Scrolling Acanthus leaf and classic Greek key motifs echo throughout John Banks’ Buckhead home and out to his pool terrace and garden.
The patterns continue from the front porch railing to plaster moldings, over-the-door pediments and dentil molding to ironwork on the terrace and garden gate, and even onto items such as lamps.
“In neoclassical style, everything is repeated,” he said. “The columns between the den and garden room are repeated on the very front of the house. The reed molding in the fireplace in the den is repeated also in the garden room molding. In fact, the pediment above the columns is the same pediment on the very outside of the house.”
His renovated residence, which is on the Jan. 28 Cathedral Antiques Show Tour of Homes, showcases the tailored, elegant design of architect Lewis Crook, who was known for his columned homes in Atlanta.
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Credit: Text by Lori Johnston/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Snapshot
Resident: John Banks, owner of John S. Banks Interiors, and his goldendoodle, Rudy
Location: Buckhead's Peachtree Heights West neighborhood
Size: 4,800 square feet, four bedrooms, six baths and two half baths
Year built/bought: 1951/2013
Architectural style: Neoclassical style designed by Louis Crook
Favorite architectural elements: Plaster work above doors and molding and on railings with Acanthus leaf and Greek key design
Renovations: Renovations in 2013 opened up the home for today's living, he said. The locations of several rooms also were changed. For example, the dining room now is the den and the master now looks onto the pool. An in-law suite was added above the garage for Banks' office. The kitchen was updated with marble countertops, an island and stainless steel Thermador appliances.
Project consultants: Spitzmiller & Norris (renovation architects); Graham Pittman (landscape architect); Banks was the interior designer.
Interior design style: Mix of classical and contemporary
Favorite interior design elements: His rooms feature a blend of mahogany furniture and antique pieces and reproductions, along with transitional artwork and acrylic elements in the tables.
Favorite room: The garden room. The black-and-white checkerboard marble floors were existing to the home, and the pool and terrace are viewed through the plate glass windows.
Favorite collections: Asian antiques and Imari porcelain
Favorite outdoor elements: Pool and terrace
Resources: Furniture from Ainsworth-Noah & Associates, Travis & Co., Grizzel & Mann, Jerry Pair and J. Wheeler Designs at ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center), Mathews Furniture + Design, Baker and Jane Marsden Antiques & Interiors. Fabrics from Travis & Co. and Cowtan & Tout at ADAC. Artwork from Lagerquist Gallery.
Decor tip: To give a room a dressy casual look, introduce antiques sparingly and pair with transitional fabrics that aren't staid and contemporary art or furniture, he said.
About the Author
