connecticut. The design firm has been published in Coastal Living, Better Homes & Gardens, Atlanta Style & Design, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Elle Decor. She has regularly participated in several show houses, including the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House and the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Showhouse & Gardens. Webb was also first runner up for the “2009 Best Kitchen and Living Room” in Southern Accents. bethwebb.com
Phoebe Howard, Mrs. Howard
Fourteen years ago, Phoebe and Jim Howard opened the doors to their first store, Mrs. Howard, in Jacksonville, Florida, hoping to demystify the decorating process for their customers. The goal was simple: to create a retail space that showcased Jim’s architectural and decorating talent, and Phoebe’s natural skills for buying, decorating and merchandising. With equal parts of exceptional customer service and a well-rounded mix of furniture, antiques and accessories, the store was an instant success. Five years later, they added another store, Max & Company, which features a younger, more modern appeal. Now, the Howards have Mrs. Howard and Max & Company stores in Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Florida, Charlotte, North Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia.
Over the years, Phoebe Howard’s penchant for creating stylish spaces has evolved into her own brand of decorating, which has garnered praise from national media as well as her clients. Known for her fresh take on traditional style, Phoebe’s work can only be characterized by its timelessness and her mantra to “keep it pretty.” While she is recognized as one of the foremost authorities on Southern style, Phoebe is well regarded for her business acumen as well, catering to both homeowners as well as other members of the design community (including decorators, interior designers and architects) who have embraced the Mrs. Howard aesthetic for their own clients. Through her shops, she was one of the first entrepreneurs in Florida to introduce unique domestic and international lines to the area. And today, she continues to scour the globe for new products for her stores and clients, as well as create her own exclusive line of pillows, lamps, mirrors and case goods.
The Mrs. Howard and Max & Company shops, as well as Phoebe’s own decorating projects, are a veritable library of design inspiration, and have been published in Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Cottage Living, Southern Accents, InStyle and Traditional Home, among others. phoebehoward.net
Tish Mills, Harmonious Living by Tish Mills
Tish Mills literally grew up in the development and design world, as the daughter of a prominent resort, hotel and commercial developer. However, instead of following directly into that part of the business, Tish realized at a young age that her passion centered around transforming spaces into unique environments for each client. And, because of her roots, she is able to work very closely with any architect and builder to create her designs.
Tish is an Allied Member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), the nation’s most prominently accredited design organization. Since joining ASID, Tish has consistently chaired a committee to help give back to the profession. In addition, the ASID has recognized Tish for her accomplishments including a 2005 Design Excellence Award for her work.
She was asked to participate in the Elle Décor Dining by Design event to support DIFFA (Design Industries Fight Against AIDS). She thoroughly enjoyed the worthwhile event and was thrilled when the editor-in-chief of Elle Décor wanted to meet and congratulate her on the design, which was themed after the Great Barrier Reef, including baby sharks in a tank placed in the middle of the table.
Tish has also been featured in numerous publications as well as two coffee table books on interior design. One book highlighted the top showhouses across the country, including the Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Showhouse, Kips Bay in New York and the National Showhouse in Washington. Tish was again thrilled to have her work chosen to be highlighted in such top tier national company.
Tish has participated in several top Atlanta showhouse events, including Christmas House. As a result of her showhouse work, Tish has been hired by two of the showhouse homeowners to design the entire house after the event. harmoniousliving.net
Liz Williams, Liz Williams Interiors
Liz Williams is an Atlanta native and a graduate of the College of Charleston. She holds a BFA in interior design from Georgia State University. After working for the Atlanta design firm Carter Kay Interiors for 5 years, Liz started her own design firm in 1998.
Since then, Liz has participated in the 2000, 2001, and 2002 Atlanta Symphony Decorator’s Show Houses, the 2003 and 2008 Alliance Children’s Theater Christmas Houses, the 2004 Brookhaven Tour of Homes benefiting Ronald McDonald Houses, and Elle Decor’s Dining by Design benefiting DIFFA.
In January 2000, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles named Liz one of “Six Young Designers Worth Watching.” She was also listed in the article “20 Under 40 – The Next Wave of Local Talent” in the March 2007 issue of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
Liz has been published in various magazines including Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. Decorating Magazine, Better Homes and Gardens, Window and Wall, Bedroom and Bath and Baby Decor. Her work can be seen in Atlanta, St. Simons Island, MacRae, and Lake Oconee, Georgia; Amelia Island, Florida; Highlands and Raleigh, North Carolina; and Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. lizwilliamsinteriors.com
Carter Kay and Nancy Hooff, Carter Kay Interiors
For 25 years, Carter Kay Interiors has translated our clients’ needs and realized them in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chattanooga, Dallas, DeBourdieu, SC, Sea Island and as far away as Southampton, New York, Ennis, Montana and Los Cabos, Mexico. The firm’s relationship fosters a sense of adventure, and they view their collaboration as exciting and fun.
