2015 ATLANTA HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS SHOWHOUSE: IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON, LINDSEY CORAL HARPER GOES MAD FOR PLAID

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Photos courtesy of Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

In the spirit of all things merry and bright, the Atlanta Home's and Lifestyles Magazine 2015 Home For The Holiday's Designer Showhouse opened with a strong lineup of great design talent. Held at Millwood Manner, a grand English-inspired Buckhead estate built by Sheehan with architect Harrison Design, the home was transformed by twenty great designers, selected from a local and national spectrum, including Atlantans Barbara Westbrook, Robert Brown, Mallory Mathison Glenn, Melanie Millner, Carole Weaks, Steve McKenzie and Tish Mills to name a few. The house is open for visitors until December 13th, with proceeds benefitting the The Southeastern Horticulturalist Society's Children's Learning Gardens. There are so many beautiful rooms on view, and I want to start off sharing the most festive room in the house, the family room, decorated by New York-based designer Lindsey Coral Harper.  Inspired by Billy Baldwin, she transformed the large, light-filled space with one of my favorite color schemes, cinnabar and teal. She shared, "I wanted to keep it cozy with warm tones and gorgeous greens found in the natural landscape. Green became teal, because it's much more my style!" When looking at her design details and classic touches, I can't help but be reminded of the traditionally dressed elegant rooms designed by her mentor, Richard Keith Langham.  Ahead, the colorful family room by LCH Interiors.

A muted Lee Jofa wool plaid in a soft and less expected color palette of paprika and pale blue green ties in the color scheme of the room.  A beautiful David Duncan Antiques antler horn candelabra sits on console adding to the mix of natural materials and a striking piece of art made from Ostrich Eggs designed by her friend artist Jay Lohmann (sold, inquire with LCH Interiors for additional pieces in the series) hangs above the fireplace. Two antique 1920's Italian octagonal mirrors from David Duncan Antiques flank the fireplace adding architectural detail above paned doors. 

As Harper knows, every detail counts. Solid blue green tinged grasscloth covers the walls and faux marble painted moldings in the same tones elevate the eye, making the ceilings appear even higher. The combination of textures, with the Stark diamond sisal rug (my mom also loves this rug-- it is a go-to for her)  and woven seagrass chairs provides a nice juxtaposition. A Tray Chic Ottoman from Bunny Williams Home  done in a solid blue green velvet anchors the seating area.

A quiet corner serves as a perfect spot to play a game of backgammon with a vintage game table. A Cowtan and Tout plaid covers a pair of chairs from Hickory Chair and adds a complimentary plaid to the mix. At the window, a charming curved pelmet made from the coordinating plaid adds character.

A detail of the meticulously styled and chic bookshelves with a Hollywood at Home How to Marry a Millionaire rush-backed chair. The design lesson here? Add interesting, meaningful objects in with books to create a visually appealing array.