Modern eclectic style in century-old West End bungalow

Home and Garden

Private Quarters: Modern eclectic style in century-old West End bungalow

The 1908 Craftsman in Atlanta's West End was bought and renovated by Tony McNeal and Carlton Walker in 2013. Though the renovations opened up the 2,000-square-foot floor plan, the three-bedroom home still retains many of its historical features.

McNeal says homes in his West End neighborhood are known for their spacious front porches. McNeal's deep porch is no exception, extending across the front of his renovated century-old home.

Eleven homes located in the West End historic district, including this one belonging to Walker and McNeal, will participate in this year's tour of homes on Sept. 24.

A hanging bed swing with colorful cushions creates a comfortable spot to visit and people watch. The homeowners opened up the existing screened front porch to create a wide, welcoming outdoor room.

The long hallway runs the depth of the home in a dog-trot style, with doors that open to the outside on either end.

The hallway is affectionately nicknamed "the gallery" by Walker and McNeal because it displays several favorite pieces of art in their collection.

One such piece is a large painting of a jazz musician on railroad tracks by Atlanta artist Paul Athol.

In the guest bedroom, Walker added a sliding door at the opening to the bathroom. "I like taking old doors and creating sliding doors out of them," he says. "We added a barnyard door that I found on the side of the street."

Artwork hangs throughout the 108-year-old renovated Craftsman home, including in the guest bathroom, where neutral tones, an organic woodland-themed shower curtain and a Buddha painting create a peaceful Zen-like retreat.

Sherwin-Williams Hearts of Palm meets Sherwin-Williams Fog Grey in the guest bedroom. The homeowners' personal preferences inspired the paint palette, as well as the modern eclectic interior design style they have created. "We do a lot of shopping on the weekends," says McNeal. "We just kind of stop by Home Depot, Lowe's and Sherwin-Williams, and we just look at the colors."

In the guest bedroom, layers of pillows on the bed, along with an antique chair, wooden chests in different styles and vibrantly colored artwork add texture.

Another chalkboard sign welcomes guests to the libation lounge. The wall, painted Sherwin-Williams Fog Grey, adds a modern touch to the white paneling and earthy tones of the wet bar.

What once served as a closet in Walker and McNeal's 1908 Craftsman home now serves libations to the homeowners and their guests. The wet bar's detailed molding, granite counter and vertical tiles work with the glass shelving to make a bold statement in a small space.

Original hardwood flooring from this home's 1908 construction creates a consistent and historic footing for the renovated floor plan, which was opened up in 2013.

During those renovations, Walker and McNeal not only removed walls, but they also opened the home's ceilings from 12 feet to more than 25 feet in some places. In the dining room, the raised ceiling gives the room a lofty, airy quality.

The owners bought the large dining table - their favorite piece of furniture because of its rustic look - from Rite at Home, which sells consignment, new and custom furniture. It now looks right at home just off the kitchen.

An antique wooden drum table doubles as a landing space for vintage luggage and contemporary catalogs. Textured blinds on the windows add another layer of texture.

McNeal and Walker, of McNeal Walker Interiors, placed this quirky coffee bar within easy reach of their breakfast table. The shelving provides a rustic quality while the chalkboard background adds a touch of whimsy.

In the foyer, they took a decorative sphere and turned it into a light fixture. "We learned you just kind of have to be creative [with repurposing]," said McNeal. "You might have a vision for something, and you kind of go with it."

An antique wooden chest makes a perfect pit stop for a drink. A large Buddha bust tops the makeshift dry bar and complements the Sherwin-Williams Fog Grey walls in the foyer.

A similar decoration rests in the living room. The living room sofa and chairs were found at Rite at Home, while the side tables were treasures unearthed at Goodwill. A tray table from West Elm and lamps and accessories from Z Gallerie complete the room.

One of the 108-year-old home's two original fireplaces can be found in the renovated living room. The brick fireplace, surrounded by a dark-stained Craftsman mantle, is one of the homeowners' favorite architectural elements. The original hardwood floors are also prized features.

Bold artwork is accentuated by the Sherwin-Williams Loch Blue and Peppercorn colored walls in the living room. In their renovated 1908 Craftsman, the homeowners deftly mix original architectural features with antiques and mid-century modern-style furniture. The result is a flawless "modern eclectic" design.

Carlton Walker and Tony McNeal enjoy reconditioning furniture for their home and for clients of McNeal Walker Interiors.

During the renovations, the homeowners moved the 1908 home's kitchen from the back of the house to the front. The tall ceilings create a spacious feel, while stained wood cupboards and Sherwin-Williams Kaffee-colored walls add warmth and coziness to the space.

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The 1908 Craftsman in Atlanta's West End was bought and renovated by Tony McNeal and Carlton Walker in 2013. Though the renovations opened up the 2,000-square-foot floor plan, the three-bedroom home still retains many of its historical features.

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