Nicole and Robert Wicking were on a trip to Italy when their real estate agent put an offer for them on an 1928 brick bungalow in Avondale Estates’ historic district. Details such as built-ins and a brick fence handmade by the original owners stood out to them.
“There are so many special things about the place that we loved it, and it was kind of perfect for our little family,” Nicole said.
Throughout her home, Nicole uses the bed and bath linens she’s helped bring to the states in her work with Bovi Fine Linens and Graccioza Bath Linens, two lines produced in family-owned-and-operated mills in northern Portugal. Many products even bear the names of her family members.
Credit: Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reann Huber
Credit: Text by Kat Khoury/ Photos by Reann Huber
Family is incorporated into the home in more ways than just the linens. Nicole’s parents, Dennis and Patti Hall, own the contracting company that completed the kitchen, bathroom and staircase renovations, while much of the art is by Nicole’s sister, Kendra Howard.
Snapshot
Residents: Nicole and Robert Wicking and their children Harper, 11, Finnley, 9, and their goldendoodle, Basher Bill. Nicole is national sales manager for Bovi Fine Linens and Graccioza Bath Linens, and Robert works in wealth management for U.S. Trust.
Location: Avondale Estates, DeKalb County
Size: 2,238 square feet, four bedrooms, three baths
Year built/bought: 1928/2014
Architectural style: Bungalow
Favorite architectural elements: Original doors, windows and built-ins in the dining room
Design consultants: Triple H Builders
Type of renovations: They removed walls in the small galley kitchen to make a larger space with an island and features such as a farmhouse sink from Ferguson. They increased the size of a full bathroom by pushing out a wall, Nicole said. They also added a staircase.
Interior design style: French country mixed with clean lines
Decor tip: "I love to make the beds look like you want to jump in it," she said. "I always have a down comforter and a coverlet. It's comfy, but easy to maintain and realistic to make in the morning."
Resources: Furniture from Ro Sham Beaux, Vanguard, RH, High Point Market and Scott Antique Market. Bedding from Bovi Fine Linens, bathroom linens from Graccioza Bath Linens, pillows from Kevin O'Brien and a rug from Jonathan Adler. Art by Kendra Howard. Lighting from Circa Lighting.
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