Design Fusion

The powder room—with “Imperial Trellis” wallcovering by Schumacher covering the walls—is hidden behind a jib door.

The master bath has a spa-like ambience, thanks to a soaking tub and a nearly invisible walk-in shower that’s backed by a luxurious marble-lined wall.

Mike Hammersmith, Inc.’s custom cabinetry is showcased in the kitchen, but it’s the extra-thick Calcutta Gold marble countertops that—in this homeowner’s opinion—take this space to the next level. “This room would not have near the look if the countertops weren’t as thick as they are,” says Raulet. He points out that the La Cornue range was a fortuitous find, too; it wasn’t easy to find something to fit on that short wall, but the company made one that was just the right size. Next to the range, Burgess curtained the doorway to the pantry, adding softness and warmth to what can often be a cold space.

In the sunroom, custom windows by Mike Hammersmith, Inc., wrap the light-filled space. The chairs are from B.D. Jeffries and include pillows from Bungalow Classic. Pecky cypress covers the ceiling, while Peacock Pavers blanket the floor.

In the dining room, a pair of 18th-century Bordeaux wine flags hangs over concrete consoles from Bradley Hughes. The dining table is from Paul + Raulet, the chairs are covered in Jerry Pair Leather and the chandelier is by Bobo Intriguing Objects.

Just off the living room is a lounge area, ideal for watching TV. “It’s a little teeny nook where I probably spend more time than anywhere else,” says Raulet. The linen covered love seat is from South of Market. The custom ottoman was designed by Burgess and is upholstered in Glant patent leather, available through Jerry Pair & Associates.

The homeowner’s Oushak rug inspired the living room’s sage green and orange scheme. The Venetian lamps are from Parc Monceau. The abstract painting above the chest is by an unknown artist.

Covered in an orange Romo velvet, a pair of 19th-century French chairs provides a refreshing pop of color in the living room. The gueridon table is from Parc Monceau.

One of the things that Raulet likes best about the master bedroom is the direct view to the backyard. The drapery fabric is by Rose Tarlow, available through Ainsworth-Noah & Associates. The bedside table and bench are from Paul + Raulet; the bench is upholstered in a Rose Tarlow fabric. The antique convex mirror is from Interiors Market.

An understated scheme adds to the comfort level in the family room. For additional seating in the space, Burgess added crewel-covered chairs around the sofa table. The leather armchairs, by Minton-Spidell, are available through Paul + Raulet. Lamps, Holland & Company. Cocktail table, South of Market.

The outdoor terrace is as stylish as the home’s interior spaces. Sofa and chairs, Authenteak. Cocktail table, South of Market. Floors, Peacock Pavers.

The Tudor-style residence of Paul Raulet is a good fit with its Peachtree Battle neighborhood, known for its architecturally significant homes. The house has a quiet, unassuming quality, one that’s welcoming from the get-go. And that’s precisely what the owner was looking for—a comfortable home to share with his children, Charlie and Grace.

Raulet knew that the property had a lot going for it but, before making the purchase, he consulted with Mike Hammersmith. Having worked with the builder/contractor previously, Raulet respected his opinion and needed to know if a few “tweaks” he had in mind were feasible. “He wanted a more useable backyard,” recalls Hammersmith, which was ultimately accomplished by removing a detached garage—and truckloads of dirt—and leveling the area. But just as important to Raulet was adding a master bedroom on the main floor.

The original plan was to add not only the master but also a family room, providing space off the kitchen in which to entertain. But, Hammersmith says, it wasn’t long before he realized that the house would better accept a two-story addition. “Paul had to be talked into the second-floor space; he didn’t want to go into that much of a project.” In the end, however, the revamped floor plan turned out to be everything the homeowner wanted—and more.

Another smart move on Raulet’s part was to bring designer Betty Burgess on board early, just as the framing got started. “From the moment Paul and I met for the first time at my office, it was instant chemistry,” says Burgess. “We’re completely honest with each other, and at the same time respect each other’s opinions. And that’s key.”

“It’s like a marriage!” laughs Raulet. “I can’t imagine how things would have turned out if I hadn’t picked the right ‘partner.’ ”

Throughout the house, Burgess stayed true to her signature style while creating a purely personal place for the owner. “I feel like there have to be classical anchors as well as some unexpected modern elements to make a place fresh,” she explains. Case in point: A pair of classical chairs in the living room are covered in a modern orange fabric.

“I’m not a modern or contemporary guy but I like the mix, the edginess,” says Raulet.

Likewise, the designer deftly merged pieces Raulet already owned with new acquisitions. “I used a lot of what he already had, and—from a budget point of view—I think that’s really important,” Burgess says. “Don’t get me wrong, it’s great to start a project with a clean slate, but it’s always important to be sensitive to the sentimental value of my clients’ possessions.”

“She was very good at using things I already had,” Raulet confirms. “That zebra rug in the dining room? I bought that when I was in Tanzania. It was rolled up in a closet and I hadn’t looked at it for a long time. But it’s perfect there!”

In fact, the owner seems hard-pressed to think of a single thing he’d change.

“I really wanted a comfortable, cozy family house in an ‘old school’ neighborhood; that was the goal,” says Raulet. “And I think we achieved that. Not only do my kids love this house but everybody who walks in says they could move right in. To us, this house has a soul and represents a very welcoming feeling.”