Welcome to TGP Tidbits where we round up the happenings and our musings of the design industry each week. This week we take a look at Katie Ridder for Weezie Towels, Maine’s famous “Wedding Cake House”, and The 2024 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse. Written by Natalie Aldridge.
Katie Ridder for Weezie Towels
For the past year, the illustrious interior designer Katie Ridder has been sprinkling her magic as a design partner with the esteemed purveyors of plushness, Weezie Towels. The luxurious linens company, based in Atlanta, has joined forces with Katie for an exciting collaboration, marking the dawn of an eagerly anticipated partnership.
Scheduled for launch on April 2nd, the collection will brim with the classic Katie Ridder style, featuring block-printed motifs, intriguing color combinations, and just the right touch of femininity. Get ready to indulge in Weezie’s most coveted creations yet.
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Maine’s famous “Wedding Cake House”
The Wedding Cake House, a whimsical wonder of Kennebunk, Maine, was just listed, and The Glam Pad couldn’t wait to take a peek inside. The Wedding Cake House was erected in 1825 for the son of George Washington Bourne, a fourth-generation shipbuilder on the Kennebunk River directly behind the home. The area surrounding the house was dubbed Kennebunk Landing, where large sailing ships were constructed from October to April. When April arrived and the ice thawed, these ships were floated down the river and out to sea, laden with raw materials.
Originally constructed in a simplistic Federal-style brick, the house served as a wedding gift for the son and his new bride, Jane, in 1825. The “icing” on this architectural masterpiece was added 26 years later, beginning in 1852, after a fire ravaged the barn, offering the perfect opportunity for rebuilding and enhancing the existing property structures. Crafted in a Gothic style, the wood trim adorns the façade, bestowing upon it the irresistible allure of a tiered confection befitting nuptial celebrations.
This renowned abode holds the distinction of being Maine’s most photographed home and is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Nestled along the picturesque Summer Street, its grandeur encompasses 6,263 square feet of architectural splendor, complemented by a rustic barn and carriage house. Within its walls, one discovers treasures aplenty—a magnificent two-story mural depicting the scenic views of Kennebunk, an enchanting spiral staircase, and an antique Chickering piano.
Throughout its illustrious history, this residence has only changed hands a handful of times. The current owners sought to transform the property into a quaint inn, hosting weddings and soirées, yet their plans were unfortunately denied amidst the challenges of zoning regulations and community resistance. Now, this confectionery delight of a home has hit the real estate market with a price tag of $2.7 million.
The 2024 Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Designer Showhouse
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles will unveil the 9th annual Southeastern Designer Showhouse, benefiting local nonprofit organization Camp Twin Lakes, in April. The monthlong event will take place at a newly constructed private residence in Buckhead, which will be open to the public for tours from April 18th through May 12th.
The Southeastern Showhouse will take place at a 10,250-square-foot estate built and developed by Benecki Homes, landscape architect Land Plus Associates and interior specifications designer SOURCE. The honorary chairs of the Southeastern Designer Showhouse are Mark Williams and Niki Papadopoulos of Williams Papadopoulos Design.
The stunning home features modern interpretations of classic styles and will come to life with the work of 18 interior design firms and teams from across the Southeast. Located in Atlanta’s tony Tuxedo Park, the outside of the custom-built residence will feature a cedar-shake roof, painted brick exterior, steel windows, sculpted steel doors, and an oval pool.
Inside, guests will find six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and three half-baths. A party-ready dining room greets guests in the front of the home, while a wood-paneled study serves as a cozy retreat. Located just off the family room, the primary suite stretches the entire depth of the home and takes advantage of backyard views. On the terrace level, a recreation room opens onto the backyard, while a bar area, covered porch, and pool table room provide plenty of space for hosting guests. The house also boasts a second floor lounge and an exercise room equipped with a sauna, full bath, and steam shower.
The Showhouse, located at 44 Putnam Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30342, will be open to the public for tours Thursday – Saturday from 10AM – 4PM and Sundays from 1PM – 4PM. Tickets will be available for $45 starting March 1st. An early bird discount of $5 is available by using code “EarlyBird” at checkout through April 1st. General admission tickets will be available at the door for $45 and groups of ten or more can purchase for a discount of $35 per ticket using code “Group” at checkout.
Read our favorite articles of the week!
Summer Thornton Infuses a Historic Michigan Farmhouse With Exuberant Flavor written by Suzanne Davis for Frederic.
A Joyful Garden in Gloucestershire Filled With Lovingly Cultivated Flowers written by Non Morris for House & Garden UK.
Shop this week’s inspired finds!
Dolton, a quiet hamlet of North Devon, first graced the pages of the Domesday Book in 1086 as “Duueltone,” a name evoking pastoral tranquility frequented by gentle doves. Throughout the centuries, this village has retained its quaint allure, its beating heart centered around the picturesque St. Edmund’s Church. Dating back to the 1600s, this abode stands as a stalwart sentinel near the church, a testament to its enduring legacy as one of the village’s oldest dwellings. This home is truly like something out of “The Holiday.” What a dream!
With the firm set to turn 100 years old in 2025, he sees Carleton’s evolution as a designer as a vital reference of how they move forward. He states, “I think it is really important for us to cut our own path.” As admirers seek inspiration from Dorothy Draper’s iconic style and historical significance, they face a delicate balance in charting their own course forward, determining the extent and manner in which they innovate and challenge conventions.
