Renting a townhome was supposed to be a temporary solution for Jim and Terri Guthrie.
They downsized from separate single-family homes on opposite sides of Cobb County that they owned prior to getting married in 2011, and planned to build a home together. But they were surprised to discover they enjoyed the three-story townhome and especially being able to walk to the Marietta Square. On one of those walks, they decided to sell their lot and buy their rental.
“I didn’t know what I needed and what I wanted, having come from a suburban house that’s meant for kids,” Terri said. “So we sort of fell in love with that lifestyle. We didn’t know we would like a townhome.”
Snapshot
Residents: Jim and Terri Guthrie and their cat, Socks. Jim is a financial consultant; Terri is a bank market president.
Location: Marietta
Size: 3,000 square feet, three bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths
Year built/bought: 2001/2014
Architectural style: Traditional
Favorite architectural elements: Transom windows and trim work
Renovations: They started out with a kitchen renovation to replace the Corian countertops and white appliances, but when they decided to replace the floor, the updates moved into the entire main level because of the open floor plan. They removed a wall and sunroom to expand the eat-in kitchen to a full dining room. The kitchen has new cabinets, a recessed TV nook, granite countertops and an island with a Shaws Original fireclay farmhouse sink. The cabinets in the butler's pantry were built to fit the space and the wine cooler. "Living in such a smaller space, I didn't want anything that had to be packed away," Terri said. "If I couldn't find a space for it in a cabinet, I wasn't going to keep it." They installed red oak hardwoods in a custom brown stain and new lighting, crown molding and baseboards. Other renovations included adding 8-foot French doors (from Robert Bowden) to convert the dining room to an office. They painted the interior and installed new carpet.
Design consultants: Roger Caldwell of Caldwell-Cline Architects and Designers, David Swales of Province Homes, and Linda Castle, owner of Decorated Designs
Interior design style: Transitional
Favorite outdoor elements: Walkability to the Marietta Square, where they enjoy restaurants such as The Butcher The Baker and Kiosco and attend events at The Strand. "We walk up there for everything," Terri said, "even in the rain."
Resources: Furniture from Havertys, Hooker, Wayfair and Rooms to Go. Tile from Moda Floors & Interiors. Appliances by GE, Samsung and Bosch. Accessories from Pier 1 Imports, At Home and Kohl's. Fixtures from Uttermost and Progressive.
Decor tip: Use artwork to provide views and take you places, especially if you have a room that lacks windows. An oil on canvas of northern Italy by Kanayo Ede reminds them of a favorite vacation, Terri said.
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