Douglas W. Hilton likes to watch people’s reactions when they visit his Buckhead ranch home. The contemporary artwork, layering of patterns and collections from those near to him and from places afar stimulate discussion and debate.
“Art really helps break down barriers, it helps people introduce themselves, and some of my art starts people thinking. There’s other pieces that are extremely sweet and wonderful stories,” Hilton said.
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Reann Hube
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Reann Hube
The art and sculpture, including figurative abstracts and busts, spur conversation when Hilton typically hosts two to three events a month, both intimate and large gatherings with up to 60 people.
“My own home, I think, is my experimental ground,” he said. “It’s where I like pushing the envelope.”
Snapshot
Resident: Douglas W. Hilton, owner of DWH Interiors, and his dog, Gizmos
Location: Buckhead
Size: About 3,600 square feet, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths
Year built/bought: 1956/2014
Architectural style: Single-story Colonial
Favorite architectural elements: Large windows, stone deck, pine paneling in the den, double fireplaces
Design consultants: Francisco Corral with Atlanta Construction King (contractor/painting/carpentry) and Matt Eldridge with Pike Nurseries (landscaping)
Renovations: The screen porch was rebuilt. A coat closet was changed into a powder room and a second coat closet was combined with the existing master closet to make it larger. The home also has new lighting, sinks and faucets in the kitchen and wet bar, and new cabinets, sinks and faucets in the main floor baths. The designer added wallpaper to the wet bar, laundry closet, powder and both baths. Changes have included two new air conditioning units, a new roof and new plumbing in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Interior design style: Eclectic
Favorite interior design elements: "I feel that my house obviously is an art collectors' home. You just keep trying to fit more and more in," he said, laughing. His art and collections, such as copper and brass pots and pans and sculpture, join furnishings from the 18th and 19th centuries, mid-century modern and contemporary pieces.
Resources: Furniture from Interiors Market, Fabulous Things, Parc Monceau and Travis & Company. Wallcoverings and textiles from Christian Lacroix, Scalamandre and Cowtan & Tout. Bedding from Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings. Fixtures from Circa Lighting.
Decor tip: When creating a vignette of art, porcelain plates or other collections, lay it out in the room before hanging it on the wall so that you can rearrange and add to the selection. If you're installing a large gallery wall by yourself, hang three pieces at a time and don't rush, he said.
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