‘There’s no fun in everything looking perfect’ – how a dated 1990s Atlanta home found its character

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 While the house had good structural integrity, its outdated layout necessitated a renovation.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

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

The author recounts an unsolicited design suggestion from a real estate agent regarding their newly purchased historic home in Grant Park. The agent, having been inside the house, commented on its layout and recommended "opening things up." The house, dating back to approximately 1905, is described as being narrow and long, with a distinct division: a long hallway on the right and a series of small rooms off to its left. This unique layout, alongside an inexplicable finished attic without stairs, gives the house a peculiar and somewhat awkward character when compared to modern, open-concept homes frequently showcased on home improvement television programs. Initially, the author and their husband considered following the common trend of knocking down walls to create a more open, airy living space, aiming to merge the two small front rooms. However, after receiving an prohibitively expensive quote from an architect for such modifications, they began to reconsider. This high cost prompted them to question the fundamental idea of extensively altering a 115-year-old home, pondering whether it would be more practical to purchase a different property or build a new one altogether if such significant changes were truly desired. They questioned the wisdom of treating their historic residence like an expensive Lego set, implying that such extensive renovations would strip it of its inherent character. Over time, as they settled into their new home, the couple's perspective shifted. They unpacked, observed the previous owner’s bearded irises bloom, got married, and hosted numerous gatherings, including Thanksgivings, cookouts, and overnight guests. Through daily living, they discovered the unique qualities and functions of each room, identifying which spaces were suitable for houseplants and which were ideal for leisurely activities like watching Netflix. They even addressed a practical issue by replacing a rickety attic ladder with more substantial stairs, although not the grand staircase they had once envisioned. Crucially, the idea of demolishing walls faded entirely. The author notes that they not only abandoned the plan but also developed a profound appreciation for the existing structure. They realized that the separate rooms provided a sense of order and distinct purpose that an open-concept layout, with its emphasis on light and spaciousness, could not offer. For instance, one room became a dedicated space for entertaining guests with cocktails, while another served as a cozy retreat for casual activities like Netflix binges and takeout meals, each possessing its own "distinctive personality and purpose." This division, initially perceived as a drawback, became a cherished feature. The author expresses gratitude for not having had the financial means to carry out the initial renovation plans, believing that such changes would have forced the "creaky, lovely old house" into an identity it was not meant to embody. They observe a common trend on real estate platforms like Zillow, where historic homes are often stripped of their original character to align with modern preferences for convenience and an apparent aversion to distinct rooms. The article concludes with a firm declaration that as long as they reside in the house, its walls will remain intact, honoring its century-long history. A practical solution to the awkward layout of a bedroom leading to the backyard, which might typically prompt remodeling, is also highlighted: simply making the bed before guests arrive proves to be a more straightforward and economical alternative. #HistoricHomes #GrantPark #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #HouseLayout #ArchitecturalPreservation #OpenConcept #Homeownership

Loren Audrey Taylor, an interior design principal and visionary, shares her career aspirations, business journey, and personal recommendations in Atlanta. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals transform their lives by creating beautiful, unpretentious, and effortless living environments. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with loved ones and inspiring possessions, aiming to be a source of information and inspiration, particularly in educating others about the past and present of design. As a design practitioner of African descent, Taylor is committed to researching and highlighting the contributions of hidden figures in architecture, interior design, decorating, fashion, fine and folk art, culinary arts, and entertaining. She seeks to connect these findings to the Motherland, contextualizing lost languages and folkways within the distinct culture of the United States. Her vision includes articulating how these historical influences shaped American style, particularly acknowledging the sacrifices and perseverance of Black America, and challenging the narrative that often overlooks the architectural contributions of unofficial, unlicensed architects like Jacques Hemings in the original colonies. Taylor also aims to visually express her individual classicist style through collaborations with various manufacturers, including furniture, lighting, jewelry, and fashion, as well as developing home entertaining solutions. She envisions herself as a "triple threat" in the design industry. Her passion extends beyond individual projects to broader community impact, aiming to integrate classicist design foundations into modern home design solutions within mixed-use communities. She is particularly focused on revitalizing blighted neighborhoods in a way that benefits current residents, rather than displacing them. A core tenet of her philosophy is to spread entrepreneurialism and mentor both young and old in the design field, encouraging everyone to embrace a positive outlook and live well. Reflecting on her business journey, Taylor, supported by her mother Carolyn, describes her venture into interior design as somewhat accidental, driven by both her logical and creative tendencies. She acknowledges that starting her own practice was significantly different from the idealized portrayals of design careers, such as in the show "Sugarbakers." Despite the challenges, she is making progress in branding her unique skills and being understood in the competitive design landscape. For a personal itinerary, Taylor recommends exploring areas outside of Atlanta, such as Serenbe, Newnan, Peachtree City, and Senoia. She suggests dining at local establishments like Knife and Stone, Garlic, Palmers, and Hilary’s Bistro. For relaxation, she enjoys day spas, particularly Natural Body and the services of Ulrich Bielka (Uli). Her appreciation for architecture leads her to explore the works of Herman J. Russell and John Portman, as well as the historical designs of Neel Reid, Philip Trammell Shutze in Atlanta, and R. Kennon Perry in Newnan, Macon, Columbus, and Savannah. She credits Vincent Johnson of Atlanta Drafting House for his support and mentorship. Taylor actively engages with the design community, moderating in the Design Masters Group on Clubhouse and maintaining an active presence on Instagram and LinkedIn. #InteriorDesign #DesignPrincipal #AfricanDescent #ClassicistStyle #CommunityRevitalization #Entrepreneurialism #AtlantaDesign #ArchitecturalHistory #HomeDecor

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