Private Quarters: Windows, wood accentuate Atlanta home

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Private Quarters: Windows, wood accentuate Atlanta home

Renovations to mid-century Atlanta home included substituting walls for windows and wooden framing, covering the porch, extending the deck and more.

The four-bedroom, four-bath Atlanta home, which has about 3,000 square feet, was designed by Atlanta architect James Chapman Sr. and built in 1974.--Text by Lori Johnston

Homeowner James Smith designed the wood slat trim used to update the home but retain its mid-century modern aesthetic. To improve the curb appeal, the exterior also was painted a lighter color.

The homeowners collect Soleri wind bells from Arcosanti, an experimental town by architect Paolo Soleri in Arizona. Guests use the Soleri bell instead of a doorbell.

Heavy timber beams define the front entry, extend through the living area and create the covered porch. Although it's a residence, the beams and architecture create the feel of a church in the woods, the couple said.

The homeowners tore out a wall and doors that framed the current front door but seemed to stifle the entryway, said Mary Anne Walser. The front doors were painted her favorite color: Sundried Tomato Red from Sherwin-Williams.

The placement of windows and wood details creates a strong connection to the outdoors for the Atlanta homeowners in their mid-century modern.

The kitchen had been boxed off, but the homeowners saw the potential in being able to open the kitchen up to the rest of the living area. The homeowners say they love that the home's design has a transparent element.

The island is so big that the homeowners call it the "kitchen continent," and it joins new cabinets built to match existing cabinets.

White pendants, in the kitchen, already were in the home when James Smith and Mary Anne Walser purchased it in 2011. The lights and skylights - added in their renovation - draw attention to the high ceilings and tree canopy.

The countertops may cause folks to have a double take. They look like marble but are actually durable granite. The countertops were found at Construction Resources in Decatur. The tile backsplash is from Floor Decor and More.

The beams define and separate the living area and dining room in the home's open floor plan.

The beams define and separate the living area and dining room in the home's open floor plan.

To enhance the openness of the mid-century modern home, the homeowners removed as many walls as they could on the main level and added windows and doors.

A dining room chandelier from Room & Board illuminates glass dining room table from allmodern.com. Charcoal dining room chairs are from CB2 are clean-lined selections.

A dining room chandelier from Room & Board illuminates glass dining room table from allmodern.com. Charcoal dining room chairs are from CB2 are clean-lined selections.

The renovations lined up a central corridor to lead from the carport to the center of the house and the bedrooms and exposed beams throughout the home.

A main sunken living area is separated from the dining area by a stone fireplace. With artwork by the couple's brother in law, Rick Brown.

Many of the light fixtures are original to the house but the living room chandeliers are from Restoration Hardware. The artwork above the fireplace is by the couple's brother in law, Rick Brown.

A "warm modern" interior design style fits with the contemporary architecture and use of beams throughout the home. In the living room, a glass wall looks out onto the wooded backyard, and the couple has selected classic modern furniture from stores such as Design Within Reach. The artwork is by the couple's brother in law, Rick Brown.

A "warm modern" interior design style fits with the contemporary architecture and use of beams throughout the home. In the living room, a glass wall looks out onto the wooded backyard, and the couple has selected classic modern furniture from stores such as Design Within Reach. The artwork is by the couple's brother in law, Rick Brown.

The renovated stairwell is rich with chunky wood railings and beams. The stairs are lit by natural light during the day and a chandelier from Design Within Reach at night.

The mid-century modern Atlanta home is not filled with tchtochkes, but the homeowners admit to having a weak spot for books. The vertical Sapien bookcase from Design Within Reach holds some of their collection.

The piano is one of the pieces that the homeowners, who married in 2009, brought from their previous residences. Most of their furniture was traditional and they bought new contemporary items to furnish their renovated home.

The piano is one of the pieces that the homeowners, who married in 2009, brought from their previous residences. Most of their furniture was traditional and they bought new contemporary items to furnish their renovated home.

(051414)In the piano nook and other areas of the home, the homeowners display pieces by their son and fine art photographer, Daniel Alexander Smith. (Christopher Oquendo Photography)

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The four-bedroom, four-bath Atlanta home, which has about 3,000 square feet, was designed by Atlanta architect James Chapman Sr. and built in 1974.--Text by Lori Johnston

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