Modern Designs for History’s Sake
04 Aug 2023
The Cashiers Designer Showhouse returns for its 26th year
By BRITTANY CONLEY
Everyone interested in interior design can feel the buzz of excitement around Cashiers, North Carolina this time of year. This is the 26th anniversary of the Cashiers Designer Showhouse, one of the area’s favorite social events of the season and the largest annual fundraiser benefiting the Cashiers Historical Society, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of Cashiers.
If you’ve never attended the event and have even a passing interest in interior design, the Cashiers Designer Showhouse deserves a spot on your calendar. Spanning nine days from August 25th to September 2nd, exceptionally talented designers from the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and across the southeast aim to delight and inspire as they transform a grand, custom-built 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath home by designer-builder Jim Robinson of Design South Builders. The luxurious home is in Chimney Top, the newest neighborhood at the illustrious Club at High Hampton. You’ll want to witness how these experts use their command of colors, textures, and light to create spaces that evoke respite, creativity, and a sense of family. Their styles and backgrounds may be vastly different, but they share a common goal to encourage and educate everyone who comes to the showhouse.
“We are thrilled to represent this year’s Showhouse, a time-honored tradition for Cashiers that highlights the best in interior design and supports our beloved historical society,” share co-chairs Stacie Platt and Ellen Turner, who note that this space is a perfect example of multi-generational family gatherings.
Historically Cashiers
The heart and soul of this event is the Cashiers Historical Society, and this year’s theme is Historically Cashiers. This group of community-minded people endeavor every day to keep history alive in Cashiers through the preservation of buildings such as the Zachary-Tolbert House, Colonel John’s Cabin, and Hampton School. They maintain several miles of beautiful walking trails leading to historical points of interest. They provide thoughtful and entertaining educational opportunities through public speaking engagements as well their captivating publications.
In order to continue their important work, the Cashiers Historical Society relies on fundraisers and private donations, with The Cashiers Designer Showhouse being the biggest event each year. This one event provides much of the needed funding for the upkeep of the historic buildings and the educational programming. While it is a big deal for the Cashiers Historical Society, it has become a legendary event across the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. “I get excited about how Cashiers comes together every year to support our wonderful Cashiers Historical Society! It’s so much fun to watch the excitement build throughout the summer,” says Turner.
What To Expect
There is far more to the Cashiers Designer Showhouse than touring the home and taking in the breathtaking work from all the designers–though that is certainly reason enough to attend. This year’s co-chairs and their incredible team of volunteers have been putting in a lot of hard work behind the scenes to make sure the 26th Cashiers Designer Showhouse is nothing short of extraordinary.
“I have been involved in the Showhouse for 20 years,” says Platt. “I have participated by designing, installing, and also just attending. This year I am honored to be a co-chair and be involved from the beginning. It is a huge project but so rewarding and fun.”
“After being a guest for many, many years, this is my first year to be involved in the actual planning of the Designer Showhouse,” says Turner. “I am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team of volunteers, sponsors and benefactors, and I'm having so much fun.”
Kicking off the event, there is an Opening Night Patron Party to be held Thursday, August 24th, at Halsted House at High Hampton. To secure your ticket to this fine evening of dinner and dancing, you’ll want to check out the available benefactor packages or corporate sponsorships. This event typically sells out quickly, so do not wait if you’re interested.
“I am especially looking forward to all of our amazing special events this year,” says Turner. The co-chairs have secured an incredible lineup of experts for this year’s special events. Here’s a sneak peek at just some of what you can expect:
- Designer Panel featuring industry icons Suzanne Kasler, Norman Askins, Francie Hargrove, and Mark Paullin at the Chattooga Club.
- Dinner with P. Allen Smith, American television host, garden designer, conservationist, and lifestyle expert.
- Lunch with P. Allen Smith at Canyon Kitchen
- Showhouse by Twilight
- High Tea at the Inn at High Hampton
- Art demonstration with Sue Fazio
- Beverage tastings with Carlton Chamblin of Farm2Cocktail
- Landscape Seminar with Mary Palmer Dargan
These events fill up fast and space is limited. For reservations, please visit www.cashiershistoricalsociety.org
As if touring the home and taking in expert-led workshops wasn’t enough, it might be a good idea to bring along your favorite canvas shopping bags, too. The Vendor Village will be held at Lewis Hall at The Village Green. Esteemed vendors throughout the area will offer a shopping experience you will not want to miss–everything from home decor, antiques, clothing, and other one-of-a-kind items for every lifestyle.
Undoubtedly, everyone who comes to the Cashiers Designer Showhouse leaves with an abundance of inspiration, a strengthened sense of community, and a deeper appreciation for the history that has shaped this town into what it is today. It’s heartwarming to see how these modern, forward-thinking designers can transform a space while everyone comes together in support of protecting our mountain oasis and all the things that make it historically Cashiers. If you want to immerse yourself in this unique experience, tickets can be purchased through the Cashiers Historical Society website: cashiershistoricalsociety.org. The Showhouse will be open for tours Friday, August 25 - Saturday, September 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Vendor Village open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Designers
Land and Sky Designs: Heather McKeown, Charlotte, NC – Laundry Room/Mud Room
Hallie Lycans with Design South Builders – Cashiers, NC – Kitchen
Lisa Wester Interiors – Birmingham, AL – Dining Room
Stacie Platt with Rusticks – Cashiers, NC – Great Room
Red Door Design Studio: Abbi Williams – Atlanta, GA – Front Porch
Spruce Interiors – Highlands, NC – Entry/Powder Room
Lynn Monday Home – Cashiers, NC – Porch
Douglas Hilton with DWH Interiors – Atlanta, GA – Office/Yoga Room
Nellie Jane Ossi with Mrs. Howard – Jacksonville, FL – Primary Bedroom
Holly Watson with Acorns Boutique & Old Edwards Inn – Highlands, NC – Primary Bath/Closet
Platt Home – Brevard, NC – Bedroom and Bath #2
Eric Ross Interiors – Nashville, TN – Bedroom and Bath #3
Maggie Griffin – Gainesville, GA – Bunk Room and Baths
Janice Dietz – Atlanta, GA – Upper Sitting Area/Hall and Upper Laundry
Lauren Robbins – Augusta, GA Outdoor Living Area
For more background information on these amazing designers and the firms they represent, please check out cashiershistoricalsociety.org/designers-23.
The Sponsors for the 2023 Cashiers Designer Showhouse
Presenting Sponsors
Allen Tate Realtors
Design South Builders
Legacy Sponsors
Hampton Realty
High Hampton
Rusticks
Heritage Sponsors
Cashiers Valley Real Estate
Crawford Construction
Design Insider
Eric Ross Interiors
Lonesome Valley
McKee Properties
The Chattooga Club
Historic Sponsors
Caliber Fine Properties
Joan Anderson Interiors
Lehotsky & Sons
PLATT
The Ridge
Cultural Sponsors
Gracewear
Hotel Cashiers
Kathy Slater Design Collection
Man with the Van
MHK Architecture & Planning
Murdock Accounting Services
Sherwin-Williams
Spinx
Watershed Home & Garden Shoppe
Zoller Hardware
Media Sponsors
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Plateau Magazine
Associate Sponsors
Brookings
Cornucopia
Chile Loco
Crossroads Custard & Cold Brew
Slab Town Pizza
The Orchard
Vivace
