James Smith and Mary Anne Walser knew they could fix the flaws in a midcentury modern home.
The dated home was situated on a wooded 1-acre lot in Atlanta and had the “right wrong things” going for it, Walser said. For example, the ugly Formica countertops, shag carpet and dark wood paneling could be torn out, replaced or painted over. But the property didn’t have a steep driveway or other structural elements that would be too difficult and costly to repair.
The house presented a chance for Smith, an architect, and Walser, a real estate agent, who were married in 2009, to start from scratch on a home project together. Their plan included ripping out walls, exposing wood, and bringing in contemporary fixtures and furniture.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to allow us to furnish it in ways that fits both of us,” Smith said.
Snapshot
Names: James Smith and Mary Anne Walser, and their dog, Snack. Smith is a principal at Perkins + Will; Walser works for Keller Williams Realty Premier Atlanta.
Location: Atlanta
Size: About 3,000 square feet, four bedrooms, four baths
Year built: 1974
Year bought: 2011
Architect: James Chapman Sr. (original architect); the homeowners designed the renovation.
Contractor: Richard Bock
Architectural style: Late midcentury modern. “We were able to bring classic modern into what was a dated midcentury modern home,” Smith said.
Favorite architectural elements: Heavy timber beams, which are exposed on the inside, extend beyond the exterior walls to the outdoors.
Renovations: On the main level, the couple tore out many of the walls, and moved and widened doorways to open the space. A foyer closet that blocked the flow of the home was removed. Windows were expanded and added, along with doors. The upstairs bathrooms were redone. In the kitchen, they saved the kitchen cabinets, but built new cabinets to match, and added an island. They extended the deck to add another level and added stairs to the backyard. For the front exterior, they repainted and added windows and wood slat trim designed by Smith. A wall and door that framed the current front door also were removed. The yard was landscaped.
Cost of renovations: About $150,000
Interior design style: Warm modern
Favorite interior design elements: After owning traditional furnishings in previous homes, the couple appreciates how clean modern pieces make the rooms feel less cluttered. “It’s not fussy. It doesn’t swallow up the room,” Smith said.
Favorite outdoor feature: The backyard has so many places to hang out that it’s like having another house, Walser said. A sculpture by their son, Daniel Alexander Smith, is among their favorite items in the yard.
Resources: Design Within Reach, Room & Board, Crate and Barrel, allmodern.com
Decor tip: Less is more. The homeowners said they tried to keep the home tchotchke-free so that the focus is on the outdoors and the artwork.
