Getaways! SUNNY, STYLISH LAKE ESCAPES
Contents AUGUST 2025
HOME 58
Refined Retreat
Rustic materials meet elevated living in this waterside Lake Norman retreat 78
Serene on the Shore
A standout design team gives a sprawling Lake Oconee home the ultimate treatment for entertaining 94
Lakeside Idyll
A light-filled cottage on the shores of Lake Oconee is a welcoming reprieve with character-filled details and a breezy palette
78 STYLE 14
Summer Send-off
LIFE 22
My Atlanta Neighborhood Lake Oconee
26
Calendar Happenings this month
27
Naomi On end-of-summer plans
28
Dish Boqueria
120
End Note Michael Ladisic’s must-haves
6
Editor’s Letter
119
Ad Index
From tips and tricks to personal product picks, learn the secrets to becoming the ultimate host 18
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On the Cover ARCHITECT T.S. ADAMS STUDIO, ARCHITECTS
Hard at Work
Lauren Elaine Interiors packs major personality into her inspired new office space
INTERIOR DESIGNER THE DESIGN ATELIER
Getaways!
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY FOLLOWILL
SUNNY, STYLISH LAKE ESCAPES
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You Design It, We Make It.
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WELCOME
Editor’s Eye
FROM THE EDITOR
What I’m loving this month
sweet escape
Created by Bradley Odom and Chef Zack Meloy, the Meloy Dinnerware Collection brings expert craftsmanship and organic design to the dinner table. dixonrye.com
WHEN I REFLECT ON THE songs that have defined my summers, a playlist starts spinning in my head. Mostly it’s country tunes filled with tales of boats, beaches, and beers (perhaps I missed my calling as a country songwriter?), but there’s one song that always stands out—one that instantly transports me to summers past. The moment I hear those opening chords of “I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney, I’m flooded with nostalgia. The song serves as my own personal time machine as I relive the moments, people, and places that brought me to where I am today. It’s a feeling we all know—that bittersweet blend of memory and meaning sneaks up on us through a favorite song or a familiar summer scene. Music stirs something deep within us—joy, love, longing, gratitude. And in many ways, our homes do the same. They’re the backdrop of our lives, the stage of our stories, the quiet harmony amid life’s noises. Our August edition is about capturing these sentimental feelings
Hand-painted by garden designer and floral artist Lucy Hunter, the Martha wallpaper in Cinnamon Teal adds a radiant whimsy to lackluster walls. the-flowerhunter.com
that surround sweet summertime. Three lakeside escapes—on Lake Norman by Jackye Lanham and John Haley (page 58), at Reynolds Lake Oconee by Melanie Millner and Tim Adams (page 78), and another across Lake Oconee by Sande Beck (page 94)—were designed for core memories to be made, the kind their owners will replay for years to come. Also inside: In her new office space, designer Lauren Lowe reminds us that thoughtful design isn’t about square footage, but about personality (page 18). Plus, we tap local tastemakers to share their ideas for the ultimate summer send-off party (page 14). So, whether you’re hosting friends at the lake, unwinding with a we hope this issue reminds you that—like a favorite song—home is much more than a place, it’s a feeling. Cheers! Lauren Iverson,
DIGITAL EDITION
Download the ISSUU app or go to issuu.com/atlantahomesmag on your desktop.
Editor-in-Chief
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PORTRAIT BY DAVID CHRISTENSEN
book under the porch fan, or setting the table for dinner with friends,
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Where It All Comes Together Discover a new way to shop for your project. Ferguson Home has the bath, kitchen and lighting products you need to bring your vision to life. Whether you’re refreshing the look of a single room or building a new home, our experts are here to help every step of the way, from product selection through delivery. Start your project or find your local showroom at fergusonhome.com. BUCKHEAD | ALPHARETTA FAYETTEVILLE ©2025 Ferguson Enterprises, LLC 0625 7448416
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Purveyors of the raw and the refined
1085 Howell Mill Rd NW, Ste. A-1, Atlanta, GA 30318 | dixonrye.com
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DESIGN BY KELLY WOLF-ANTHONY; PHOTO BY EMILY FOLLOWILL
style
SHOPPING DISCOVERIES INFLUENCES
SUMMER SEND-OFF The long, sun-filled days of summer are
coming to an end. Bid a stylish farewell to the season with the help of local tastemakers and designers. From tips and tricks to personal product picks, learn the secrets to becoming the ultimate host.
