Anna Robinson grew up just five doors down from her grandparents’ 1960s Georgian-style brick home, where youth holidays were spent drinking gleaming cider from Waterford crystal or splashing in the front yard’s creek with her 14 cousins. “It was such a stunning home, however I didn’t believe it would ever be within reach,” says Robinson. The couple brought on Atlanta designer Allison Allen, Robinson’s youth good friend, to revamp the house and produce an easygoing haven that feels simply right for the young family of four.
Focus on the Finish
Allen chose for a significant entry, covering the walls in Benjamin Moore’s Clinton Brown (HC-67). “It’s so long lasting for cleaning up off finger prints,” states the designer. She floated a cobalt blue bell jar lantern from Meg Braff Designs overhead– a contemporary take on a component that Robinson’s grandma as soon as hung there.
Go for Simplicity
The footprint of the kitchen was reworked to resolve the family’s needs. Allen dropped the initial mustard wallpaper in favor of all-white whatever, other than for a few choice pops of blue in the pendants (by Mark D. Sikes for Hudson Valley Lighting), the striped stool cushions, and the island. “I think kitchens must feel spick-and-span,” she says. “I don’t like to have a lot going on.” The deep farmhouse sink tucked below the windows is both practical and quite. “You can do just about anything in a huge sink! Set flower plans therein, or shower your dog,” recommends the designer.
Do not Mess With the Good Stuff
In the dining space, Allen left the table, the sideboard, and the crystal chandelier as they were. “I don’t think I would paint an antique dining table,” she states.
Make Existing Pieces Work
Because the home was already complete of furnishings, the designer didn’t have to start from scratch. In the living room, for circumstances, Allen re-covered the traditional couch in a white stripe and covered a couple of ottomans in a saucy animal print. “It’s such a distinct blend that reflects my household and me now,” states Robinson.
Stock the Bar
The damp bar was a new addition to your house. Allen made the passthrough space a spot to gab over cocktails with enjoyable touches such as Sanderson’s Ishi wallpaper and painted the cabinets in Benjamin Moore’s Buckingham Gardens (545) to mirror the lime green accents in the close-by dining room.
Channel Old-School Style
Allen relied on throwback elements, like treillage, to increase the nostalgia in the sunroom. When a local craftsperson’s quote for creating this look proved to be too expensive, Robinson’s partner set up The Home Depot’s ready-made lattice with aid from a buddy. Allen reupholstered pieces she found in the attic in an indoor-outdoor buffalo check and hung an oversize paper lantern. “The kids can wipe their cookie-covered hands on the furnishings without staining it, but I can also have my friends over for a beverage,” says Robinson.