Studio Wellington uses inspiration from historical styles and antique pieces to create a layered look in this new-construction home in one of Buckhead’s most sought-after addresses.
The foyer features doors from Womack Iron where the outside glass is mirrored, providing privacy without blocking the natural light during the day.
The family room features Pella doors that fold out fully to reveal a patio, as well as a custom sofa and ottomans, a Chapman & Myers chandelier from Circa Lighting and bookshelf objects by Pryor Fine Art.
The Home
This Buckhead home started as a tear-down. When Stephanie Abernathy, co-founder of interior design firm Studio Wellington alongside Ashley Malone, approached the home she saw great potential. “This was a new-construction home from start to finish,” says Abernathy, “which gave me so much room to direct the design.” The approximately 8,000-square-foot English Cottage-style home featuring six bedrooms, six bathrooms and two half-baths was going to be the forever home for a lovely couple.
The Priority
“I wanted the space to feel usable and comfortable but storied as well. We wanted to create a place for the homeowners’ lives to grow with and into that truly represented their family,” says the designer. This was achieved by creating a layered look with design accents that look historic, yet updated, for a fresher, cleaner appeal. The homeowners wanted space to grow, which was a top priority in the architectural design of the home.
The Detail
Each room in this project is layered via texture, keeping the home’s color palette as close to neutral as possible. The whites, tans and grays serve as the perfect platform for the homeowners’ collection of original art. “The use of art, repurposed antique pieces, custom furniture and detailed things, like architectural accents on the ceiling, really proved to be the perfect formula when it came to layering,” says Abernathy.
The basement bar, featuring art by Elizabeth Chapman from dk Gallery and pieces from Pryor Fine Art, is the perfect entertaining space for guests. Above the table hangs a chandelier from Circa Lighting.
In the living room, Abernathy utilized a piece from dk Gallery paired with a Chapman & Myers chandelier from Circa Lighting, custom sofas and ottomans, as well as a wall of Pella double doors. Th e dining room has more of the same: Chapman & Myers lighting, a custom rug and lacquered paneling, paired with a shagreen metallic wall covering from Cowtan & Tout for layers of texture. Th e highlight of the room is two repurposed antique captains chairs outfitted in nubby boucle and an antique dining table. Th e kitchen, one of Abernathy’s favorite rooms, features Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, special quartzite sourced from CR Home and a tumbled limestone backsplash. “I love the backsplash so much. It feels like being inside a castle!” says the designer. Rounding out the standout rooms is the primary bedroom, featuring a custom bed and headboard by Studio Wellington and refinished lacquered antique side tables. Outside the room, a gorgeous black and yellow piece by Catie Radney provides depth and contrast.
The kitchen features pendant lights from Circa Lighting, a Sub-Zero/ Wolf wine fridge, quartzite from Construction Resources, faucet from Ferguson and cabinets by An&Y Craftsman from Carriage Partners.
The Challenge
Every designer knows lead times are the Achilles’ heel of a project— having the power to halt the momentum to a standstill. Abernathy knew this was going to be an issue from the start, so they decided to use repurposed antique pieces. “Through refinishing, lacquering, recovering or stripping, we gave each antique piece a new life and created custom, locally made pieces,” says Abernathy.
The primary bedroom features a custom headboard designed by Studio Wellington, and just outside is a bench that holds great sentimental value for the client.
The Outcome
This updated home is the perfect balance of new and old and a paramount example of how new construction should be handled. “The client was happy with functionality and easily usable entertaining spaces,” says Abernathy. “Particularly, they enjoyed seeing things go from sketches and inspiration through design development to installation.” The client also loved seeing family pieces get repurposed throughout the home, allowing them to feel at home in a new space.
In the keeping room, expect custom chairs, an antique sideboard and art from dk Gallery.
Design Details
Type
Single-family home
Neighborhood
Buckhead
Interior Designer
Stephanie Abernathy, Studio Wellington
Resources
Caracole
Keeping room ottoman, guest room dresser and chair, bookcases in the study
Bernhardt
Dining chairs
Currey & Company
Primary, living and sitting room accent tables and lamps
Circa Lighting
Living room, kitchen and dining room chandeliers
Century Furniture
Guest room and front entry tables
Cowtan & Tout
Living room, guest room and sitting room pillow fabrics; guest and dining room wallpaper
Romo
Dining, sitting and living room upholstery fabric; primary and guest room bed fabric