Age of Grace

A handpainted chinoiserie-style wallcovering by de Gournay through Ainsworth-Noah holds its own against the classical architecture in the formal dining room.

Designed to replicate the flooring in the original foyer, a custom painted motif by Anne Bielowicz lends the new entryway a bespoke and all-too familiar character that befits the home’s history.

Framed antique wallcovering panels from Interiors Market make a powerful first impression in the stair hall. The patterned rug is from Designer Carpets.

Lanterns from The Urban Electric Co. illuminate the walnut-topped island in the spacious kitchen, which is outfitted with cabinetry and hardware by Matthew Quinn Collection.

Shiplap wall paneling with a 1-inch gap defines the ritzy bar that serves a covered loggia overlooking the swimming pool. The faucet is by Rohl.

An integrated backsplash and black soapstone countertops from Marmi Natural Stone complement the cabinetry (painted in Bone Black by Benjamin Moore) and custom range hood in the new kitchen

Side chairs from Lee Industries and a built-in banquette, both covered in fabric by Thibaut, surround an antique breakfast table in a window bay that captures the natural daylight.

A dining table by Bliss Studio and side chairs by Kingsley Bate create a spot for informal meals on the covered loggia. The ceiling and wall lanterns are through Ainsworth-Noah. 

A sofa from Wicker Works and a pair of swivel chairs covered in Holland & Sherry fabric ensure the covered loggia is as stylish and inviting as the elegantly appointed interior spaces.

Adorned with finely crafted millwork, the arched entry foyer frames a view of the lush greenery and the swimming pool in the backyard.

A custom sofa covered in Pindler fabric and a wing chair by Dennis & Leen through Jerry Pair coexist easily with the antique pieces in the family room.

In the formal living room, a quartet of chairs covered in fabric by Holland & Sherry through R Hughes surround a plush ottoman from Mr. and Mrs. Howard atop an antique area rug layered over sisal. The chandelier and sconces are from The Urban Electric Co.

Framed intaglios from A. Tyner Antiques surround a French Regency mirror from Foxglove Antiques & Galleries in the formal living room. The alabaster lamps are from Lamp Arts with shades from Edgar-Reeves.

An existing rug from the client’s previous dining room inspired the palette in the primary bedroom, which is furnished with a custom headboard covered in mohair fabric by Cowtan & Tout, a settee covered in fabric by Paul+ and lounge chairs covered in fabric by Fabricut. 

A unique rounded vanity built into an arched recess makes the most of the spacious primary bathroom, which is appointed with Marmi Natural Stone countertops and pillowed marble floor tile from Renaissance Tile & Bath.

Recovered in fabric by Paul+ and Fabricut, the owner’s existing settee and armchair perfectly complement the light and airy palette.

Although significantly larger in size and updated to accommodate modern-day living, the 1920s-era Buckhead home’s original windows and whitewashed brick evoke a sense of history that the homeowners envisioned. Landscaping by John Howard gives the home a stately frame.

A longtime admirer of this rambling old brick Tudor Revival manse in Buckhead, architect Norman Askins was overjoyed when he was hired by a couple to redesign and expand the home after they purchased it from the husband’s parents. “They wanted us to take them to the top, and they trusted us to do that,” he says.

While the homeowners wanted the house to better accommodate a modern lifestyle, retaining its original charm was a top priority. In close collaboration with project architect Geoffrey Yovanovic, Askins significantly expanded its footprint, adding a full second floor and an updated floor plan that reflects today’s way of living. Wherever possible, they saved and reused the original windows, imperfect whitewashed clinker brick and other timeworn materials.

The original front door, for example, now opens to a new foyer and leaded glass transom window. With interior designer Amy Morris at the helm of design decisions, an artist hand-painted a bespoke floor motif reminiscent of the floor in the original foyer. Moving along, a grand hall that contains both the original stairway and an elegant new one connects the home’s three levels. A vintage wallcovering reconceived as an oversize triptych adds to the sense of drama.

Indeed, the interior is replete with such moments. Handsome grid-like paneling fosters a cozy milieu in the formal living room, where a quartet of plush swivel chairs create a spot for conversation in front of the fireplace.

The dining room, meanwhile, boasts a handpainted chinoiserie-style wallcovering rendered in a smoky blue hue accented by green and burnt orange. “It makes a powerful statement,” says Morris. “The wallcovering needed to have as much weight as the paneled room across from it.”

It’s a stunning backdrop for an antique table and chairs underneath a handpainted iron chandelier. Such antiques are sprinkled throughout the interior. An antique breakfast table, for example, adds a sense of history to the new kitchen, which is outfitted with classic white cabinetry accented by dark natural stone countertops with an integrated backsplash.

An old lantern likewise elevates the primary bedroom, where a blue velvet upholstered headboard plays off the soft hues in a patterned area rug. “The mix of old and new feels fresh and updated,” says Morris.

In other words, the result is exactly what the owners envisioned. After the culmination of the multiyear project, they expressed their gratitude by hosting a dinner for the team that made their dream come to life. “They are thrilled about it,” says Askins. “It’s a house for today, but it’s still very traditional—a great combo for young people.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Amy Morris, Amy Morris Interiors, (404) 389-0628; amymorrisinteriors.com ARCHITECT Norman Askins, Norman Davenport Askins, Architect, (404) 233-6565; normanaskins.com LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT John Howard, Howard Design Studio, (404) 876-7051; howarddesignstudio.com BUILDER Gasaway Homes