Dina Varner of VPI Design’s personal home utilizes texture, print and dimension to create the perfect amalgamation of styles while staying true to its Tudor style.
The office features a custom plush sofa, an art deco brass and acrylic coffee table, and a playful gold leaf lamp by Tommaso Barbi.
The side porch was one of the more fun areas for Varner and her team to design. The unique barreled ceiling outfitted with Kelly Wearstler wallpaper creates a playful effect while the modern-shaped furniture instills structure in the room.
The Client
Interior designers have the exclusive opportunity to explore different styles and homes throughout their careers. So, when it comes to designing their own homes, the results are often intriguing. Dina Varner, founder and creative director of VPI Design, and her husband, John, bought this early 1900s English Tudor designed by the famous Philip Trammell Schutze, with plans for a renovation. Together, the Atlanta natives have an extensive collection of collectibles and vintage pieces they have procured throughout the years through venues like Sotheby’s, Babcock Galleries and Christie’s. “Just as with my clients, I wanted this home to embody our personality and tell our story, keeping it elegant but comfortable,” says Varner.
Looking into the side porch, an antique bistro table and chairs by MDF Italia with overhanging brass light fixture sourced from Switch Modern and black and white marble floors.
The Priority
The main goal was to update the approximately 100-year-old home while maintaining style and comfort. “I love using art deco, vintage and contemporary accents in my work,” says Varner. “But of course I wanted to honor the traditional history and style of the home. So my main goal was to perfectly balance the two.”
A standout in the kitchen is the black La Cornue stove that really grounds the kitchen. The cabinery was custom-made by American Custom Millworks.
The Challenge
One of the more challenging rooms in the home was the kitchen. Says Varner, “I got a little lost here because I wanted the kitchen to maintain an old-world feel, but I also wanted all the techy, modern amenities.” The compromise metabolized in many ways, but one specific example was the addition of the La Cornue stove from France. “La Cornue was the perfect middle ground for me. With all their products, the history is still there but the function is upgraded.”
The library takes on an eclectic, layered look with oak paneling, a sofa by Travis & Company, drapes by Larsen and a light fixture by Circa Lighting.
The Detail
As previously mentioned, this home was designed by the famous Philip T. Shutze, the same architect who designed Atlanta’s famous Swan House. One of the special aspects of the home is its completely suspended curved staircase in the foyer, one of only two in Atlanta from this period. Also in the foyer is Zuber wallpaper depicting one of the France factory’s iconic scenes, “Eldorado with connecting dado.” Throughout the home, Travis & Company fabrics and fun decor blend together the traditional and modern. “We had the most fun decorating the side porch, adding Kelly Wearstler wallpaper to the barreled ceiling with plaster rope detail,” says Varner. “The mix of antiques with some of the modern furniture added a unique dimension to an English Tudor.”
This nook in the library features a lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller, art and found objects.
The Outcome
At the end of the project, the Varners were extremely happy with the result, fi nding that their vintage art and design collections were utilized throughout and the modern elements felt intentional rather than superficial. Their approximately 11,000-square-foot home is now the perfect design haven. Varner’s vision was to keep the integrity of a traditional English Tudor yet provide an updated feel. Combinations of art deco, vintage and contemporary styles create elegance while simultaneously exuding simplicity and comfort in each living space.
The office features a light fixture from Sciolari and acrylic chairs.
Design Details
Type
Single-family home
Neighborhood
Buckhead
Interior Designer
Dina Varner, VPI Designs by Dina Varner
vip-design.com
The hallway leading to the foyer features the same black and white marble floor, and gives a glimpse of the hand-painted Zuber wallpaper.
Resources
Aerin
Side porch ceiling light fixture
aerin.com
Apparatus from R Hughes
Powder room sconces
apparatusstudio.com; r-hughes.com
Bunny Williams Home from Circa Lighting
Side porch lamp
bunnywilliamshome.com; circalighting.com
Cowtan & Tout
Library occasional chair
cowtan.com
Kelly Wearstler
Side porch wallpaper
kellywearstler.com
Kifu Paris
Powder room mirror
kifuparis.com
Mark Alexander from Romo
Side porch apricot-colored pillows; dining room dining chair fabric, living room ottoman and blue drapes
markalexander.com; romo.com
Travis & Company
Library sofa and club chairs
travisandcompany.com
