Traci Rhoads Home Design

Atlanta Designer Traci Rhoads Transforms Southern Manse into a Chic, Functional Family Home

Alison Abbey Hudak

Photography by GALINA COADA

When one of interior designer Traci Rhoads’ previous clients told her that they had purchased a historic property in Atlanta, she was thrilled to transform the stunning structure into a place the family could call home for years to come. Her knowledge of both their design aesthetic and the architect who created the local landmark made the project a perfect fit. In six months, Rhoads had worked her magic to create their dream home.

THE PROJECT

“I designed the family’s first home, and they called me for this home right when they put it under contract,” says Rhoads of the 4,5000-square-foot estate by renowned architect Herbert Brito.

THE DESIGN

“The overall aesthetic is a mix of design styles incorporating modern, structured pieces,” she says. “The home combines luxury with an emphasis on comfort. We used varied textures to create visual interest and a quiet, monochromatic palette of whites and taupes paired with deeper neutrals of charcoal gray for depth.”

THE STRATEGY

“We started the renovation before they moved in and the project took six months. We began by transforming what was an enclosed outdoor porch—which was turned into a child’s playroom by the previous owner—into the breakfast room. The house did not have a dedicated space for one, and it was important to the clients to have one because they love nightly family dinners together.” says Rhoads. “We demoed the existing brick floor, raised it to be level with the adjacent space and continued the same wood floor throughout. By also removing the brick wall that separated the two rooms, we created one large, open floor plan, which became both the breakfast room and the family room.”

THE DETAILS

“The primary bedroom is one of my favorite color palettes. The client was open to the pale rose accent color, which is balanced and harmonious among the warm whites,” says Rhoads. “Brito’s signature details include soft, curved walls and a circular, accent window above the front door. A curving staircase is part of a grand, two-story entry and showcases a sculpture the family brought back from one of their travels.”

“THE OVERALL AESTHETIC IS A MIX, INCORPORATING MODERN, STRUCTURED PIECES.”

Despite its size and stature, designer Traci Rhoads was able to keep this estate warm and inviting thanks to a neutral color palette and soft fabrics. Photography by GALINA COADA

Art throughout the home showcases the family’s personal style, while keeping a calming color story throughout the space. Photography by GALINA COADA

The curving staircase is part of a grand, two-story entry that showcases a sculpture the family brought back from their travels. Photography by GALINA COADA

“BRITO’S SIGNATURE DETAILS INCLUDE CURVED WALLS AND A CIRCULAR, ACCENT WINDOW.”

Architect Herbert Brito designed this nearly 4,500-square-foot home, an Atlanta landmark nestled into the Morningside neighborhood. Photography by GALINA COADA

Design Details

Designer Rhoads used neutral tones with an accent of pale rose to keep the home soft and inviting. Photography by GALINA COADA

A sitting area in the primary suite takes full advantage of the home’s large windows, inviting in all the natural light. Photography by GALINA COADA