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

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CHRISTMAS HOUSE, VISIT
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So we now have a fabulous new kitchen layout that functions well and breathes new life into this space.  However, as always, the details will make or break it and we still have some challenges ahead of us such as the ceiling height and low windows in front of the sinks.

I have found the best way to “raise” a ceiling is to paint the walls and ceiling the same color.  If there is a color change between the wall and ceiling, you have drawn attention to the one line in the room you are trying to hide.  Furthermore, painting the cabinets the same color as the walls will allow them to visually recede into the walls enlarging the space.  Minimizing wall cabinets and using tall groupings of appliances and storage will also help “verticalize” the space.   Again, instead of drawing the eye down and horizontal to the space between the countertop and wall cabinet, a tall cabinet becomes one vertical element and makes us look up.  Wall cabinets were unavoidable in this kitchen but by attaching panels to them that extend to the countertop, “hutch ends”, we will further elongate that all important vertical line.

Placing the sinks in front of the windows that overlook the front yard is essential to the new plan, however, the window sill is 12” lower than the countertop.  A well will have to be created between the window and sink to allow access to the window. Finishing the back side of the cabinet and installing a decorative backsplash from the countertop material turns this challenge into a design opportunity.  I actually had this same situation at the 2006 ASO Showhouse where I used a wood countertop and a marble sink.

Challenges conquered, now it is time to select all of the gorgeous colors, materials and surfaces.  I always start with the floor as it is becomes the foundation of the design scheme.  Here we were working with an existing oak floor but we were able to stain it darker using my favorite mix of half Jacobean and half Special Walnut stains.  Next I like to pick countertops and luckily, Marmi found us the most amazing marble on the planet.  So now that we have two major decisions done, we can work on completing the rest of this “outfit”.  A taupe colored suit would complement the dark brown shoes and our marbled dress shirt with accents of merlot, sage, greys and taupes, therefore, we will paint our perimeter cabinets taupe and the island cabinets a slightly darker shade of the same color just for fun.  This taupe color will look great next to the two stainless steel Dacor refrigerators.  The pewter and scagliola hood, a Matthew Quinn Collection exclusive from Francois and Co., becomes the hat, the camel-glazed ceramic tile from Renaissance Tile becomes the tie, the black walnut island tops from Craft-Art the belt to match the shoes and the polished nickel sconces and hardware from Matthew Quinn Collection the cufflinks and watch.

The patterns, shapes and trims are next and an important step in marrying this new kitchen to the existing homes architecture.  Adding soft curves and circles to the rooms rectangular shape and existing beamed ceiling seemed right.  Fortunately, we had many elements to inspire us with interesting iron, lead and millwork designs throughout the house.

The mirrored doors over the ovens were inspired by the clearstory window.

The sink and hood backsplash were inspired by the crown molding in the living room.

We custom made the gently radiused stainless steel apron front sinks complete with a gooseneck faucet by Matthew Quinn Collection for the Rubinet Faucet Co. 

Perfect circles of pewter are recessed into the walnut island countertops playing off the round chandeliers above.

Together, this ensemble is timeless, sophisticated, elegant, textural, colorful and head turning.  And, yes, I am “dressing” this kitchen with lots of my own MQC products, but why would I not wear things that I love.  

On Friday, I will reveal as much as I can without breaking any indecent exposure laws…..

We had so much fun and received such great feedback and questions from last year’s blog about the journey to the completion of 2009 Atlanta Symphony Decorators’ Show House; we could not resist doing it again. This year the show house is back on more familiar ground in a historic Colonial-Revival style home in Tuxedo Park versus last year’s show house in the newly opened St. Regis. Last year we chronicled the design process of one of the modern kitchens we presented, while this year we will share our adventures of designing, renovating and installing this traditional kitchen. Clearly, there will be some similarities as we approach the design process the same way no matter what the project; but this year we had some unique challenges.

This particular home means something to me. I had just started as an intern at Design Galleria in 1993 when Cliff Wang and Kathy Gregorcyk were installing a new kitchen into this home. This house was the first job site I visited and the first kitchen installation I experienced. It made gutting the kitchen especially hard but also exhilarating and exciting to see what the new guard at Design Galleria could do in the same space 17 years later.

People really do not live today much differently than they did in 1993. The original kitchen was actually still in great shape and the layout of the kitchen would still be considered appropriate for a modern family. The first thing that dates a kitchen is the appliances. We could have simply exchanged the appliances, replaced the hood and backsplash and a faucet here and there and this could have worked…but what kind of challenge is that? We wanted to do more; let’s remember, this is a show house!

Pictures of the original kitchen

The original kitchen had a 36” wide refrigerator, 36” wide freezer, 48” wide range, a warming drawer, microwave, main sink, prep sink, one dishwasher, desk and a rather small walk-in pantry. The island layout really separated the kitchen from the keeping room which was intentional, so whoever was cooking was not disturbed by all the hustle and bustle. The refrigerator and freezer were placed symmetrically on each side of the range while a desk and shallow pantry backed up to the powder room and pantry concealing a dumbwaiter to the garage. The biggest challenge in this space is the ceiling height of 8’6” with existing 6” tall beams. We are going to have to pull some ceiling elevating tricks out of our hat to make this kitchen feel taller.

Original kitchen plan

Stay tuned next week for the changes we made to the plan.

As it turns out, the mugs are produced in only a limited batch of colors that do not include the hot blue-green hue we’re all currently clamoring for, but you can still make the splurge ($14.75) for the very similar PANTONE 3272C Turquoise in a pinch. Sam Flax also sells them in 13 other striking shades for your every color mood.

Still, I believe the best colors are those that have the power to transcend trends as much as they remain rooted in the classics. So today, I thought I’d share my favorite turquoise-accented rooms that have been previously published in the pages of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. They demonstrate turquoise’ timeless staying power while revealing the keen eyes for design our local talents continue to have, despite the season:

A quiet coastal porch designed by Carter Kay recalls the colors of the seashore just beyond.

Katie and Ian Walker's dining room features a trio of some of the most gorgeous turquoise chandeliers I've ever seen—and turquoise accents to boot.

Judith Schindler and Sudi Cecil added turquoise accents to a neutral scheme and with them, a whole new vibrancy to the room.

I love the subtlety of the trellis-pattern wallpaper Mallory Mathison chose for her space in the 2009 Decorators' Show House—and how well its graphic turquoise combines with rich gold.

Local artist Andrew Crawford and his wife added the ideal pop of this shade to the living room in their Westside cottage. Don't you love how well it mixes with bronze and caramel brown?

Designer Billy Roberts enveloped a room in turquoise at a client's second home in Sea Island. Even in large quantities, this color promotes a relaxed mood.

Be sure to read The Gables Antiques team’s own take on turquoise on their new blog—another current obsession!

blog.thegablesantiques.com