I had the opportunity to visit the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles show house for their annual Home For The Holidays event and boy did I have fun!
This year’s home was a renovation, many of the show houses I have seen have been new construction so it refreshing to see how the team tackled an existing space.
A little backstory on the home, this home was built in the 1920’s and was a gift from the city of Atlanta to the famous golfer Bobby Jones. There was an addition added on years back making this home about 7,500 square feet while the residence sits on more than 1.5 acres. The design and build team did a fabulous job of redesigning this home yet they still embraced the original character of the home.
While there is so much to be said about home and trust me I could go on for days. I have summed eight design concepts that I appreciated in this home so let’s get into it!
- Continuity
With this being a renovated home from the 20’s the “open concept” was not a thing and I LOVED that! Each room felt spacious enough but didn’t feel cold. From the ground up this home was beautiful. The rich caramel colored hardwood ran throughout the entire home (less bathrooms of course) and the hardwood was installed in various ways. In some rooms the hardwood was laid traditionally but then you’d look down and the next room may feature a chevron to herringbone detail. I love when homes incorporate different types of flooring installation methods because it allows you create continuity while still keeping the space interesting.
2. Bold is Better
This home had no shortage of color and impactful design choices. The high gloss lacquered teal blue speakeasy was hands down my favorite space in the home. This room was not only filled with color on the walls and ceiling but the statement mirror installation was more a piece of art than any other looking glass you have ever seen.
The shower panels in the primary on suite were stunning with dramatic marble veining and geometric etched details. Then there was the wine cellar! Yes, you heard me…the wine cellar.
The herringbone slate flooring mixed with the ledger stone on the walls created an organic yet luxurious feeling as if you were at a winery in Napa Valley or better yet drop me in Tuscany.
3. Embrace unique patterns
I truly enjoyed the tile selections in this home. Whether it was the bath floor tile, shower walls or the entry way there was no shortage of one-of-a kind stone. There was something exciting about going from space to space and seeing how they tackled each room, bathroom or hallway.
4. Mix Metals
I do not understand it but people are so afraid of mixing metals. I think that mixing finishes creates a more custom look without spending the money on custom pieces. When you think about it we mix jewelry finishes or mix metals in accessories so why not mix things up in your home?
There are so many resources to find material and many of them offer the opportunity to return an item if it doesn’t work out so you can test it. The worse that can happen is that you don’t like something and then you just send it back.
5. Forget the open concept
I’m sure this may upset or confuse some people because aren’t open concept homes the trend right now?
Yes, they is a major trend happening in the construction world of knocking walls down or building an open floor plan home. This concept has been trending now for about 10 to 15 years or so.
I mentioned earlier that this was a renovated historic home so the rooms are not as expansive as what you see today in new construction homes. I have had the opportunity to live in both types of spaces and I have realized that I appreciate the coziness of having separate spaces and privacy. Open concept homes are tough because they can be loud/echoey (is that even a word?!) and they are lacking in wall space to place furniture pieces and artwork.
As I stated before being in an open floor plan eliminates some privacy. Sure you can go to a bedroom or an office but it’s nice to be able to have dinner in your dining room that is separate from the kitchen and conceal your mess behind the scenes.
6. Lighting is EVERYTHING
Wait…didn’t we already know this guys? As Christopher “Biggie Smalls” Wallace once said “well if you don’t know, now you know”. Lighting will literally change your entire space. You want to incorporate a mixture of lighting from over head lighting to task lighting (think under cabinet lights) to ambient lighting such as a lamp. It is also important to include layers of lighting to make a space feel warm and cozy. Plus, lighting fixtures are GORGEOUS and there are thousands of different options with unique shapes, textures, and finishes.
If there is one thing you learn from this conversation it would be… do not skimp on your lighting people!
7. Mix finishes
I know we talked about mixing metals but the same concept holds true but mixing finishes especially cabinet finishes. I’m sure you all have seen the kitchens where the island is one color and the surrounding perimeter cabinets are a different finish.
This home did a great job in the kitchen mixing finishes. The island was a rich stained walnut that was repeated on the pantry doors. There were cabinets flanking the pantry doors and flanking the range which were painted in a soft white. Lastly, the drawers at the range were a black metallic door framed in a nickel finish. All of these elements were beautifully layered with a stunning natural stone (I’m guessing a quartzite) and this stone truly brought all of these colors together in perfect harmony.
8. Have Fun
This home was filled with whimsical art and décor pieces so while the home was gorgeous it didn’t take itself too seriously. This piece below of a young girl who appears to be jumping on a bed while wearing a Burkin bag on her head is the epitome of playful.
So often we put so much pressure on our selves to be perfect or play it safe but why?! What is the worst that could happen if you chose to paint your dining room that perfect shade of pink you’ve been thinking about for months? You don’t like it and paint it another color. In the grand scheme of your life it’s great to take chances and enjoy the ride. Let this be your reminder to live a little!
I had so much fun touring this show house. If you are in the Atlanta area and have not had a chance to visit, make sure to go before it ends on December 15th.
Tickets: https://atlantaholidayhome.com
XOXO
-F