Tudor Home Embraces a Modern Revival

This Historic Tudor Estate Embraces a Modern Revival

Ela Sathern

This historic Tudor estate embraces a modern revival.

photographed by GAREY GOMEZ

When a 74-year-old Santa Fe restaurateur and painter sought to begin her next chapter near family in Atlanta, she discovered an architectural gem in Druid Hills that would become her creative sanctuary. The historic Tudor estate, originally built for civic leader Forrest Adair Sr., presented an exciting opportunity to blend historical reverence with contemporary artistic expression.

THE PRIORITY

“This transformation was about creating harmony between the home’s rich architectural heritage and the owner’s vibrant artistic spirit,” explains Seth van den Bergh, creative director at The Drawing Room ATL. “Our client brought with her not only five decades of carefully curated art but also a vision for spaces that would celebrate both the old and new.”

“In the dining room, with its clean lines and luxurious finishes, is equally perfect for intimate dinners or lively gatherings,” says Seth van den Bergh, “or standing on its own as a true work of art.” photographed by GAREY GOMEZ

THE STRATEGY

The 4,000-square-foot residence required thoughtful intervention to transition from its heavy, dark interior to spaces that would showcase the owner’s extensive art collection while respecting the Tudor bones. Van den Bergh’s design philosophy—centering on “the new, the now, and the novel”—comes through in every corner of the house. The design team approached the project with a delicate balance, maintaining architectural integrity while introducing fresh elements that spoke to the owner’s creative sensibilities.

THE DESIGN

The home’s reimagining centered on creating an environment supporting the owner’s active lifestyle—she’s an avid bicyclist—while providing sophisticated spaces for displaying art. The proximity to parks and bike trails made the location ideal, while the interior transformation focused on establishing gallery-like spaces that could accommodate her collection.

A breath of vibrant color was brought into the home while honoring its storied past, as seen here in the breakfast nook and primary bedroom door. photographed by GAREY GOMEZ

“THIS TRANSFORMATION WAS ABOUT CREATING HARMONY...”—SETH VAN DEN BERGH

THE DETAILS

In the dining room, custom walnut cabinetry and carefully selected wallcoverings create a refined backdrop for entertaining. The primary bedroom underwent several iterations before achieving the perfect blend of modern comfort and traditional elegance, featuring premium furnishings and floor-to-ceiling treatments that honor contemporary and historical design elements.

A breath of vibrant color was brought into the home while honoring its storied past, as seen here in the breakfast nook and primary bedroom door. photographed by GAREY GOMEZ

Throughout the home, bold interior trim inspired by Tudor profiles converges with modern touches, creating dynamic spaces that feel both grounded in history and decidedly fresh. “Each room tells a story,” notes van den Bergh. “We wanted to ensure that every design choice reflected not only our client’s artistic perspective but also her eclectic tastes and global experiences, all while staying true to the essence of Atlanta.”

THE OUTCOME

The result is a home that serves as a personal gallery and a comfortable retreat, where modern furnishings and contemporary art pieces engage in dialogue with traditional architectural elements. This thoughtful renovation demonstrates how historic homes can be reimagined for modern living while maintaining their architectural integrity. “It’s a home that speaks to a life well-lived, full of exploration and creativity,” adds van den Bergh.

“The primary bedroom, a sanctuary that came together after several thoughtful iterations,” says Seth van den Bergh, “is where modern and traditional influences meet.” photographed by GAREY GOMEZ