When Ali and Bob Van Dillen purchased their Cobb County home in 2018 they knew they’d want to make some renovations. The kitchen needed updating, the flooring was an orange color they didn’t like and the basement was largely unfinished. However, the Southern charm of the home and the fact that it sits on a lake that is about 45 acres captured their hearts.
“We get our water fix right out our back door. We are water people, all of us,” said Ali. “This is like the perfect house for us.”
They started by refinishing the Brazilian mahogany flooring, staining them with an ebony tone that brought out deep browns in the wood. Then in fall of 2018 they renovated the kitchen, largely maintaining the structure of the space but updating it considerably by painting the bottom cabinets navy and replacing the upper cabinets and counters.
“I’m kind of glad there was an opportunity to improve and renovate because I feel like we truly made it our own,” said Ali. “It truly feels like us. Everything reflects us and our lifestyle.”
They also finished the basement, creating a guest suite, bar and common area.
“When you have the opportunity to create and do stuff that reflects you, you feel more at home,” she said.
Snapshot
Residents: Bob and Ali Van Dillen, their two children, Jack and Sydney Van Dillen, and their dogs, Madison and Rock. Bob is a meteorologist with CNN, and Ali is a real estate agent with Keller Williams.
Location: Roswell
Size: 6,200 square feet with five bedrooms and five bathrooms
Year built: 2001
Year bought: 2018
Renovations: Refinished existing hardwood floors throughout the main floor, renovated the kitchen with new cabinets, counters and fixtures, and finished the basement.
Consultants: Kitchen Designs Group in Marietta worked on the kitchen renovation, Gate City Build Group and Tile & Stone by Design worked in the basement and Classic Bars put in the custom basement bar.
Architectural style: Southern traditional
Favorite architectural elements: Front porch and columns
Interior design styles: Transitional
Favorite interior design elements: White Ikea sectional with slipcovers that can be washed and black and white style in the basement bath.
Favorite outdoor feature: The dock and lake in the backyard.
Resources: Furniture and decor from Havertys, Macy's, Cost Plus World Market, Joss & Main, HomeGoods, Ikea, Kirkland's Home, Target, Woodstock Furniture & Mattress Outlet, Scott Antique Markets, Nadeau, Ballard Designs, Frontgate, AuthenTEAK Outdoor Living and Lewis and Sheron Textiles. Lighting from Illuminations Lighting, Target, Ballard Designs and Progressive Lighting.
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