THE HEUER DESIGN COLLECTIVE ELEVATES A CLASSIC VIRGINIA-HIGHLAND HOME.


BDK Bufard cabinets were thoughtfully designed to provide storage and function in the kitchen. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
BDK Bufard cabinets were thoughtfully designed to provide storage and function in the kitchen. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

“We aimed for a modern, minimalist aesthetic that integrates with its natural surroundings while maintaining a sense of warmth.”–DAWN MARIE HEUER

When this growing family asked for a bigger, updated home, The Heuer Design Collective decided to “pop the top” of their charming historical home and give them the additional space they needed. This created a modern, minimalist aesthetic, offering the perfect backdrop for new memories to unfold.


The space by the kitchen was refreshed with a cozy eat-in nook. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
The space by the kitchen was refreshed with a cozy eat-in nook. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE PRIORITY

“We tried our best to keep the character of the exterior to match the aesthetic of the neighborhood and preserve the charm of the home, but the homeowners were interested in making this overall larger for their family. This is what inspired us to “pop the top” and add a second floor to the house,” explains interior designer Dawn Marie Heuer, owner of The Heuer Design Collective.

The priority for this expansion was clear: to create a harmonious flow between the existing structure and the new second-story addition. “We were determined to preserve the architectural integrity of the home while maximizing functionality for the growing family,” says Heuer. This delicate balance became the guiding principle throughout the design and construction process.


A Koda accent table from Rowe Furniture is surrounded by Amelia Sosa couches from Six Penny in living room. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
A Koda accent table from Rowe Furniture is surrounded by Amelia Sosa couches from Six Penny in living room. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE CHALLENGE

Expanding a historical home presented unique challenges. “Blending new construction with original architecture without losing the home’s character was our biggest hurdle,” Heuer admits. The team had to navigate carefully, paying close attention to proportions, materials, and finishes to ensure the new spaces felt integrated rather than disconnected. Working within the constraints of older structural elements also required creative problem-solving to optimize space and function.

THE STRATEGY

The design strategy used complementary materials, colors, and architectural details reflecting the home’s heritage. “We reconfigured spaces to enhance functionality while carefully preserving the character of the house,” Heuer notes. The second floor was designed for private areas like bedrooms, keeping the communal spaces on the original level. Modern updates, such as open layouts and improved amenities, were seamlessly integrated to respect the home’s traditional aesthetic while adapting to contemporary lifestyle needs.


The color palette and design in the office continued the theme of organic and timeless elements. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
The color palette and design in the office continued the theme of organic and timeless elements. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

“We worked closely with our clients to ensure nothing was overlooked,” Heuer emphasizes. From dedicated paper towel drawers in the kitchen to the carefully selected stone design in the powder bath, every element was thoughtfully considered. Even the coffee table books in the living room were chosen with intention, creating a space that felt immediately lived-in and personal.


In the powder room, the sink is a standout with its marble sink design. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
In the powder room, the sink is a standout with its marble sink design. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE DESIGN

“We aimed for a modern, minimalist aesthetic that integrates with its natural surroundings while maintaining a sense of warmth,” Heuer explains. The design emphasizes clean lines and open spaces, with a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor elements. Rich textures and a neutral color palette create a serene atmosphere, while strategically placed windows invite abundant natural light, enhancing the connection to the landscape.


Custom window treatments provide privacy in the primary bathroom  PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Custom window treatments provide privacy in the primary bathroom PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Inspiration for the project came from multiple sources. “We tried our best to keep the exterior character in line with the neighborhood aesthetic,” Heuer notes. “But internally, we focused on creating a home where a family could grow and enjoy time with guests without feeling overly designed.” This vision led to incorporating natural elements and textures throughout, with subtle moments of moodiness.

The color palette and design themes reflect this balance of organic and timeless elements. “We loved weaving in deep greens and blues,” Heuer shares. “It creates a moody yet warm atmosphere that feels both contemporary and classic.”


also on the new second level, a nursery was designed for the growing family. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
also on the new second level, a nursery was designed for the growing family. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

THE OUTCOME

“The house now flows effortlessly, with open spaces for gathering and cozy corners for quiet moments, offering the perfect backdrop for new memories to unfold,” says Heuer. “Bedrooms and private areas have been designed to provide a retreat for family members, while the communal spaces encourage connection and laughter. The home feels both familiar and fresh, honoring its past while embracing its future. It stands as a testament to the patience and vision invested, a place where generations can come together and create lasting memories for years to come.”


Bed and bedding from Pottery Barn lie above a Loloi rug in the primary bedroom. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY
Bed and bedding from Pottery Barn lie above a Loloi rug in the primary bedroom. PHOTOGRAPHED BY RUSTIC WHITE PHOTOGRAPHY

Design Details

Type

Single-family home

Location

Atlanta

Designer

The Heuer Design Collective

heuerdesigncollective.com

Architect

Mark Arnold

markarnoldarchitect.com

Builder

Phoenix Renovations

phoenixrenovations.net

RESOURCES

AjMadison

Kitchen appliances

ajmadison.com

Amber Interiors

living room rug

amberinteriordesign.com

Bedrosian

Bathroom shower and flooring

bedrosians.com

CDK Buford

Kitchen and office cabinets

cdkbuford.com

Inman Park Marble and Granite

Kitchen countertops and island, bathroom countertops

inmanparkmarble.com

Loloi Rugs

Bedroom rug, loloirugs.com

Margaret Turner Nichols Custom Window Treatments

Roman shade in bathroom

@margaretnicholswindows

Paddy Collins

Custom vanity in primary bathroom

paddycollins.com

Pottery Barn

Lighting in living room, beds, bedding

potterybarn.com

Rowe

Koda accent table in living room

rowefurniture.com

Six Penny

Amelia Sosa couch in living room

sixpenny.com

Visual Comfort & Co.

Kitchen, bathroom and office lighting

visualcomfort.com