In Atlanta’s Inman Park, the porches often are the place to socialize, and it’s no different at Morgan Shallcross and Judi Jacobs’ home.
“This is the neighborhood where you’re walking down the street with your dog and somebody invites you up on their front porch for a chat and glass of wine,” Shallcross said.
Their porch welcomes folks to their century-old house, which retained original plaster walls, hardwood floors and pocket doors but has been remodeled in certain spots for easier entertaining and living.
Snapshot
Residents: Morgan Shallcross and Judi Jacobs, who work in advertising sales and consulting, and their pets, dog Ella and cats Honey Pie and The Turk
Location: Atlanta
Size: About 1,800 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths
Year built: 1910
Year bought: 2010
Architectural style: Craftsman
Favorite architectural elements: Front porch, thick plaster walls and 12-foot ceilings
Renovations: The biggest changes have occurred in the kitchen/den and master suite. On the main level, the previous owners tore out the kitchen and one bedroom to create a den at one end and a kitchen at the other, stretching across the back of the house. “It’s a big open room with an awesome kitchen,” he said. “It’s great for being able to entertain a lot of people.” The previous owners also built out the second floor, adding a master suite, two more bedrooms and another bath. Then Shallcross and Jacobs split one of the upstairs bedrooms in half, expanding the master bathroom and creating a closet for Jacobs. They also added a fireplace and framed TV in the den.
Contractor: Danny Thomas Construction
Interior design style: The homeowners describe their style as comfortable.
Favorite piece of furniture: A partner desk that belonged to Shallcross’ grandfather. Shallcross works from home and uses the desk.
Favorite artwork: Paintings by Atlanta residents Cynthia Knapp, Scott Eakin, Elliott Boswell and Sandra Meyer, plus artwork by Chuck Jones, the Warner Bros. cartoons illustrator.
Favorite outdoor features: Front porch, front step handrail made by artist Thomas Clarkston, backyard pond, front yard landscaping and bottle tree.
Resources: Although Shallcross and Jacobs combined furniture from their two homes when they moved into the Inman Park home, the bed in the master bedroom was custom built by Eric Lee. For a coffee table, they purchased an old cart from Scott Antique Markets and refinished.
Decor tip: Group furniture and items, even if they are from different periods. Styles don’t have to match if nothing dominates, Shallcross said.
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