Not much about writers Bret Witter and Elizabeth Butler-Witter’s new home is traditional.
The modern Decatur home, on the June 7-8 MA Architecture Tour, spans six levels, but some levels have only a few steps in between them. The funky layout leads to quirky spaces such as two screened porches and a small open library holding 2,000 books (and yes, they’ve read them all).
A bridge that bends and slopes across the living room leads to their writing studios and separates them from the rest of the home, sort of like a sculptural “keep out” sign for their kids. Witter, a co-author of New York Times bestsellers, including “The Monuments Men” and “Dewey: There’s a Cat in the Library!” enjoys the views of the Oakhurst neighborhood from his second floor office, especially after previously working out of unpleasant digs in the unfinished basement of their Kentucky home.
Elsewhere, the design and decor is focused on family time, with screened porches and kid-friendly furnishings such as a colorful sectional and bean bags.
“Maybe people can see that there’s something besides the so-called Craftsman style out there that’s family friendly and warm,” Witter said.
Snapshot
Residents: Bret Witter and his wife, Elizabeth Butler-Witter, and their children, Lydia, 10, and Isaac, 6
Location: Decatur’s Oakhurst neighborhood
Size: About 3,400 square feet, six bedrooms (two serve as offices) and four-and-a-half baths
Year built: 2013
Architect: Dencity
Architectural style: Modern
Favorite architectural elements: Cantilevered roof, round windows and a bridge that serves as a sculptural feature spanning the two-story living room.
Interior design style: Modern. The interiors show that a clean style can be fun, Witter said.
Favorite interior design features: The use of wood on the ceilings and walls, and for cabinets, shelves, tables and a Murphy bed created by Chris Dehmer of Dark Horse Woodworks. “It’s very modern on the outside, but inside there’s a lot of wood, which makes it very warm,” Witter said.
Favorite outdoor feature: The screened porches. Although the couple realized that it could be difficult to incorporate screened porches into a modern design, they wanted to spend time outdoors but be shielded from mosquitoes and the sun. Their architect, Staffan Svenson, designed screened porches on both ends of the house, and using folding doors, they can open up the home to enjoy breezes throughout. “The house is sort of made for being out on the porches,” he said.
Landscape architect: CORE Landscape Group
Favorite piece of furniture: A bright blue sectional from Thrive, an eco-friendly furniture company. The sectional is rugged, stain-proof and made for children to climb on, Witter said.
Favorite green feature: The geothermal system, which they installed as a way to move toward having a “net zero” home that produces as much, or more, energy, than it uses.
Resources: MTI Baths (master bathroom tub), LaCantina (folding doors), Malm (fireplaces), Electrolux (washer and dryer), Brookhaven Curtain & Drapes, Lacava (sink), Viking and Wolf (kitchen appliances). Furniture from AllModern, Direct Furniture, Jaxx Bean Bags and Bobby Berk Home.
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