Jeffrey Bulvin wanted a wine cave in his Vinings home. So his trips to Napa Valley inspired his plans to finish the basement with a 1,500-bottle wine cellar and bar with onyx.
“That’s really one of the focal points of the house,” he said. “Everyone wants to immediately go there.”
When he decided to transform a flat, grassy backyard, Bulvin thought about vacation spots where he and his children stayed, such as the the Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island, Florida. He created a modern pool, stucco outdoor fireplace and multiple dining and entertaining spaces, which can be seen from most of the rooms in the home due to its horseshoe-shaped design.
“To me it feels great when we’re planning get-togethers and wine parties that everyone wants to come here,” Bulvin said.
Snapshot
Residents: Jeffrey L. Bulvin and daughters Hannah and Haley. Bulvin is managing partner of MetLife Premier Client Group of Georgia.
Location: Vinings
Size: 7,100 square feet, four bedrooms, five full and two half baths
Year built/bought: 2006/2010
Architectural style: Mediterranean
Favorite architectural elements: Tile roof, two spiral staircases, round hallway
Renovations: Finished the basement to create an entertainment area for TV watching and a wine cellar and bar area. "We had this beautiful spiral staircase that went from the main floor up to the kids' area upstairs. What I wanted to do was create that same spiral staircase going downstairs," he said. The basement also has two living spaces, two bathrooms, an exercise room and storage.
Contractors: Keystone Remodeling (basement)
Interior design style: Old World with modern elements
Favorite interior design elements: The basement bar with back-lit onyx, which glows during parties, Bulvin said.
Favorite outdoor element: Saltwater pool and stucco outdoor free-standing fireplace. When he purchased the home, the backyard was flat and grassy, with room for Bulvin to create the pool area, which is accessed via French doors. Instead of stamped concrete, he splurged on white tile because of its clean look and because it stays cool during the summer.
Favorite artwork: Collection of abstract oil paintings on canvas by Traudis Kennedy
Resources: Furniture from Roche Bobois and Arhaus
Decor tip: Cowhide rugs go with everything, Bulvin says.
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