The Terrace - Creating an Oasis at The 2023 Southeastern Showhouse
Such an opportunity had me reeling from shock.
I was having coffee with Brad Hanner when he asked if I wanted to be a part of the 2023 Southeastern Showhouse. It was a mix of elation and ‘Oh my goodness, I have to knock this out of the park’. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle magazine is such a well-respected cornerstone of the design world in Atlanta. If you’re familiar with showhouses, you know they are an architect’s magna opus, a pinnacle piece. I was asked to design the upper terrace space - the quite large upper terrace space…This one had plaster, stone, and steel case doors that made you feel like you were standing on a terrace in Europe. On the interior side of the doors was this rich red stone on the foyer floor that just needed to be celebrated outside with color pops of merlot and light peach. The architecture of the house was enough inspiration to get me started.
Because the terrace was a very long fifty-foot space, I needed to segment it to showcase it’s best use. Working with the home’s architecture, my aim was to create an outdoor space that felt like a destination. I wanted a space that could host both small and large gatherings or a spot to enjoy a glass of wine and just relax and chat. A lounge and dining area were essential, and I loved the idea of bringing in a fire element. I knew I needed to partner with vendors that specialize in beautiful outdoor pieces. I’m a texture fanatic so I always use that to guide me through design.
I really called on my community for this project. Alison at AuthenTEAK connected me with Ratana whose Bogota line showcased the perfect woven sectional set and dining chairs. Universal Furniture’s Del Mar and Hatteras chairs paired so well with the Bogota line - all very rich in texture. I included the AuthenTEAK fire pit in the center and surrounded it with the Hatteras chairs. It made for the perfect conversational area. Verde Home connected me with Jaipur whose Morro Bay rugs are so thoughtfully curated and stand well against the elements - a necessity for an uncovered space. I used the beautiful Thibaut outdoor fabric, Napa Home accessories, Meraki pots, and lush greenery as the final touches which created this extravagant oasis vibe.
Not to say it was without hurdles. Showhouses can be hard, and outdoor spaces can be even harder. Because it was an uncovered space, it was open to Georgia weather. This terrace had to hold its own and look audience-ready for a month in the blazing sun and pouring rain. I’m so relieved that I chose the right pieces for the challenge. Also, finding vendors to partner or purchase with was tricky as a young company. I did my best to work with reputable vendors whose pieces I could showcase with confidence. Without a doubt, every element of this design was solid and built to last.
I am honored to have been a part of the 2023 Southeastern Showhouse. What an incredible experience it was. Being my first showhouse on my own, I learned so much. I think if I were to be invited again, I would challenge myself to be bold because what better opportunity to do so? I’m grateful for the connections that were made and for the opportunity for Little Black Fox. This was a milestone that I was able to achieve so early in my business and I feel truly blessed for that.
Special thanks to Brad Hanner for connecting me with vendors and checking in to make sure I felt confident in the process, to Alison at AuthenTEAK for connecting me to Ratana - if it were not for these two, I would not have been able to pull this off.
And a great big thank you for reading!
-Shelby
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