Southern Style
Design VIPs get exclusive look at Southern Living's Idea House in Northwest Hills
- Lydia Rudy, Kitty Threlkeld. and Alli Claunch.Photo by Ben Porter
- Kathy Hammond and Jena Hammond.Photo by Ben Porter
- Julie Blakeslee, Meredith Ellis, Zoe Gowan, David Wilkes, Catherine Wilkes, Chris Sanders, Hunter Ellis, and Sid EvansPhoto by Ben Porter
- John Spong and Jack Sanders.Photo by Ben Porter
- Joe Messer, Merry Payne, and Jen Fan.Photo by Ben Porter
- Courtney DiSabato and Joanna Rechnitz.Photo by Ben Porter
- Christina Garcia, Andres Garcia, Nadine Timpa, and Sandy Pace.Photo by Ben Porter
- Harrison Hall and Stephanie Tower.Photo by Ben Porter
What: Southern Living's 2018 Idea House VIP Party
Where: 6401 Rusty Ridge Dr.
The lowdown: On June 7, Austin's design community, VIPs, and members of the media got a first look at the magazine's 2018 Idea House, which just happens to be nestled in Austin's Northwest Hills neighborhood. (Get a sneak peek here before it opens to the public on June 15.)
Southern Living editor in chief Sid Evans and home and garden editor Zoe Gowan greeted guests while the local team behind the house, a group of creatives including Meredith Ellis, Chris Sanders, David Wilkes, and Julie Blakeslee, answered questions about the meticulous renovation process.
Throughout the evening, guests sipped cocktails and dined on light bites set up in the home's newly completed kitchen. The front door was open (in true Southern style), and party-goers floated between the home's dreamy interiors and lush, comfortable grounds while getting an insider's look at the unique project.
Who: Sid Evans, John Spong, Jack Sanders, Meredith Ellis, Julie Blakeslee, Chris Sanders, Courtney DiSabato, Joanna Rechnitz, Hunter Ellis, Harrison Hall, Stephanie Tower, Joe Messer, Merry Payne, Kathy Hammond, and Jen Fan.