Linda Stewart’s appreciation for art grew as her sister, Margaret Montgomery, gave her pieces as gifts and accompanied her on visits to galleries.
“She knew most of the artists. When we would go to visit, I would meet the artist and have the opportunity to purchase some of the artwork,” Stewart said.
When her sister died suddenly in 2006, Stewart decided to display in her Johns Creek home a portion of Montgomery’s extensive collection of paintings, ceramics, textiles and art-related books.
“She really helped me develop an appreciation of art and what really good art was,” Stewart said. “She told me, ‘You don’t buy art to match your rooms. You buy good art and good art looks well anywhere.’ So that’s what I’ve tried to do.”
Snapshot
Residents: Robert and Linda Stewart, retired educators
Location: Johns Creek
Square feet: About 3,500 on first level and second level; about 1,500 on the terrace level; five bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths
Year built: 1997
Year bought: 1997
Architectural style: Traditional. The stucco exterior is enhanced with stone accents, shutters and glass front doors.
Interior design style: Traditional with a twist.
Favorite interior design elements: Using artwork, family heirlooms and antique finds to provide character and history, and mixing the old with the new to add interest to the home, Linda Stewart said.
Favorite stores: In Atlanta, Antiques & Beyond, Scott Antique Markets, Flack's Drexel Heritage, Beverly Hall Furniture Galleries, La-Z-Boy Furniture Stores and ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center), as well as Boyles in Hickory, N.C., and Pewabic Pottery in Detroit.
Artists on display: The collection includes works by Arthur Parks Jr., Richard Mayhew, Romare Bearden, Shirley Woodson Reid, Charles Finger, Willie Schofield, Gilda Snowden, Robert Stull, Walter Davis, Pervis Hawkins, David C. Driskell, Alfred Hinton, Richard Hunt, E J Montgomery, Mose Tolliver, Tom Feelings, Prentice H. Polk and Hughie Lee-Smith. The home's artwork also includes Audubon prints and dolls by Christine Baker.
Favorite pieces: A snake sculpture by David C. Driskell, which is in the guest room where Stewart has an antique bedroom set owned by her sister and two paintings by Shirley Woodson Reid, a close friend of her sister.
Favorite outdoor features: The first floor and the lower level have numerous windows with French doors opening to the deck and patio, overlooking a private backyard shaded by trees. A retractable awning shades the upper deck.
Tips: Purchase classic, quality furniture and large accessories that will withstand the test of time. Change pillows, towels, bed linens, small rugs and accessories to provide a fresh and updated look, she said.
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