The firm’s commissions include houses designed from the ground up as well as renovations and interior design updates. Working hand in hand with architects and contractors always insures the best results. The firm has been published in numerous magazines, including Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Décor, Beautiful Homes and Coastal Living. carterkayinteriors.com
Susan Ferrier, McAlpine, Booth & Ferrier Interiors
Though she’s a New York native, Susan Ferrier found herself graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in the deep South. Her varied life experiences have made her a uniquely perceptive designer; with a sophisticated eye for color and texture, as well as a natural curiosity and attraction to objects with a sense of heart, Ferrier is known for calming spaces that inspire. In 2000, Ferrier partnered with Bobby McAlpine and Ray Booth to form McAlpine Booth & Ferrier Interiors, with clients in diverse regions across the United States—from New England to the Florida coast, Chicago to California. Their work has been published in House Beautiful, Southern Accents, Veranda, Traditional Home, House & Garden (both British and American editions), ElleDecor, Beautiful Southern Homes, Portico and on HGTV. The firm has participated in show houses in Nashville and, most recently, The Laurel on Manhattan’s Upper East Side for House Beautiful. mcalpineboothferrier.com
Kathryn Leach, Leach Associates Inc.
Kathryn Leach is an internationally recognized interior designer and owner of Kathryn Leach Home, a home furnishings boutique in Buckhead. She began her career as an in-house interior designer for Turner Broadcasting System, where she designed the original CNN Headline News on-air set. Her next professional step was as director of design for Nix, Mann & Associates, in charge of all health care and corporate office projects. In 1988, she launched Leach Associates, Inc., specializing in corporate and residential environments as well as those in the health care and hospitality industries.
Leach’s creative process led her to become involved with creative organizations such as The International Color Marketing Group. Serving as chairman of the group’s Color Forecasting Committee allowed Leach to hone her instincts and passion for projecting colors. Leach was recently named to the Board of Directors for Florida State University. kathrynleachhome.com
William Peace, Peace Design
A leading force in the interior design community for more than 25 years, William Peace is known for sophisticated, approachable interiors that are clearly defined. Founder of Peace Design, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Atlanta and Bozeman, Peace has created interiors for signature residences, destination restaurants, museums and select showrooms throughout the country. His timeless, classic interiors incorporate quality materials, exquisite textiles and architectural lighting to define the character of each space. A sense of continuity and simplicity is a common thread that runs throughout all of Peace Design’s projects. Peace has been featured in Veranda, Architectural Digest, Western Interiors and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and, most recently, in the new book Ranches of the American West. He has also been a frequent guest on radio and television interior design programs. Peace is the recipient of numerous national and regional awards, including the prestigious National ASID Project Award for residential interiors and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center’s Southeast Designer of the Year award. His strong belief in education and contribution led him to serve on the Board of Trustees of the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of Design and as a current member of the advisory committee for the College of Design at the University of Kentucky, his alma mater. The college recently opened the Peace Gallery in honor of his commitment to the program’s development. peacedesign.org
Bill Hudgins, Lush Life Homes & Garden
As owner and chief designer of Lush Life Home & Garden, Bill Hudgins helms a home and garden boutique with a wide array of offerings, including complete design-build landscape services—from estate to container gardening—and on-sight nursery and a greenhouse overflowing with a large variety of exceptional plants, exotic trees, boxwoods and Japanese maples. Additionally, the store is filled with home and garden accessories, containers, luxury gifts and garden ornaments. Fine floral designs, seasonal greenery, premium orchids and beautifully designed compositions are this shop’s staple. Lush Life has been featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and on HGTV.com. Hugdins has participated in a number of Atlanta Symphony Associates’ Decorators’ Show House & Gardens, the 2006 and 2007 Alliance Children’s Theatre Christmas House 2008 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House. lushlifehomegarden.com
Barbara Howard, Marshall Howard Interior Design
With more than 20 years of experience, Barbara Howard has won nine awards (seven of them gold and silver) from the American Society of Interior Designers Georgia Chapter for her residential and commercial interior design work. Additionally, she won two awards in Southern Accents’ National Interior Design contest, including the Grand Prize. And this year, she received an award for best bedroom in the Southeast Designer of the Year competition. Howard has been published in Southern Accents, Skirt!, Today’s Custom Home, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Decatur Living, Atlanta Magazine’s Home and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, as well as the book Beautiful Interiors by Charles Gandy and Chris Little. Howard has appeared on HGTV’s Interiors by Design and participated in the Atlanta Symphony Associates’ 2005 Decorators’ Show House & Gardens as well as the 2005 and 2009 Christmas House. She is a graduate of the University of Georgia. marshallhoward.net
Capella Kincheloe, Capella Kincheloe Interior Design
