For Eryn Houck, home is where her children are; so it comes as no surprise that her two sons and daughter figured prominently in renovations to her Craftsman bungalow.
Although the home retained original elements, like a fireplace and picture molding, the changes created extra living spaces, such as a finished attic playroom for the children. The designer also turned her sons' obsession with building and construction into a family DIY project. The boys helped sand and seal a wood table used in the new outdoor entertaining area for the house, which is on the 22nd annual Virginia-Highland Tour of Homes on Dec. 3-4.
“We needed a really large furniture piece for the outside,” she said. “I thought this is a perfect opportunity for us to do something together.”
Snapshot
Residents: Craig and Eryn Houck, and their children, Baker, 5; Grant, 4; and Maggie, 2. Craig is managing partner, Dogwood Wealth Advisors, and Eryn owns Bellwether Design Co.
Location: Atlanta's Virginia-Highland neighborhood
Size: 4,234 square feet, six bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths
Year built/bought: 1929/2007
Architectural style: Renovated Craftsman
Favorite architectural elements: Rear steel doors that open to the backyard, marble-tiled barrel vault ceiling above the master tub, and barn doors that allow the garage to double as indoor/outdoor entertaining space.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Builder: Phoenix Renovations
Architect: PSB Studio Architecture
Landscape architect: King Landscaping
Renovations: In 2016, they completed a rear addition, new second and third stories and a detached carriage house/garage. Several years ago, they updated the kitchen and retained most of those features (such as the cabinets, flooring and Viking appliances) through the recent renovation, during which they removed a wall to add an island and banquette.
Interior design style: A mix of classic, traditional and transitional styles. "We needed to design a house that is livable and functions well, but we also want to live in sophisticated spaces that respect the almost 100-year history of our home," she said.
Favorite interior design elements: Durable and washable textiles, including slipcovered white couches, hold up to young children and their sticks and other outdoor finds. "Although we live in the center of the city, nature is a big part of our children's lives, and we wanted them to be able to bring their discoveries inside," she said.
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Credit: Christopher Oquendo Photography
Resources: Furniture from RH, Ballard Designs, World Market, Urban Outfitters and Target. Lighting from Horchow, RH, Wisteria and Cedar & Moss. Counters from Atlanta Kitchen. Fixtures from O'Neil Ruppel and Kohler.
Decor tip: Mix your metals, such as brass, instead of sticking with the same finish throughout the home.
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