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SUMMER SEND-OFF
GARDEN PARTY
FLORAL PHOTO BY DAVID CHRISTENSEN
Although summertime brings undeniable natural beauty, the best way to appreciate the season is through thoughtful curation. Flower whisperer Caanan Marshall advises the ultimate garden party begins with “creating a theme with a cohesive color palette, unique containers, and candles—these elements can elevate an entire tablescape.” Interior designer Maggie Griffin agrees it’s the little details that shine through. “And nothing rivals being able to design a menu based on what’s in season,” she adds. Whether personalized place cards or a guest’s favorite flower, keeping partygoers on their toes is an entertaining must. “When guests come to your home, they shouldn’t know what to expect; that’s part of the magic,” says Marshall. “Focus on creating a memorable experience for your guest from the moment they arrive.” One of Griffin’s favorite personal touches is to pick fresh flowers from her own yard to create a simple yet stunning centerpiece for the table. With so many summertime blooms to choose from, Marshall recommends a few tried and true selections: “Hydrangeas, roses, and pansies are always great options.”
Fleur Green Napkins (Set of 4). Mrs. Alice; mrsalice.com Backgammon and Posey fabrics in Honey and Mustard. Sunbrella; sunbrella. com Robin’s Egg Rattan Scalloped Round Charger Plate. Maggie Griffin at Home; maggiegriffinathome.com Freya Cordless Table Lamp with GP & J Baker Ikat shade. Pooky; us.pooky.com
Canaan Marshall what’s in “Alfresco dining is the way to go.” what’s out “Sitting inside a boring dining room.” 14
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Maggie C. Griffin what’s in “Healthy meals cooked at home.” what’s out “Stressing out and not enjoying the time spent with those you love!”
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STYLE NEWS
SUMMER BUTTER PEA SPREAD INGREDIENTS – 2 cups of fresh butter peas or lady peas (cooked in water with chopped sweet onion and bay leaf) – Zest and juice of two medium lemons – Kosher salt to taste – 2 tbsp. of full-fat sour cream – Good quality olive oil to emulsify (about ¼ cup)
SUMMER SEND-OFF
FLAVOR PROFILE
Georgia’s sweltering summer heat may be stifling, but your parties don’t have to be. According to our tastemakers—floral and event designer Keith Robinson and interior designers Will Huff and Heather Dewberry—sophisticated simplicity is easier than you think. Keep guests cool with light, cold, and room-temperature fare celebrating garden-fresh flavors, advises Robinson. “Silver queen corn and tomato salad, plus butter peas whipped into a creamy spread with citrus zest, are favorites at our summer table—along with tons of cold wine.” Skip the formal setting for a laid-back vibe with melamine plates and a cheerful cotton-printed tablecloth. “Using cotton doesn’t mean you have to iron,” says Dewberry. “Wash it and tumble on the low setting, place on your table damp, and smooth out minor wrinkles with your hands. It will smell great while it dries in place.” Huff embraces the beauty of an easygoing outdoor evening. “True hospitality isn’t about perfection or formality, it’s about creating space to enjoy the people you’re with.”
Keith Robinson what’s in “Being spontaneous and spending time with friends and family.” what’s out “Fussing over a hot stove to create elaborate meals. Keep it simple, fresh, and colorful.”
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PHOTO BY BRIAN WOODCOCK
1. Check cooked peas for doneness as you want them to be very soft, generally takes about 45 minutes once they come to a boil. Remove bay leaf, cool to room temperature. 2. In the bowl of a food processor, put the drained peas, lemon juice and zest, salt, and sour cream. Pulse then blend until smooth. 3. Slowly pour olive oil into the bowl with the processor running (you will hear the mixture change consistency as you add oil). 5. Taste and adjust salt. 6. Serve with flatbread, a sliced baguette, or as a dip for crudité.
