Every fall, I look forward to the Serenbe Showhouse like it’s the Met Gala of Atlanta design — only with better lighting and more wallpaper.

Tucked into the rolling countryside just outside Atlanta, Serenbe isn’t your typical neighborhood — it’s more like a living, breathing design experiment that actually worked. Founded in the early 2000s by Steve and Marie Nygren, Serenbe was born out of the idea that nature, architecture, and community could coexist beautifully (imagine if a charming European village and a sustainability think tank had a baby).

The town was designed around walkability, organic farming, and biophilic design long before those became buzzwords. Today, it’s a creative haven filled with art galleries, farm-to-table restaurants, trails, and — of course — some of the most thoughtfully designed homes you’ll ever see. The annual Serenbe Showhouse perfectly captures that spirit: innovation meets intention, with a whole lot of style in between.

This year’s 2025 Serenbe Showhouse did not disappoint. From swoon-worthy textiles to the kind of art placement that makes you rethink your own gallery wall, every space was a visual feast.

I took my time wandering from room to room taking an embarrassing number of photos (no regrets), and I can’t wait to share my favorites along with my very honest impressions. Whether you’re a designer, a design enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates a perfectly styled vignette, this one’s for you.

Keep scrolling for my favorite rooms, the design moments that made me gasp, and all the little details that are still living rent-free in my head.

As soon as I entered the house, I was met with this fantastic bench in the office.

The walls were drenched in a wonderful eggplant color.

Across the hall was a cozy hang out room with an incredible antique secretary-hutch.

The addition of a blue velvet day bed made this room into a multi-functional dream room.

I love a good vignette and this one on top of the console did not disappoint. A tray, candles, greenery and books make any tabletop sing.

This three piece bathroom was a bit of a disappointment. It was so dark and there was not enough lighting to compensate for it.

After leaving the front hallway, the house really opened up and lightened up. The kitchen was light and bright.

When I opened up the paneled refrigerator, I couldn’t believe it was styled. Fancy, huh?

This inset plate rack makes me want to figure out a way to do this in my house.

The pantry was a delight. I love the way they styled the top shelf and the wallpaper was this textured snakeskin type pattern.

I love, love, love pictures of animals. In my house right now, I have two cows and a pig. Don’t ask. This duck has so much personality and I swear it’s giving me the side eye.

A cute little laundry room with plenty of room to fold clothes which is a plus for me since I have absolutely no folding space.

Back out to the main space and this giant banquette certainly made a statement as well as the glossy white table.

I love a good gallery wall and this one was the chef’s kiss. I could also get behind this curved sofa even though they are everywhere nowadays. This one had a different feel to it.

Here’s another shot of the sofa. It was super comfortable too.

Love the beams and the artwork over the fireplace. There was also a fabulous green mohair chair, even though it was so low, I could hardly get back up after sitting down.

The primary bedroom was on the main floor which is always a good idea. Color drenched in a gorgeous olive green with board and battens, I loved this bedroom. The leather headboard was also stellar.

This corner seating area made my heart flutter when I saw it. I think it’s the vintage chair that did it.

This is my kind of room, with lots of books.

The primary bath has the zellige tile that I love.

This bathroom had dark tile too like the front bathroom but was also surrounded by light colors so it didn’t feel so dark.

The primary closet had plenty of hanging space, but I particularly like having some areas with shelves and drawers too.

As soon as I walked up to the second floor, this is what I saw. Art is always the thing that catches my eye.

I consider this an upstairs den of sorts. There was plenty of comfortable seating and those little mushroom stools are so cute.

With a games table in the corner, I could see myself using this room a lot.

I loved this smoked mirror. I couldn’t believe it was floor to ceiling. So luxurious.

A top floor guest bedroom that was very feminine.

Again, every bedroom needs some kind of seating, don’t you think?

A lovely neutral upstairs bathroom.

The quirky art and mirror is what got me.

Another guest bedroom with reeded panels but used in a different way from what you usually see.

Another vintage piece. This time it’s a mid-century modern cabinet.

My overall impressions of this Showhouse:

• Green is my favorite color, but I was surprised and delighted that every designer used some version of green in their rooms whether in the paint and/or the accessories.
• Designers are using more and more vintage and antique items which you don’t normally see in showhouses. And I’m here for it.
• An upstairs room that can double as another family room is a cool thing.
• Don’t sacrifice functionality to make a statement like in the dark first floor bathroom.

The 2025 Serenbe Showhouse is always a master class in creativity, color, and craftsmanship — and proof that good design can still surprise you. Each designer brought their own magic, from bold pattern play to serene natural textures that felt so Serenbe. As always, I left with about a hundred new ideas, a mild case of paint-swatch obsession, and a deep appreciation for what happens when design minds come together with no rules and all the vision.

See ya next time.