A Traditional Atlanta Home Gets a Proper Revamp

Karla Morris of Karla Morris Designs and Erin Deombeleg of Charlotte Hill Interiors collaborated on a significant renovation of a historic Buckhead property in Atlanta. The challenge involved updating the interiors of a 1926 Neel Reid and Philip Shutze architectural masterpiece while preserving its original charm and design integrity. The designers aimed to integrate contemporary fabrics and accents with traditional furniture and window treatment structures, creating a harmonious blend of old and new. The interior design drew inspiration from Santa Monica, California's casual elegance and the transitional decor found in the 432 Park Avenue condominiums in New York City. This approach successfully enhanced the home's classic architecture, particularly evident in the custom-designed pool cabana. The cabana features open walls that offer unobstructed views of the gardens, originally designed by Philip Trammell Shutze and Reid. The space is further enhanced by a fireplace and intricate ironwork crafted by Angelo Viale of Ironworks International, which subtly references Viale’s hometown of Catania, Italy. Despite the extensive outdoor spaces, which span over 3 acres, Karla Morris identifies the master suite as her favorite area within the home. The master bath is a highlight, featuring white Statuario Carrara Italian marble floors, limestone walls, an oversized steam shower, and separate his and hers water closets. The suite also boasts views of the expansive front lawn. Erin Deombeleg, on the other hand, expresses a preference for the kitchen and the adjacent sun porch. The kitchen project involved a collaboration between Deombeleg, architect Norman Davenport Askins, and Matthew Quinn of Design Galleria. This partnership resulted in a space designed without compromise, equipped with high-end appliances such as a La Cornue range, a sous vide oven, and a stainless steel hood extending over steel countertops. The kitchen seamlessly transitions into the sun porch through a wall of French doors that fold open, creating an expansive common area ideal for entertaining. The sun porch is distinguished by its floor-to-ceiling windows, which integrate the gardens into the home's interior. It also provides views of a copper tree fountain, a guesthouse, a tennis court, a basketball court, and a sports lawn. For comfort during cooler weather, the sun porch includes stainless steel ceiling heaters and a fireplace. The renovation thoughtfully combines impeccable interior design with the home’s treasured architecture, creating a residence that offers both historical elegance and modern luxury. The property, located at 2740 Habersham Road NW, was listed for $7.9 million by Betsy Akers of Atlanta Fine Homes. #HistoricHomeRenovation #AtlantaRealEstate #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #NeelReidArchitecture #PhilipShutze #TransitionalDecor #BuckheadProperty #HighEndAppliances

This article details the renovation of a 1950s ranch-style home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, undertaken by Katie Bee and Seton Marshall with the help of local architect Anna Evans. The family, expecting their second child, sought additional space and a more inviting environment that connected to the outdoors. The renovation aimed for a "leaner, taller, and cleaner" aesthetic while honoring the original ranch design. The exterior updates played a crucial role in transforming the home's functionality and appearance. A new paint job, an expanded entry, a wide front terrace, and tall, light-filled doors at the rear of the house significantly brightened the space and improved the natural flow between indoor and outdoor areas. The new front design, featuring 19-foot-wide stairs that extend to the edge of the house, balances the facade by filling the void beneath a wide window and creating the impression of a traditional front porch without altering the straight roofline. This expansive front area has become a neighborhood gathering spot, facilitating social interactions and providing a space for watching children play. The entrance was made more welcoming with the replacement of a narrow single door with new pecky cypress French doors, which are centered and more visible. The front terrace, measuring 10 by 12 feet, was designed to function as an outdoor living space, accommodating a love seat, two chairs, and a coffee table. This addition was deemed essential for a community that values outdoor socializing. To address the issue of mismatched exterior materials—brick on the front, shingles on the side, and siding on the back—the entire exterior was painted Timid White by Benjamin Moore. This uniform color scheme modernized the house and cohesively unified the different surfaces. Thoughtful landscaping, including neatly manicured boxwoods, was implemented to complement the home's refined appearance, filling gaps under windows and defining the backyard patio. Improvements were also made to the window treatments. The architect addressed the common issue of improperly sized shutters by removing them from two windows and replacing them with an operable, properly sized pair on the far-left window to visually enlarge it. Inside, the typically cramped feel of ranch homes with 8-foot ceilings and limited natural light was overcome by installing three new sets of 7-foot-tall French doors. These doors significantly brighten the interior rooms surrounding the patio and enhance the ease of movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, ultimately fulfilling the family's desire for a more spacious, brighter, and connected home. #HomeRenovation #RanchHouse #ExteriorDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #OutdoorLiving #HomeMakeover #PaintColors #LandscapeDesign #BeforeAndAfter