Puro Marbled Stemless Wine Glass in Yellow. Juliska; juliska.com Singing Bird Dinner Plates (Set of 4). Mrs. Alice; mrsalice.com Bamboo Salad Servers (Set of 2). Fête; tresbellefete.com
Will Huff + Heather Dewberry what’s in “Fabric-shaded cordless lamps and candlelight.” what’s out “Overly heavy meals,
china, and drab topics of conversation!”
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Standing Tall
Architect John Haley and builder Kingswood Custom Homes brought in fieldstone from New York and New England to create the Northeast farmhouse-inspired Lake Norman home.
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refined retreat Rustic materials meet elevated living in this Lake Norman retreat by a team of talents Written by SHANNON SHARPE Photographed by EMILY FOLLOWILL Styled by ELEANOR ROPER
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Natural Setting
Landscape architect John Howard of Howard Design Studio used a mix of flora and fauna that celebrated the home’s lakefront location.
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Serene on the Shoreline A standout design team gives a sprawling Lake Oconee home the ultimate treatment for entertaining Written by NICOLE LETTS Photographed by EMILY FOLLOWILL Styled by ELEANOR ROPER Produced by LAUREN IVERSON
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On the Water
The living room is arranged in various conversation setups and can seat several groups comfortably. The club chairs from Bungalow Classic are upholstered in performance velvet.
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Free Flow
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Architect Tim Adams worked with designer Melanie Millner to creatively design seamless entertaining spaces that flowed from one to the other. In the dining room, an interior glass window and door close the room without isolation.
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Cool Breeze
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left A seating area between the dining room and porch gives indoor living with outdoor perks. below A custom porch swing by Old Mountain Furniture Studio almost suspends guests over the lake. Throw pillows in Holly Hunt fabric offer additional comfort.
REYNOLDS LAKE OCONEE sits just 85 miles east of Atlanta, but its sparkling water, expansive shoreline, and dense tree canopy make it feel a world away. When her clients tasked Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier and Tim Adams of T.S. Adams Studio, Architects with their lake home design, their needs were twofold. First, aligned with the spirit of Reynolds, they needed a place to escape from the city’s hustle. Second, they wanted their getaway to blur the lines of ample entertaining space with intimate corners for private relaxation. In tandem with Rob Marett of Marett Building Systems, the team designed a Hamptons-inspired cedar shingle home that does just that and more. The home’s architecture sets the tone from the approach. Windows dot the facade, giving a passthrough and unobstructed view of the lake beyond. “Obviously from the back, we’re going to bring the view in, but we successfully married it [in the front] too,” says Adams. 81
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Starting Place
A pair of green-and-white stripe spindle chairs were the only furniture in the living room when designer Sande Beck came onboard to help outfit the home. The art above the mantel is from Anne Irwin Fine Art.
Lakeside Idyll A light-filled cottage on the shores of Lake Oconee is a welcoming reprieve with character-filled details and a breezy palette Written by SUSAN HALL MAHON Photographed by JEFF HERR Produced by LAUREN IVERSON
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WHEN MOST PEOPLE envision a lake house, dark interiors decked out in wood paneling and meet-me-at-the-lake decor might come to mind. For the homeowners of this new build by the water, the style directive was just about the complete opposite. “The homeowner said, ‘I don’t want it to look like a typical lake house—I want it to be happy, cheery, and welcoming, with no taxidermy on the wall,’” jokes interior designer Sande Beck of Sande Beck Design. The clients—a husband and wife whose primary residence is in Atlanta—owned a house off the water in the same neighborhood and purchased this lakefront lot with the vision of building their dream home, an inviting retreat that would maximize the sparkling water views and comfortably host a houseful of family and friends.
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Visual Interest The home is perched on the upper
edge of a cove, offering extended views of the lake and creating the effect of being wrapped by water, which can be seen straight through from the front door.
