Architecture News

Sixteen years ago, Ryan Hughes, the visionary behind Atlanta's multi-line showroom R Hughes, set out to create a space that bridged diverse design philosophies. He observed a local market dominated by either overly traditional or excessively contemporary styles, leaving a void for something nuanced. By curating a selection of international designers and brands like Jane Hallworth, Draga & Aurel, and Roll & Hill, Hughes fostered dynamic creative dialogues and forged new relationships, noting, "The showroom model allows me to collaborate with incredibly talented individuals."

Hughes's dedication to blending perspectives and bringing people together extends to his personal residence, a 1930s bungalow in Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood. Acquired in 2021, the property underwent a significant transformation under the guidance of local architect Stan Dixon and Memphis-based interior designer Sean Anderson. What began as a plan for a simple refresh and a new swimming pool evolved into a more ambitious project due to safety regulations requiring the pool to be separated from the street. Dixon emphasized the team's commitment to thoughtful expansion: "The lot provided ample space for new concepts, but we consciously avoided overbuilding to ensure the house remained in harmony with the existing neighborhood aesthetic." The renovation expanded the original structure, incorporating a spacious great room, uncovering architectural rooflines, and integrating a former porch into the interior. The attic was reimagined to accommodate two cozy guest suites, while a new entrance in the addition now conveniently connects to the garage and features a loggia. This carefully planned U-shaped layout gracefully surrounds the inviting pool, with each element maintaining a respectful scale. Hughes reflected on the process, stating, "Working with a historic house naturally encourages adherence to the neighborhood's established proportions."

The home's exterior now boasts a European charm, thanks to stucco finishes over the original brickwork. Inside, the design unfolded through a close collaboration between Hughes and Anderson, who initially met at the showroom. Anderson praised Hughes's engaged participation: "Ryan had strong ideas, which I appreciated. We pushed each other, resulting in a truly beautiful partnership." Anderson adeptly translated Hughes's preference for red into a sophisticated earthy palette of salmons and rusts, exemplified in the media room, which also serves as a gallery for his art collection. While Hughes offered numerous suggestions, from specific tiles to existing furnishings, he empowered Anderson to freely integrate antiques, custom furniture, and striking wall treatments. The result, showcased in Anderson's debut monograph, *Interior Narratives*, defies easy categorization, celebrating a fusion of eras and influences rather than a predictable collection of showroom pieces. The grand living area is thoughtfully divided into three distinct zones, featuring a Pierre Augustin Rose sofa, a Ruemmler daybed, and a bespoke square games table with concealed stools. Guests can gather at these arrangements or at the long country table in the entry, though Hughes typically dines at the kitchen island or in the windowed breakfast nook, where upholstered swivel chairs flank a bistro table. Notably, a formal dining room is absent, and the kitchen was conceived more as a library than a traditional culinary space.

"This house is both refined and welcoming, much like Ryan himself," Anderson remarked, emphasizing his signature approach of culminating each project with a grand reveal. Upon returning from a trip to New York, Hughes discovered his transformed home bathed in candlelight, champagne ready, and a fabric screen concealing the completed design. Hughes recalled the moment, shared with family and friends: "I anticipated it would be impressive, but I never imagined it would be *that* incredible. It was a truly unique experience." Just as he envisioned, his home beautifully embodies a seamless integration of classic charm and contemporary living.

Fashion brand Collina Strada recently unveiled its first home collection, a collaboration with Swedish design firm Layered. This launch follows the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) presentations, where guests were invited to an after-party at Storm King, an outdoor sculpture park in New York's Hudson Valley. The event showcased the collection's vibrant rugs and comfortable sofas, mirroring the playful and colorful aesthetic seen in Collina Strada's Spring 2027 fashion line. The pieces were integrated into the outdoor setting, with rugs serving as casual lounging spots and some even displayed as decorative tapestries, creating a unique and immersive experience for attendees.

Hillary Taymour, the visionary behind Collina Strada, partnered with Layered to create this distinctive range of home furnishings. The collection includes four hand-tufted rugs and two adaptable, low-profile sofas. During the launch event, some rugs were spread across the grass, inviting guests to relax and enjoy refreshments, while others were creatively hung from metal structures, resembling artistic tapestries. Additionally, corduroy pillows adorned with the brand's 'Petal Plum' floral print, inspired by the flooring of Collina Strada's New York flagship store, provided extra seating and comfort under the sun.

The home collection adeptly translates Collina Strada's signature design elements into delightful and colorful furnishings. Recurring motifs such as whimsical plaids and expansive floral patterns are brought to life with hand-painted artistry, reflecting Taymour's personal touch. The 'Petal Plum' print, for instance, was hand-painted by Taymour herself, emphasizing her artistic involvement. For a designer who views clothing as a medium for self-expression, this venture into home decor serves as a natural extension, offering pieces that imbue living spaces with vibrant personality and unique charm.

The collection seamlessly merges Collina Strada's distinct playful plaids and flourishing floral designs into lighthearted, vibrantly colored home pieces. These furnishings evoke a hand-painted quality, with some patterns, like the 'Petal Plum' print, actually hand-painted by founder Hillary Taymour. This collaboration is a perfect fit for Taymour, who has always viewed clothing as a form of self-expression, allowing her to extend that philosophy into home environments, creating spaces bursting with individuality.