In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls is joined by architect Linda MacArthur and builder Bobby Livingston as they dive deeper into the architectural nuances of the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse. Beginning as a run-down property, the team shares the pivotal decision that shifted the project from a possible remodel to a ground-up build. From navigating a tricky homesite to creating a design that feels both timeless and distinctive, they break down the mindset, collaboration, and courage it takes to get it right.

We also explore the behind-the-scenes realities of custom residential construction—where tension points can become turning points, curb appeal goes far beyond the front door, and thoughtful landscape design unlocks new possibilities. Linda and Bobby end by reflecting on their hypothetical homeowner that shaped their design decisions and set the tone for the future of the home.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:45 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 Architect Linda MacArthur and builder Bobby Livingston talk how a dilapidated, tear-down property located in Historic Brookhaven ultimately became the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse—and what the tipping point is from a renovation to a new-build
• 06:45 Having a vision on a challenging lot that respects the neighborhood but carries its own unique presence (plus Lindas do's + don'ts!)
• 09:15 Construction pressure points and how they can pay dividends
• 10:00 Formal entrances + and how they don't have to be cookie cutter
• 11:00 With a good landscape architect, anything is possible
• 12:15 Designing—and living—in Historic Brookhaven (and how to be a good neighbor during construction)
• 15:30 "A showhouse isn't an ordinary spec home" and the challenge of designing for an imaginary homeowner
• 17:00 Magical moments that make custom homes shine
• 23:00 The Lucky Chosen One: The type of client Linda and Bobby imagine living in this home
• 26:45 Closing notes

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In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls is joined by Valerie Garrett of Valerie Garrett Interiors, the lead specifications designer behind the unforgettable 2025 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse. Valerie shares her journey from participating designer to leading the charge—what the leap really looks like and how it reshapes your perspective on collaboration, creativity, and responsibility. Along the way, Valerie talks what it takes to strike harmony between visionary design, partner expectations, and the future buyer walking through the front door.

From an anxiety-inducing terrace level that transformed into one of the home’s most talked-about spaces, to breathtaking second-floor details, the duo explore the artistry and intention behind every specification at the inspiring showhouse.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:10 From participating designer to lead specifications designer...what does that jump look like in the 2025 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse?
• 03:45 How "problem children" challenge your design—and ultimately lead to something better
• 08:00 Stunner stones! And finding the right style balance in a showhouse
• 13:00 How the specifications designer collectively accomplishes the goal of a showhouse: designing with a future buyer in mind while also pleasing partners—and yourself
• 17:45 How this showhouse personally reflects Valerie, plus the client she created in her mind while designing
• 21:30 An anxiety-inducing terrace level and how it turned into one of the most talked about spaces
• 23:00 Valerie's favorite second-level design details (curved walls, grand tile, and jewelry-like faucets)
• 24:30 The Atlanta design community & closing notes
  
  

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See more of the 2025 Home for the Holidays showhouse at atlantahomesmag.com.

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In this episode, AH&L Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iverson is joined by Kim Regas of Regas Interiors, whose fearless creativity has defined everything from her very first showhouse space (yes, the one with garland on a powder room ceiling) to her sultry lounge and game room at the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse. Kim shares how her early career in advertising set her up to run a thriving design firm, and how dramatic stone, custom cabinetry, and bold decision-making help her transform even the most challenging spaces into immersive, multi-layered experiences.

We also talk about designing with confidence (and why “sometimes ignorance is bliss”), separating large rooms into intentional zones that engage all five senses, and why a pool table can absolutely double as architectural artwork. Plus, Kim gives candid advice for showhouse newcomers, offers a peek into the family ties behind her firm, and teases what’s next as Regas Interiors heads into year 26—including a Charleston expansion.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 Kim Regas' first showhouse space (did someone say garland on a powder room ceiling?!)
• 02:45 How a first career with an advertising agency set Kim up for success running her own design business
• 06:30 Kim's super-sexy lounge and game room at the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse—and how she approached one of the home's most challenging spaces
• 10:40 How dramatic stone and detailed custom cabinetry set the tone for Kim's entire showhouse space
• 12:40 Bold design choices + how confidence is key in those moments (or in Kim's words, "sometimes ignorance is bliss")
• 14:30 How separating large spaces into zones creates a multi-layered experience—and how all five senses are vital to its success
• 19:00 The sneaky family ties you'll find at Regas Interiors, from Kim's daughter's artwork to onboarding Kim's husband
• 22:45 Pool tables as architectural artwork? Tell us more...
• 25:00 Showhouse challenges and solutions—plus best advice for showhouse newbies
• 28:45 What's next in year 26 of Regas Interiors (a new Charleston office?!)
• 30:45 Closing notes

Tune in every time! Subscribe today on all platforms so new releases automatically download to your phone.

See more of the 2025 Home for the Holidays showhouse at atlantahomesmag.com.

Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag for more inspired spaces.

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