A search for more space gave parents Corey and Joy Jones a home in Atlanta's West End with an abundance of period details, including an astounding 10 original fireplaces.
After they visited an open house in the historic neighborhood, which is located about 3 miles southwest of downtown Atlanta, they saw turn-of-the-century architecture along with affordability as a way to free up some of their income and move into a larger home. Those pluses, along with heart pine floors and doors believed to be in the home for 100 years and the opportunity to refinish the basement, persuaded them to move from East Atlanta.
“It’s really hard to walk away from all of these beautiful homes with all of the historic details,” Joy said.
Snapshot
Residents: Corey and Joy Jones and their son, Corey Jr. Corey is a spinal implant sales rep, and Joy is an attorney who also owns Essential Elements Staging & Redesign.
Location: Atlanta's Historic West End, which is on the National Register of Historic Places
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Size: 3,800 square feet, including 1,000 finished square feet in the basement, three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths
Built/bought: 1909/2014
Architectural style: Craftsman
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Favorite architectural elements: Original heart pine floors and doors, 10 original fireplaces, high ceilings, original windows and built-in window seating.
Renovations: They renovated about 65 percent of their basement, at a cost of about $10,000, to create another main living space bedroom and bathroom. They loved the ceiling heights, which made the basement seem even more spacious. "It's not often that you walk in a basement and you have 11-foot ceilings," Joy said. On the first floor, they removed a wall in the kitchen, which has Whirlpool appliances, Carrara marble countertops and Italian Nicolazzi faucets.
Contractor: Carlos Painting and Remodeling
Interior design style: Modern and transitional mix
Favorite piece of furniture: The floor-to-ceiling wine rack that Corey Jones built out of pallets. "One of the unexpected effects of moving into this home really was the inspiration from the house," Corey said. "I have become a lot more handy than I knew that I was."
Favorite outdoor feature: The back deck, which is above the garage. "When the weather is great and a breeze is coming through, it's a great place to lounge," Joy said. Once the leaves fall off the trees, they have what Joy calls a "winter skyline" view of downtown Atlanta.
Resources: Furniture from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Z Gallerie, HomeGoods, Ikea and Target. Accessories from Pier 1 Imports, HomeGoods, At Home, Etsy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and West Elm. Lighting from West Elm, World Market and Overstock.com.
Decor tip: Don't feel pressure to over-decorate. Joy said she viewed the original heart pine doors and wood mantels as furniture and decoration themselves. "I'm a minimalist at heart," she said.
