I'm not really sure how many photographs I took, but I had to change the batteries on my camera at one point. This one above is from their brochure and captures the unbelievable view of this "New Southern House". Even though the house is built on a lake and guests were taken to the house by boat (which completely adds to the experience), it might be one of the most graceful interiors that is definitely not your typical lake house.
The emphasis on a harmonious palette is evident in every square inch of the interior and exterior. It was as if each room seemed to flow into the next. The Showhouse combines the efforts of Keith Summerour, Nancy Pendergrast and Beth Webb, who all clearly know a thing or two about "quiet grandeur".
The house was uncluttered, but clearly well designed, so that each piece was unexpected, yet completely in the perfect spot.
It was kind of a timeless look with a hint of rustic, but also contemporary clean. Now are you starting to see why I didn't want to leave? The unique furniture arrangement (table behind the sofa) for the dining area helps to maximize the room's potential.
The "non-kitchen kitchen" was probably the highlight of the tour, with it's combination living room/dining room/kitchen area. The sophistication of the simple streamlined cabinets made it hard to remember the room was for cooking purposes.
Furniture lines and fabrics were from a calming palette that felt cozy and warm.
The kitchen's appearance features a European feel with elements that are functional and user friendly.
Powder bath downstairs that had to be noticed. The walls are actually wallpaper, which completely surprised me.
Cozy corner in a guest room invites visitors to stay all day!
The guest room is accented by one-of-a-kind linens, furniture and cabinetry for a polished aesthetic.
Master bath shown above.
Sitting area upstairs
Because this is a second home for the owners, they wanted simple rooms for their children. Room shown above features 2 sets of bunk beds with each alcove enjoying their own lighting and bookshelf. Notice the clever "bowling pin" hooks at the end of the bed.
View from above shows alcove in kitchen. Cabinets look like pieces of furniture, so at first glance, you don't remember there are dishes behind those panel doors.
Enclosed porch upstairs features custom swinging sofas based on antiques from the Far East. This tree-top view allows notice of the 1.5 acres of the property that features a sandy beach and covered boat dock.
Upstairs railing with a "gray" tone next to the barn wood flooring. This "summer simplicity" showhouse took an entire year to create.
Shown from first floor up, the unique design is not something you see everyday.
Room downstairs for lounging.
Barn wood flooring completely made this house unique, not to mention the doors.
For more information, visit the website
http://www.atlantahomesmag.com/. Cost of the tour is $12 and proceeds benefit Oconee Medical Center Hospice of the Foothills. OMC Hospice of the Foothills in Seneca, South Carolina, was born out of the vision of a local surgeon who recognized a great need for hospice services for terminally ill patients in their homes.
While perusing the July issue of In Style magazine, we discovered their "Personal Style Test" and couldn't resist taking a peek at it.
And what did we find as we were answering their questions? Question #19 (shown above) asks what "your backside prefers..." and wouldn't you know, one of the seating choices was our very own Chloe Side Chair from Bungalow 5. We knew right away that we had to immediately skip to the answer, right?
So if you decide to take the test also and have such style as those of us at Tonic Home, then your test will determine that you are a "C" or "The Sophisticate". Of course, what else could we possibly be!
Intrigued? Here are the details for the "Sophisticate" - Feminine but not frilly, seductive but not showy, you live for luxury but are allergic to bling. Grace Kelly is your ideal, and Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Carolina Herrera are your sartorial guardian angels.
continued...."Your friends so admire your impeccable taste they won't even buy a bottle of wine without consulting you first. There is a reason - you never miss." Now the next time they make these tests - we are hoping that when the question asks "What is your favorite go-to website", that one of the choices is Tonic Home. How about it?
Tonic Home