Kicheloe is an interior designer and the producer of the popular design blog, A Curated Lifestyle. She formerly worked in Los Angeles for the acclaimed designer Michael S. Smith—the current White House decorator—for four years. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California, and, after graduation, worked in production design for film and television. Her last project The Prestige was nominated for an Academy Award in Production Design. Her sophisticated style while casual and friendly, incorporates a strong sense of history with a global feel. Capella has worked on large and small residential projects all over the world. This talented designer has completed projects from Spain to Malibu to Lake Placid, providing interior decoration, residential remodeling and new home design. capellakincheloe.com
Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos, Mark Williams Design Associates
After graduating from The Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in architecture, Mark Williams worked at architectural and interior firms large and small, and then helped found Laslie-Williams Inc. with Scott Laslie in 1998. In 2007, Williams opened a new design collaborative, Mark Williams Design Associates, which focuses on both architectural and interior design. Niki Papadopoulos joined Laslie-Williams in 2002 as an intern. She graduated from American InterContinental University with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts in 2006 and then became part of the design staff on a full-time basis. Papadopoulos joined Williams when he founded Mark Williams Design Associates. Williams and Papadopoulos enjoy working on all types of projects, from high-end residential to multi-family, commercial and educational design. By developing a multidisciplinary design team, the two have been able to effectively marry the two practices, and provide an underlying understanding of how the built environment—and the objects which occupy it—can balance one another. markwilliams-design.com
Peggy Snider Houghton, Closets and More
An award-winning design firm, Closets and More has been in business for 18 years and is composed of 15 consultants with years of experience in creating functional, attractive organization systems in an array of exquisite materials and finishes. Believers in helping people get more out of life, this company helps its clients to achieve the peace of mind that comes from knowing that order has been restored to their home. In addition to their many residential and commercial projects, Closets and More has made a commitment to the community through a 14-year participation in the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Show House & Gardens. They have also participated in the Southern Living Idea House, Atlanta Magazine’s Dream Home, the Points North Signature Show House, the Golf Digest Dreamhome at Reynolds Plantation, Golf magazine’s Show House at Reynolds Plantation and the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Christmas House. Closets and More has been published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Southern Living, Closet Magazine, Intown, Atlanta Magazine, Golf Digest and Golf magazine. Other recognition includes Consumer’s Choice; Angie’s List—Best Showroom and National Closet Group Best Overall Closet Company. closetsandmore.com
Kitchens & Baths
This year’s kitchens and baths will feature beautiful designs from leading local businesses and national companies, including Mike Bell of Inspirations Kitchen & Bath, Diversified Cabinet Distributors, Ann Sacks and Traditions in Tile.
Bonus!
In addition to touring the two residences on the 41st floor, visitors to this year’s Christmas House will also be able to partake in two events on the 42nd floor. Guests will have the opportunity to tour an entire designer model residence by John Oetgen of Oetgen Design and an amazing holiday pop-up shop curated by Dan Belman and Randy Korando of Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts.
John Oetgen, Oetgen Design
Oetgen holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Georgia State University and was named one of the most influential designers in America in House Beautiful’s 100th anniversary issue. Established in 1977, Oetgen Design has completed significant residential and commercial projects across the country. The designer’s extensive community involvement earned him the first Community Service Award from the Atlanta Market Center in 1995. The company has been featured in numerous magazines—including House Beautiful, Elle Decor, W, Better Homes & Gardens, Interior Design, Southern Accents, Veranda, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles an Esquire—and been featured in many books about design. oetgendesign.com
Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts
Founded in 1995, Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts has received numerous awards, including Best Home Accessories Shop, Best Perennial Garden Shop, Best Garden Gift Shop, Best of Atlanta Hall of Fame by Atlanta magazine and has been named one of the top 50 retail establishments in the country. Boxwoods is well-known for its attractive home accessories, one-of-a-kind antiques, fine giftware, fashion-forward jewelry and purses, creative floral compositions, fabulous garden and architectural treasures, live plants, life-like artificials, affordable planters and original art work. In addition to participating in 18 years of Atlanta Symphony Associates (ASA) Decorators’ ShowHouse & Gardens, the work of Randy Korando and Dan Belman has been published in Traditional Home, Veranda, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Magazine’s Home, Garden Design, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Decorative Home, Dossier, Home Accents Today, Best of Atlanta and Victorian Home and Style Magazine and more. Korando holds a degree in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscape Design while Belman holds a dual-degree in Business Management and Business Marketing. boxwoodsonline.com
