As many do, the homeowners of this original 1920s home in Druid Hills fell in love with the charm of the neighborhood and the historic architecture that lines its streets. After choosing Atlanta as their new home base, the couple began the task of homemaking, curating a space where their three boys (all under the age of 6) could grow. Enter interior designer Hope Austin, who worked with the homeowners to renovate, add on and create an updated version of their main level—an area where the family spends most of their time.

The breakfast nook features pillows in Schumacher, Romo and Kravet fabrics, table and chairs from Safavieh and lighting by Circa Lighting.

The home office is such an important space these days. Here, Austin added Clarke & Clarke wallpaper to the ceiling to create an inspiring space.

"It was so exciting to work with clients who are not afraid of color and pattern," says Austin. "It was clear since the beginning of the design process that historical restoration and respect was going to be a big factor when renovating this home. The goal was always to update the home in a way that would be respectful of its history. We needed to select finishes that could withstand the impact of three active boys without compromising style." Austin and her team also had to work within the code of the historic neighborhood, meaning they could not alter the main design of the home, but, for Austin, this wasn't necessarily a challenge—more so another layer of consideration when designing, sourcing and conducting the construction process. In fact, the mix of historical elements with more modern influences was the best part of this reno. Says Austin, "In the past, formal rooms had such a seriousness to them. Breathing new life into an older home and antique furnishings is wonderful because there is an authentic history and patina and we are able to hone that original idea into something that will be enjoyed for years to come."

The powder bathroom features wallpaper by Brunschwig & Fils

For the color palette, Austin chose a combination of navy, citrine and peridot to play off the home's white walls and deep Jacobean hardwood floors. This color palette was meant to be bold but limited in use in order to create a cohesive feel throughout. In the kitchen and butler's pantry, soft gray cabinetry acts as a throughline for the main floor—functional, soft and soothing—but doesn't go unnoticed. As for decor, Austin worked with the clients to revive some of the antiques and heirlooms they already owned, including a Victorian settee that Austin modernized by upholstering the back in a graphic fabric by Kelly Wearstler that matches the wallcovering in the adjoining wet bar. "Together, we selected which of their antiques had strong lines that would work well for their more modern, active lifestyles," says Austin. "This immediately infused their own history into the design, and that was a big goal." In the kitchen, Austin used a strong neutral base and popped in some color and fun with accessories and an art ledge that was designed over the range hood. Currently, it showcases a photography piece sourced from Jackson Fine Art, but in the future this ledge can change to support the clients' evolving collection of art pieces. "From bold art; strong, colorful textiles on pillows and upholstery; dramatic light fixtures; and graphic wallcoverings on walls and ceilings, there are moments of levity throughout that provide a wonderful balance to the home's historic roots," says Austin. At the end of the project, Austin had fully renovated the home's formal living room, butler's pantry, wet bar, powder rooms and home office, as well as added a family room, kitchen and breakfast nook.

The wet bar features a Turkish rug, Phillip Jeffries wallpaper and lighting by Circa Lighting.

With this home, Austin worked to blend styles—modern and historic, beautiful and functional—resulting in a home where new memories are being made while still respecting its history.

The kitchen features appliances by Sub-Zero, art sourced from Jackson Fine Art and bar stools by Furniture Classics.

DESIGN DETAILS

TYPE
Single-family home

LOCATION
Druid Hills

INTERIOR DESIGN
Hope Austin Interiors
hopeaustininteriorsllc.com

ARCHITECTURE
Patton Architects
pattonarchitects.com

BUILDER
Hawthorne Homes
hawthornehomesatl.com

RESOURCES

LEE JOFA X KELLY WEARSTLER
Wet bar wallcovering and living room furniture fabric
kravet.com/lee-jofa

BRUNSCHWIG & FILS
Powder room wallpaper
kravet.com/brunschwig-fils

TURKISH CARPETS
Kitchen and butler’s pantry off kitchen rugs
turkishcarpetusa.com

SCHUMACHER
Breakfast nook pillow fabric
fschumacher.com

PHILLIP JEFFRIES
Butler’s pantry wallpaper
phillipjeffries.com

CIRCA LIGHTING
Breakfast nook, butler’s pantry and home office lighting
circalighting.com

BOTTEGA STONE
Kitchen countertops
bottegastone.com

JACKSON FINE ART
Kitchen art
jacksonfineart.com