With a desire for a New England-style retreat (shake siding and roof were nonnegotiables), the homeowners partnered with McKenzie Custom Home Design and Hatfield Custom Homes to craft a large-scale cottage wrapped in white shake siding replete with a selection of first-rate trims guided by the wife, who is a graphic designer and artist. Inside, they sought bright, energetic prints that would impart a relaxed and happy vibe. The home is filled with charming details, seen in custom cabinetry by Custom Wood Interiors, Inc., with decorative cutouts in the laundry room and glass-front uppers with starburst muntins in the kitchen; marble floors in herringbone, checker, and geometric patterns; feminine light fixtures; and a delightful collection of canine-friendly considerations. A dog-washing station, built-in
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Fresh Finds
The sideboard, mirror, and bench were corralled on Beck and the client’s initial shopping trip to Acquisitions. The pecky cypress ceiling and Julie Neill sconces add warmth.
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RESTORING BALANCE In Mystras, Greece, EUPHORIA RETREAT is more than a spa—it’s a sanctuary for the soul Written by LAUREN IVERSON
AS I GENTLY float in the saltwater pool, my busy mind starts to quiet and my body, weightless, surrenders to the warmth of the water. My ears sit just below the surface, dolphin sounds playing softly through underwater speakers lulling me into a deeply meditative state. For 20 blissful minutes, the outside world disappears—and I understand exactly why this place is called Euphoria. Located just over two hours from Athens in the Peloponnese peninsula, Euphoria Retreat beckons with an overwhelming sense of serenity. While the pristine grounds offer scenic views, the real magic happens below ground, where the subterranean luxury spa feels like a secret portal to self-discovery. The experience is a unique one, fusing Eastern and Western medicine with ancient Greek and Chinese holistic philosophies rooted in the Five Elements Theory, an alternative medicine tradition that believes the human body is guided by the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. At Euphoria, wellness 112
isn’t one-size-fits-all. Instead, more than 100 therapies and spa offerings are uniquely tailored to each guest’s emotional, physical, and spiritual needs. Wellness programs range from 3 to 21 days, catering to everything from cellular detoxes and metabolic resets, to emotional healing and stress relief, to advanced medical programs that use biomarker testing and precision medicine diagnostics to restore health from the inside out. Anxieties dissolve as expert therapists knead out the body’s trapped emotions, while guided meditations rejuvenate and enlighten. Special therapies such as Watsu—an aquatic session that blends gentle massage techniques with joint mobilization— encourage a profound sense of calm. Between treatments, each area of the spa honors one of the five elements. My mornings begin in the ethereal sphere pool before I drift outdoors to the fresh-air outdoor pool. Heated stone loungers in the tepidarium ease any muscle tension from a long flight, while alternating between the Finnish sauna
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EUPHORIA RETREAT
left Euphoria Retreat is built into the hillside of the Peloponnese Peninsula, some of its buildings dating back to 1830. below left More than 100 spa offerings keep guests feeling balanced and rejuvenated.
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PA S S P O R T T R AV E L
clockwise from above left Perch at the outdoor pool for sprawling views of Mystras, Greece beyond. The nourishing menu at GAIA restaurant highlights seasonal, organic produce from local farmers. Circulation-boosting footbaths greet spa guests as they head to their treatments. Just over 13 feet deep, the center of the sphere pool is symbolic of spiritual rebirth. Byzantine-inspired design details dress up Euphoria’s lobby.
and cold plunge leaves me invigorated. A rinse in the temperature-shifting experiential shower is the perfect finish before my next treatment. The daily wellness schedule keeps the retreat’s experience dynamic. Nutrition workshops, sound-healing sessions, and energy-balancing classes offer moments of insight and renewal, and the naturally restless need not fear—active classes like yoga, Pilates, and martial arts are led by trained staff members. Guided hiking excursions to local archaeological sites and dreamy day trips to charming, lesser-known Greek islands keep adventure seekers satisfied. Closer to home, a stroll through Euphoria’s surrounding fir and pine forests awakens the senses. Perhaps some of the best views are available at GAIA restaurant, located on-property and offering a nutrient-dense, Mediterranean menu using organic local produce. Those following medical or detox plans indulge in meals customized to their individual goals. And come the end of the day, Byzantine-inspired design details, handmade mattresses, and plush, handpicked pillows invite deep rest—the kind that comes only after a day spent healing, growing, and reconnecting with yourself. euphoriaretreat.com
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