A star is born. Nestled in a sleepy suburb on the outskirts of Atlanta, is a burgeoning community created to meet the needs of professional creatives that are part of the film-making ecosystem. Known as Pinewood Forest this inspired town is directly adjacent to Pinewood Atlanta Studios, which has earned Georgia the distinction of being the #1 filming location in the World. The bright lights of Hollywood are shining on the sunny ole South.
And while star-spotting has become a pastime in Atlanta, Pinewood Forest has earned its own singular fame drawing on the best in New Urbanism from its independent retailers and restaurants, micro-school to a forest preserve covering miles of Green Space.
Created by Lew Oliver, a pioneer, and visionary of New Urbanism, Oliver is the town planner for Pinewood Forest and the designer of the Pinewood Forest Idea House bringing together a “passionate balance of preserving natural areas and…intense urbanism, side by side.” A sustainable town designed to meet the needs of the film industry.
The Pinewood Forest Idea Home located inside Pinewood Forest was created to showcase a home fresh with new ideas and ways of living, using materials and space in a way that is a departure from what has been done before. Intended to be more than just another impeccably designed show house, the “Idea Home” features innovative details inspired by Scottish vernacular-inspired architecture, the Idea Home is a modern take on the fairy-tale architecture of Charles McIntosh, Edwin Lutyens, and William Morris.
Photo/Lauren Rubinstein
This picturesque home pairs with a detached miniature guest tower, the interiors transformed by some of Atlanta’s most notable design talents including Dana Lynch, Creative Director of the Idea Home to the Architectural Digest-worthy designs of Jenn Balcos. The ensemble, constructed by Redwood Custom Homes, is the perfect marriage between indoors and outdoors. Surrounded by a picturesque woven willow fence, and cottage style landscaping juxtaposed against unique architectural details.
“Pinewood Forest is really emerging as a sought-after destination for beautiful home design coupled with innovative details—making it the ideal location for an idea home. We are thrilled to partner with such a talented home builder and team of designers to make the Pinewood Forest Idea Home a reality,” said Sean McGinnis, President, and Publisher of Atlanta magazine and Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.
And while this is the last week to visit the Idea Home, we are sharing pictures and tips on creating a home with showhouse style that will inspire you for years to come!
Dana Lynch & Elizabeth Dettmering/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
There is much to love in this streamlined kitchen, the clean lines of the cabinets are warmed by the natural wood grain of the pine floors. A seamless and stunning integration of materials.
Dana Lynch & Elizabeth Dettmering/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
A mix of modern and natural materials are both striking and soothing. Juxtaposed clean modern lines with a few traditional elements ground this stunning kitchen.
Designer Tip: Make the most of a small kitchen by adding glass faced cabinetry. It allows you to maximize storage, and also display some of your favorite collectibles.
Designer/ Jenn Balcos-SWOOX Curated Consignment/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
I positively love layered spaces. Jenn mixes various furniture styles and organic elements flawlessly creating a room that is timeless with an edge.
Designer Tip: Contrast in styles and textures provide visual interest, and if done well (as Jenn Balcos has done in her space) creates a harmonious and layered look.
Designer/ Jenn Balcos-SWOOX Curated Consignment/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
Traditional elements paired with modern touches give a sense that all elements were collected over time.
Designer/ Jenn Balcos-SWOOX Curated Consignment/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
The living room is richly layered in color, tones, and textures. A sculptural rootball coffee table anchors the space and serves as an organic piece of functional art.
Designer/Jason Mitchell-J. Ansel Designs/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
Another of my favorite spaces from the Idea Home. A single piece of artwork divided into five separate frames creates an incredibly stunning focal point. Jason Mitchell has mastered the mix with stylish flair. Each piece in this space unique in design, unified through wood tones and an exotic color palette.
Designer Tip: Rather than using one coffee table, group together similar accent tables. They don’t have to match but can be unified through color or similar style. It’s a look that is functional and so deliciously unexpected.
Designer/Jason Mitchell-J. Ansel Designs/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
Jason Mitchell pulled warm hues from the artwork using it as inspiration for the color palette in this refreshingly modern take on the exotic.
Designer/ Nikie Barfield Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
What the “Idea Home” lacks in square footage it makes up for in stylish appointments such as a custom double vanity with a sleek countertop in ebony. Clean modern lines juxtaposed with natural materials. A lack of wall space challenged Barfield to create a unique display of art, by suspending it from the ceiling.
Designer Tip: Lack of wall space? Get creative. Hanging artwork from the ceiling creates a false wall, and allows you to display your artwork in a unique and interesting way.
Designer/ Nikie Barfield Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
Traditional elements against a modern backdrop create a stunning visual display.
Designer/ Dana Lynch of Dana Lynch Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
Its “all about the mix,” and Lynch deftly pairs classic pieces with modern elements. The iconic Panton chair creates an unexpected visual story against the tactile velvet of the armchairs. A stunning piece of artwork hangs over a window providing a creative solution for the lack of wall space.
Designer Tip: Make your dining room uniquely yours by mismatching chairs. Keep the seat heights the same and remember to use pairs of similar styles and eras to make the scheme feel more cohesive.
Designer/ Dana Lynch of Dana Lynch Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
A trend has emerged in the past year of reimagining old world masterpieces and giving them a modern update, I love how Dana Lynch created a wall-scape of artwork riff with historical overtones and tongue-in-cheek references.
Designer/ Dana Lynch of Dana Lynch Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
This stunning bunkroom is functional and sophisticated. A monotone color palette in blue envelops the room in warmth creating the most delicious cocooning effect. Organic textures add additional visual warmth and an unexpected pop of ochre injects this space with the perfect amount of color.
Designer Tip: Short on space? Consider bunkbeds. They are a great space saver and perfect when hosting out of town guests.
Designer/ Julie Holloway-Julie Holloway Studio/ Photo-Lauren Rubinstein
If Julie Hollway’s design style could be likened to an artist, it would be Andrew Wyeth. Quiet layers punctuated with sophisticated and organic touches create an inviting bedroom space that beckons for us to linger.
Designer/ Julie Holloway-Julie Holloway Studio-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
The stunning wallpaper from Joanna Gaines creates a dramatic backdrop in this bathroom, the modern lines of the vanity are softened by the romantic floral pattern. Traditional elements such as the rug bring in a layer of warmth and contrast.
Designer Tip: Small spaces are the perfect place to experiment with bold patterns without having to commit to an entire room. Have fun with pattern! They also make a room feel larger while creating visual interest.
Designer/ Sherry Hart-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
This budget-friendly space by Sherry Hart proves that you can achieve great design on a dime. The basket wall is such a striking focal point, and the deft mix of organic textures creates a space that is deliciously chic and inviting.
Designer Tip: Don’t have a large budget? You can still make a room look polished and chic by pairing high dollar items with those that have a lower price point. Some of the pieces Sherry Hart used in her spaces came from World Market and Homegoods.
Designer/ Sherry Hart-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
Much can be achieved with tile, as proven by this stunning bathroom. Sherry Hart mixes tile patterns in white and black to create a room that is truly a work of art.
Designer/ Dana Lynch Design-Photo/ Lauren Rubinstein
After touring the entire house, I think you’ll agree that this was the perfect spot to enjoy the rest of the day. And I hope you are inspired to create your own Idea House! If you live in Atlanta or surrounding areas this is the last week to tour this stunning home. For more information, you can visit here.
Until next time!
