Made for Keeps

The formal dining room leans old-world thanks to the 19th-century Louis XV crystal and gilded metal chandelier and the Louis XVI cane-back fruitwood dining chairs.

Bryan’s grandmother’s sterling silver goblets and her mother’s monogrammed Kirk silver utensils anchor the table in the breakfast room.

An early 19th-century English Sheraton sideboard displays a pair of 18th-century English mahogany knife boxes. Custom cornices, hand-painted black with added gilding by Atlanta wildlife artist Jane Ingols, repeat the design on the dining chairs.

The living room’s original plaster mantel, with its floral basket carving, Greek Revival columns and blush marble surround, is one of the features that captivated the Bryans on their first visit. During the holidays, she dresses it with garland, a pair of bone-and-wood candlestick lamps and wool stockings from B.D. Jeffries.

Above the 18th-century Italian chest, a French mirror from Robuck reflects a papier-mâché angel and a stucco French crèche Bryan found in Provence.

Bryan worked with Revival Construction to repeat the style of the molding on the mantel for the new bookcase that would house century-old leather-bound books. A pair of Dessin Fournir Ellington wing chairs covered in Rogers & Goffigon Linen Damask offer a cozy reading spot.

Bryan decorated her breakfast room in casual Country French style. Corner cupboards display Bryan’s collection of brown and white transferware. A custom burlap tablecloth, vintage fabrics on pillows and iron twig candelabra underscore the relaxed ambience.

The Bryan’s small-but-task-friendly kitchen is perfect for the two of them, and just large enough for whipping up Christmas morning brunch for their family. Added architectural character comes through in the custom beaded-board island and backsplash.

Inside the primary bedroom, blue and taupe toile was used to fashion a canopy over the bed, the upholstered headboard, draperies and as upholstery for the Directoire-style canape from Bobby Dodd Antiques. The painting above the bed is by Louisiana artist William Watson.

The custom iron bed in a guest room is set off with a dreamy blue and white scheme. The French bench with gilt detailing is from Jane Marsden Antiques & Interiors, and Bryan found the vintage crocheted bed skirt in Marseilles.

A Cowtan & Tout wallcovering extends the blue and white theme to the guest bath. The French mirror, formerly a picture frame, adds a bit of glamour.

In another guest bedroom, early American four-poster twin beds from David Skinner Antiques in Charleston take center stage. The mahogany wood posts feature classic carvings of acanthus leaves and pineapples. European iron plaques mounted on wood hang above each headboard.

The family room’s stone fireplace is a replica of one Bryan spied in England. During the holidays, Bryan hangs a needlepoint stocking for everyone in the family. Also holding court by the fire, a folk art Santa from North Georgia and a 19th-century English dog portrait.

Liza Bryan and husband Randy’s 1940s cottage in the Peachtree Battle neighborhood didn’t exactly ooze charm when their real estate agent first showed them the property. “My agent warned me that the house was in terrible shape,” says Bryan. There were oil stains from a Harley-Davidson in the dining room, the previous owners had been raising cocker spaniels in the basement, and all of their possessions had been tossed to the curb. “She said I would need to have a good imagination,” says Bryan. Thankfully the interior designer had plenty of vision. Attracted to the home’s historic appeal, 9-foot ceilings, original mantel in the living room and a private, treed backyard that feels more like North Carolina than Atlanta, the couple didn’t hesitate to make the purchase. “The house looked like a little nothing at the time, but I loved that it had potential,” says Bryan.

Working with architects Rick Spitzmiller and Bob Norris, the Bryans embarked on a renovation and an addition to suit their needs and serve as a home to their collection of antiques and family heirlooms. “We took the house apart and put it back together, while adding a second story and a screened porch to take in the views,” says Bryan. That renovation project was completed years ago, and it’s been home ever since.

The interiors put emphasis on classic, traditional design with much of the furniture and accessories collected over time, and though little has changed over the years outside of rugs and fabrics, the home still carries a fresh appeal. That’s because Bryan takes to heart her own advice for young collectors: “Buy the very best that you can afford and you’ll never be sorry. I still have every piece that I ever bought and every heirloom that was handed down to me,” says the designer.

Bryan credits the exquisite taste of her great aunt and grandmother for her own appreciation of antique furniture and accessories. “When you grow up around beautiful things and see someone using and enjoying them, it rubs off,” says Bryan. “I spent weekends with them setting their tables with fine china for tea parties while they shared the history and provenance of the items in their homes. I was fortunate to have family members who taught me the value of things.”

Bryan, also a mother and grandmother, is encouraged to think that her own children and grandchildren will be pleased to inherit her furnishings and collections. “Collecting is all about loving beautiful things and wanting to see them every day,” says Bryan. “Over the almost four decades of being a designer, I have learned so much—especially that your home should tell your story.”

INTERIOR DESIGN Liza Bryan, Liza Bryan Interiors, (404) 848-0588; lizabryan.com ARCHITECT Rick Spitzmiller and Robert Norris, Spitzmiller & Norris, Inc. (404) 812-0224; spitzmillerandnorris.com