2015 Cashiers Designer Showhouse

Fall is fast approaching, and so are some of my favorite showhouses. Signifying that the leaves are on the cusp of change, and it’s time for the opening of the Cashier’s Designer Showhouse. However, this year was different; I turned it into a family event. Unbeknownst to anyone in the car until we arrived. I believe I may have said there were “bouncy houses” and “big screen TV’s” at the event. Only it wasn’t an event at all; it was a Showhouse (a detail I failed to mention). In the end, I think everyone enjoyed themselves, at least I know I did. This year the Showhouse was at Goodman Cottage, a sprawling mountain retreat nestled in the woods with immaculately landscaped grounds overlooking the rolling vistas of the Blue Ridge mountains. Designed in 1990 for large family gatherings, it’s currently on the market for several million dollars (almost 3). The “Cottage” was the perfect backdrop this year allowing some of the southeastern’s finest designers to flex their design muscles. Rooms in this multi-million dollar estate were transformed into stylish spaces from contemporary bedrooms to elegant sitting rooms.

We arrived on the very last day the home was open, which meant that I could take pictures at my leisure. I also took a moment (or two) to enjoy the panoramic view of the Blue Ridge mountains from the “Carolina porch” area designed by Carole Weeks. Showhouses are a place of inspiration and daydreaming. What was the first thing I did when I returned down the mountain to Casa B.? I started planning a bedroom remodel a la Mark Williams & Niki Papadopoulos, and you’ll soon see why.

Over the next few days, I’ll share some incredible design, both inside the Cashiers Designer Showhome and out.

I sincerely believe that you should only have things that you love in your home. Everything should have meaning.” -Maria McLaurin

Designer/ Maria McLaurin-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

I love unexpected color combinations, and the accent color of purple was refreshing. The coffee table was comprised of two mismatched tables of varying heights unified by similar style legs.

Designer/ Maria McLaurin-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

I’ve always been a fan of mixing old and new. So the addition of an updated version of the Papasan chair provided an unexpected twist to a quiet corner.