Cromwell Baun already was an avid collector, so he needed an older home to hold his vintage advertising signs and larger pieces such as a Victrola, baby grand piano and cigarette machine. It took several years to find an Atlanta house with the age, architecture and size that he desired.
“The moment I walked in, I knew that this was it. It was well worth the wait,” he said. “It had all the characteristics and detail and charm and character that I was looking for.”
The home, which had been renovated by the previous owner from a triplex back to a single family home with original features such as six fireplaces, will be on the Dec. 6 Midtown Atlanta Tour of Homes (midtowntourofhomes.com).
Snapshot
Resident: Cromwell S. Baun, a financial advisor
Location: Midtown Atlanta
Size: 2,932 square feet, three bedrooms, three baths
Year built: 1920
Year bought: 2014
Architectural style: American classical revival
Favorite architectural elements: The window design, staircase spools, picture railing and pocket doors all give the home character, Baun said.
Design consultant: Rina Norwood of Rina Norwood Design, who blended the classic past and collected items into a contemporary setting. "Her editing skill is what makes it work," Baun said.
Interior design style: Young traditionalist
Favorite room: The living room. "Everything about the space visually reflects my taste of the classic past and yet it presents itself to contemporary setting," he said.
Favorite piece of furniture: An old steamer trunk that he made into a coffee table for his TV room. The top displays tickets and other mementos from his travels for the past 10 years.
Favorite outdoor feature: Screened-in back porch, decorated with vintage advertising signs.
Favorite collections: Baun started collecting antiques about five years ago, drawn to items that have a sense of history. He used to buy/sell antiques and maintained a booth at Kudzu & Company on Roswell Road, until the end of 2013. He uses vintage Coca-Cola pieces as artwork throughout the house and screened-in porch, which is filled with vintage advertising signs.
Resources: Furniture from Rina Norwood Design, Harris Furniture and Auction (Centre, Ala.), Westside Foundry, Kardiel, Horchow, Paris on Ponce, Lakewood 400 Antiques Market, Scott Antiques Market, The Harp Gallery (Appleton, Wisc.), One Kings Lane and Joss & Main. Lighting from Gallery 63 and Capital Lighting Fixture Co.
Decor tip: If you love what you own and it's good design, it somehow all works together aesthetically, Baun said. Hold on to things that matter and learn to part with things that don't. A room that is well edited is pleasing to the eyes and comfortable living.
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