Grant Henry’s bars are known for their eclectic, kitschy character and thousands upon thousands of paintings, statues and other religious icons, but at home, he aims for a more minimalist style.
“It’s quite the antithesis,” he said. “When I meet people in the bar, they say, ‘Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine what your house looks like.’”
A couple of years ago, he moved to a loft in Old Fourth Ward that he’s filled with designer midcentury furniture. The style’s clean lines were as important as Henry’s knowledge of designers and his belief that his purchases are a smart investment.
“I’ve always wanted a white modern box to collect modern furniture,” Henry said.
Snapshot
Resident: Grant Henry, bar owner and resident artist at Sister Louisa's Church of The Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium in Atlanta, Sister Louisa's Church (It's a Glory Hole!) in Athens and the online Sister Louisa's Church Murch.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography-
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography-
Location: The Sager Lofts in Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward neighborhood
Size: About 4,000 square feet, three bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths
Year built/bought: 2005/2015
Architect: David Daniels
Developer/builder: Arthur Cohen and Alan Glickson of Tecton/Arthur Cohen and Jason Eden of Cross-Town Realty
Architectural style: Modern Deco
Favorite architectural elements: White concrete, wall of windows, 12-foot ceilings on the main level, open staircase
Renovations: Epoxied the concrete floors white (about $5,000) and repainted the walls and ceiling (about $4,000) white.
Interior design style: Classic midcentury modern
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Favorite piece of furniture: White Eames lounge chairs and ottomans. He became fascinated with mid-century modern about 15 years ago, after collecting primitive furniture. "I'm always ready to move on to where the wind blows, and have dreams of doing a space where I would effectively combine modern furniture and primitive furniture in a classic 100-year-old home," he said.
Favorite outdoor elements: The upstairs balcony with skyline views, the patio and the yard. Gardenology helped with the design, installation and maintenance.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography-
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography-
Resources: Furniture manufactured by companies such as Knoll and Herman Miller and designed by Eero Saarinen, Florence Knoll, Harry Bertoia, Warren Platner, Richard Schultz, Charles and Ray Eames, T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings, George Nelson and Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Lighting by Arteluce, Laurel Lighting, George Nelson and Arco. Rugs from Myers Carpet. Collections and accessories from The Antique Factory, City Issue, Decades Antiques and Vintage, Highland Row Antiques, Kudzu Antiques & Modern, and Antiques & Beyond. He also buys furniture from Robby Comer (@r.a.comer2 on Instagram).
Decor tip: When buying items from thrift stores and online marketplaces, decide how much you are willing to repair it. "I only buy stuff that's in great shape. I don't buy projects. I leave all that stuff for other people," Henry said.
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