In Residence by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
In Residence is a podcast by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, hosted by Publisher Elizabeth Ralls and Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iverson. Each episode takes listeners inside the minds of the creatives, craftspeople, and design-industry talents that make Atlanta a serious destination for design, one conversation at a time.
In Residence by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Valerie Garrett on Collaboration, Creativity, and Design Responsibility
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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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