A historic 1906 American foursquare home in Nashville's Belmont neighborhood underwent a comprehensive renovation and addition to accommodate a modern family while preserving its original character. The project, led by Sara Ray Interior Design in collaboration with Allard Ward Architects, spanned three years and resulted in a blend of historic charm and contemporary aesthetics, earning a Metro Historical Commission Preservation Award. The homeowners' dedication to maintaining the home's integrity was a guiding principle throughout the process. The renovation focused on expanding family space, introducing a new kitchen, secondary bathrooms, a powder room, a mudroom, and a wet bar. The design team meticulously selected fixtures, finishes, furniture, and decor for both the existing structure and the new addition. The goal was to update the home through furnishings, color, and finishes while respecting its original design and ensuring a harmonious flow with the new areas. This involved mixing older materials with new and antique furnishings, rugs, pillows, and paint colors to create a cohesive concept. In the formal front rooms, rich colors were incorporated to maintain a traditional formality. The dining room features a deep moody blue on walls, molding, and ceiling, which highlights the original wood trim and the client’s antique furniture. A recessed built-in with vintage-inspired latch knobs provides storage and reinforces the historical setting. The formal sitting room was modernized with a navy mohair fabric on a traditional tufted sofa and sage green walls. The deep blues and greens are tied together by a vintage rug, and the room is arranged around the original fireplace to create an intimate gathering space. Framed chinoiserie wallpaper panels in the foyer serve as statement pieces, enhancing the home's entryway. The addition significantly increased livable square footage, including a finished basement, a first-floor living room, bathrooms, a dropzone, a second-floor playroom with a bathroom and laundry room, and a terrace overlooking the backyard. The kitchen was relocated and now opens to the spacious living room, with a guest suite occupying the former kitchen space. The new kitchen features dark charcoal cabinetry on the center island, complemented by fresh white elements and colorful floral stools and a vintage rug that add visual interest. The design in the back of the home employs neutral backdrops with vibrant pops of color in art and fabrics, featuring new and vintage furniture, bright colors, and modern art against warm neutrals. Custom elements like a built-in bench seat and fireplace mantel were designed to seamlessly integrate with the older parts of the house. Challenges included the immovable kitchen window due to the home's stone structure and thick walls, requiring the layout to center around it. Matching trim styles and millwork was also a significant effort, with custom trim added to perfectly replicate the original details. The wet bar, tucked behind the family room, features blue cabinetry with wire mesh, a custom wood countertop made from salvaged American Beech studs from the home’s original walls, and brass hardware. Sentimental details, such as newspaper articles found within the walls and a cow tag from the backyard, were preserved and displayed. The bedrooms and basement also received attention, with Sara Ray selecting rugs, bedding, draperies, and accent furniture that align with the downstairs design. The master bathroom features classic elements like a vintage vanity cabinet and clawfoot tub, softened by vintage rugs. In the basement game and music room, vintage rugs add richness to the leather sofa and pool table, and custom-framed vintage sheet music personalizes the piano area. The children's rooms were designed with their input, featuring sophisticated choices like a pink vanity and marble tile in the daughter's bathroom, designed to grow with her. The exterior of the house also received careful attention, with a fresh coat of paint enhancing the historic facade and helping it blend naturally with the addition. The project demonstrates a successful approach to renovating historic homes, preserving their essence while adapting them for contemporary living. #HistoricHomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NashvilleRealEstate #HomeMakeover #ArchitecturalPreservation #ModernAddition #SaraRayInteriorDesign #AllardWardArchitects #HomeDecor #BelmontNeighborhood

Susannah and Alex Bartko, long-time Atlanta residents, discovered a 1960s ranch house in their desired school district. The property's flat, walk-out backyard and its location on a quiet cul-de-sac were the main attractions, providing an ideal setting for their two young daughters. While the house had good structural integrity, its outdated layout necessitated a renovation. The Bartkos, who enjoy entertaining, sought a home with a seamless flow between rooms. They engaged Melissa Welker of Melissa Lacy Design, a local designer, to manage the renovation. The primary objective was to create a more open floor plan to enhance the home's spaciousness and functionality for the family. Melissa noted that the house required fundamental upgrades and an infusion of character. She integrated inherited and unique pieces to achieve a collected-over-time aesthetic, emphasizing the importance of adding 'soul' and patina alongside improved functionality. The design team drew inspiration from English styles found in design books, which guided the overall decorating scheme. Despite only slightly enlarging the home's original footprint, the team creatively reconfigured the space. The kitchen was relocated to the front of the house, a mudroom was added off the garage, a linen closet was converted into a powder bath, the family room ceiling was vaulted, and the oversized basement was divided into multiple functional areas. Melissa focused on practicality while also incorporating architectural details like trim and casings to add depth. She emphasized the importance of a fluid layout in common areas, stating that a 'dead-end room' should be avoided during gatherings. Intentional design choices, such as high-gloss black double doors with unlacquered brass hardware, added elegance and privacy to pass-through spaces. The entry was anchored by a central table, an unexpected element that creates a traditional foyer feel and offers flexible placement. The front two rooms, typically formal living and dining areas in traditional ranches, were underutilized. Melissa transformed this sun-drenched space, thanks to large bay windows, into the new kitchen and a welcoming sitting room, which also serves as the family's daily dining spot. The decision to move the kitchen to the front was driven by the desire to maximize natural light, a crucial consideration for ranch-style homes. To optimize seating in the kitchen, a banquette and antique breakfast table were positioned flush against the island, which is painted in Benjamin Moore’s Lush, AF-475. Melissa highlighted that the upholstered banquette adds warmth to the kitchen. Blue Willow china, inherited from Susannah’s parents, was displayed on the wall as decor. This connected kitchen and sitting room became the primary living and entertaining space for the family. While the home's main palette consists of neutral tones, Melissa introduced vibrancy through collections, mixed-and-matched throw pillows, art, and fabrics. For instance, the banquette in the kitchen features Lisa Fine Textiles' Calico Floral Stripe. The previously 'scary, eighties-tiled breakfast room' at the back of the house was transformed into a light-filled dining space. This area maintains a formal yet inviting atmosphere with Belgian bluestone flooring, Farrow & Ball's Oval Room Blue (No. 85) on the walls, an Urban Electric Company light fixture, and a round table accommodating up to eight people. Custom fixed-glass doors were installed on both exterior and interior walls of the dining room to allow natural light to penetrate deeper into the house, including the adjacent family room with its brick fireplace. To brighten the family room, the ceiling was vaulted and painted in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove (OC-17), while the walls were painted in Dove Wing (960). Unique pieces, such as a print of 'Strawberry Hill Library' by Dale Goffigon, were chosen for their personal resonance and to create a fresh contrast with existing oil paintings. Melissa updated a passed-down maple chair with a slipcover and velvet cushion for the family room. For symmetry, a locally made sofa from Travis and Company was centered opposite the fireplace, with a second, longer sofa dividing the space from a walkway to the dining area. An ottoman replaced a traditional coffee table to ensure comfort and safety for the children, while also adding texture and pattern to the room. The bright sunroom, a favorite gathering spot, features Benjamin Moore’s Dove Wing paint on the walls and Brandon Beige, 977, on the floor, complemented by playful textiles. Existing windows, a skylight, a rattan sofa from Susannah’s grandparents (refurbished with paint and a new cushion), and a garden stool create a seamless indoor-outdoor connection. Downstairs, the awkward basement was made more functional by dividing it into a playroom with ample storage, a gym, and a movie nook with a sectional. This created a secondary entertaining space for family gatherings, specifically for the children. For the younger daughter's bedroom, Melissa incorporated a whimsical custom headboard to elevate a small nook, making it feel cozy and unique. The design process focused on integrating cherished family heirlooms and creating a functional yet character-filled home. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #EnglishDesignStyle #RanchHome #FamilyHeirlooms #KitchenRemodel #FunctionalLayout #AtlantaHomes #SouthernLiving

Interior designer Kate Lester embarked on a project to redefine the perception of traditional design within a Cape Cod-style home in Manhattan Beach, CA. The common understanding of traditional interiors often includes heavy floral patterns, antique timepieces, tasseled ottomans, and elaborate window treatments, which can deter individuals from incorporating these elements. Lester's approach demonstrates how traditional components can be integrated into a contemporary setting without creating an outdated aesthetic. The design philosophy centered on using traditional elements in a novel manner, aiming to transform a conventional space into one filled with playful details and personality. Lester's methodology involved introducing comfort and clean lines, often considered divergent from traditional design principles. This was achieved through the careful selection of softer paint colors and comfortable furniture pieces. These modern touches were then contrasted with distinctive wallpaper and unique artwork, creating a balanced and visually interesting environment. The designer's work underscores the idea that "Trad is rad," advocating for a refreshed perspective on traditional decor. The project successfully blends classic architectural styles with modern interior sensibilities, providing a blueprint for homeowners looking to update their traditional residences while maintaining their inherent character. The article highlights specific elements and products that contribute to this updated traditional style. For instance, it features a Campion hanging light fixture from The Urban Electric Co., a Julia Low Profile Three Hole Deck Mounted Lavatory Faucet from Waterworks, and a Stoneware Pitcher w/ Rattan Handle from Kate Lester's own collection. Other items include Fig Leaves I artwork from Juniper Print Shop and a Marigold Metal Candle Holder, also from Kate Lester Home. These selections collectively demonstrate how individual pieces can contribute to a cohesive design that feels both classic and contemporary. The integration of such items showcases a thoughtful curation process, where each object plays a role in enhancing the overall aesthetic and functional appeal of the home. Through this project, Lester illustrates how a traditional home can be transformed into a comfortable, stylish, and personal space. The emphasis is on reimagining traditional aesthetics rather than abandoning them, proving that classic styles can indeed evolve to meet modern tastes and preferences. The design effectively challenges conventional notions of traditional decor, offering a fresh and inviting interpretation that appeals to a contemporary audience while respecting the architectural heritage of the home. This blend of old and new creates an environment that is both familiar and surprising, inviting residents to experience traditional design in an entirely new light. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ManhattanBeach #KateLesterInteriors #TraditionalModern #CapeCodStyle #HomeRenovation #InteriorStyling