Atlanta News / Georgia News Section

Among Atlanta’s southside suburbs, Hapeville has emerged as a popular area for home buyers and new businesses. We look back at its history in archival photos. Here's the 1913 Hapeville High School baseball team...Charles Brown / Special to AJC Photo Archives

In this February 1957 photo, Mrs. J.W. Harris and Mrs. Embry Crawford welcome visitors to Hapeville. The city was proud of its status as a bird sanctuary.Van Toole / AJC file photo

Without question, Hapeville's most notable landmark for decades was the Ford auto plant. The Ford plant, known as "Atlanta Assembly," was opened in December 1947 and was closed on October 2006. In 2006, one consulting...Eric Wilson / AJC file photo

Longtime Hapeville residents likely either remember or have heard stories about the Georgia Baptist Children's Home, once located in the town. In this 1940 photo, two babies enjoy a playdate: The girl is Johnene...AJC photo archives

As the home of an auto plant, Hapeville saw its fair share of labor strikes. United Auto Workers Local 882, located on South Central Avenue across from the factory, represented Ford plant employees and weren't shy...Louie Favorite / AJC file photo

Great things once happened in what's now an abandoned brick building overgrown with weeds. The address is 940 Virginia Avenue and the state's Highway Department (now the Georgia Department of Transportation) operated...Floyd Jillson / AJC file photo

But Hapeville has seen its share of tragedy, too. On May 29, 1968, a natural gas explosion killed nine people at the Hapeville Day Nursery. The original photo caption states that "the blast, which heavily damaged...Charles Bennett / AJC file photo

And not everyone in Hapeville always enjoyed the successes from the nearby Atlanta airport or the Ford plant. A February 1975 Atlanta Journal feature profiled the residents of Plunkettown, a squalid area between...Chuck Vollertsen / AJC file photo

Chapman Drug is still there, but the GAC Finance Company is long gone. In this November 1965 photo, however, it was front and center as part of the Hapeville business district. At rear right is the old Hapeville...Lane Bros. Commercial Photographers Collection / GSU

Garner Contracting, an asphalt paving company, was located at 900 Virginia Avenue. The building was being demolished at the time this August 1957 photo was taken.Tracy ONeal Photographic Collection / GSU

Clark's Gas Station promises motorists "Miles of Smiles" on its sign in this April 1956 photo.Lane Bros. Commercial Photographic Collection / GSU

This April 1953 Hapeville street scene appears to have been taken at the intersection of College Street and Union Avenue -- the south corner of the old College Street Elementary School building, which has been renovated...Lane Bros. Commercial Photographic Collection / GSU

An ornate sign heralds the June 1960 opening of the Atlanta Hilton Inn on Virginia Avenue across from the old site of the Atlanta Airport. The hotel was demolished in February 1987 to clear the land so that the...Tracy ONeal Photographic Collection / GSU

Jacobs Drug Store, shown here in August 1954, once stood at 641 Central Avenue in Hapeville. The site now houses a transmission service.Lane Bros. Commercial Photographic Collection / GSU

Were you one of the students who attended Josephine Wells Elementary School? Here's how your alma mater looked in December 1956.Tracy ONeal Photographic Collection / GSU

Now it's the site where a Wendy's stands but for decades, folks in Hapeville popped into the Krystal down the street from St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church and School for a quick snack. This photo shows the...Tracy ONeal Photographic Collection / GSU

Customers line the counter at Krystal awaiting those hot, delicious small square burgers with the steamed onions.Tracy ONeal Photographic Collection

How many of you shopped with the folks at the old Colonial grocery store off Central Avenue? Here's the supermarket as it looked in 1960. The store building remains but it hasn't been a Colonial store in decades...Southern Labor Archives / GSU

The paint jobs dry on these now-classic 1963 cars assembled in the old Hapeville Ford plant.Tracy O'Neal Photographic Collection / GSU

Reverend Francis E. Hyland, later the Bishop of Atlanta, consecrates the new school building in October 1954 at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Hapeville. The church recently renovated the campus.Lane Bros. Commercial Photographic Collection / GSU

The living room combines comfort with functionality. The sectional from Rooms to Go offers an abundance of seating for guests, plus it lets the family stretch out when not entertaining. Metal and industrial decor...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Rob and Leslie McCoy moved their family from Suwanee to Buford, where they purchased a new home in Edward Andrews Homes’ Preserve at Reed Mill neighborhood. This 4,300-square-foot ranch-style home, with three bedrooms...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A gallery wall, white pew bench from Kirkland’s and metal drum pendants from Wayfair combine for a welcoming entryway in the new Buford home.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

For the open dining room and home office, Leslie McCoy paired a beaded chandelier from Progressive Lighting with a wood table and mix of seating, with chairs and a banquette from World Market. Matching gray and...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A neutral tufted banquette from World Market provides additional seating at the dining room table. A print of a cow offset by matching metallic pieces create a modern rustic vignette on the paneled wall.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A wood desk, credenza and bookcase from Underpriced Furniture give the home office a warm, modern feel. The metal wall art and trellis design on the rug bring pattern add pattern and visual interest.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Leslie McCoy layered interesting artwork and accessories in this area in between her living room and open kitchen. An orange and a pair of green vases highlight the hues in the sea turtle artwork, set in an ornate...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The McCoys chose a ranch-style home because of the open concept. Coming from a condo in Suwanee with lots of stairs, the couple loved the convenience of having all the rooms on one level.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The homeowners splurged on a gourmet stainless steel appliance package, quartz countertops and a unique backsplash design. Cushioned bar stools from World Market provide island seating, and the glass and silver...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

For Lincoln's nursery, Leslie McCoy chose a gray Baby Cache crib from Babies R Us set against a paneled accent wall. Brass light sconces from Ashley Furniture HomeStore highlight the metal in the art piece above...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Leslie and Rob McCoy ordered a personalized white and gray striped crib sheet with their baby's name in brushed script from Carousel Designs, a company that specializes in custom bedding. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Leslie McCoy even brought rustic and industrial elements into the nursery decor through the shelving and artwork. A two-toned dresser doubles as a changing table beside a neutral chair .Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Decorative accessories and wall art with rustic and woodland themes decorate a midcentury style bookcase from T.J.Maxx in the nursery.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

One of three bedrooms in the home blends modern and traditional items, from the bold artwork and silver desk from TJ Maxx to traditional-style curtains from Bed Bath & Beyond. Throw pillows carry the color from...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A metal ampersand is a versatile decor piece that works on shelves and side tables. Leslie McCoy paired the accessory with vases, candles and a sphere. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The silver and gold curtains bring out the richness of the wood bed in master bedroom. Walls painted Colonnade Gray, a Sherwin-Williams hue, are a neutral backdrop to the draperies and gold lamps with patterned...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Leslie McCoy's master closet is designed to organize clothes and more, removing the need for a dresser or chest in the bedroom. She worked with Katie Gerst from California Closets for this custom design, which cost...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The McCoys upgraded their master bathroom with a frameless shower, double showerhead and bench, at a cost of about $7,000. "I loved the idea that you could customize anything and build it pretty much how you wanted...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A drop-down vanity extends the functional space in the master bathroom. The white countertops balance the dark wood. The vanity stool is from At Home.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A favorite piece of furniture is the mud bench that Rob McCoy made. "It's so useful, the perfect catch-all," his wife said."The hooks are great for book bags, hats, jackets and my purse.” There's also a basket for...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A windmill-style piece fills the wall along the stairway that leads to a covered patio and unfinished basement. Leslie McCoy, a hairstylist, browsed Pinterest for decor inspiration. "I get ideas and say ‘OK, I could...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Homeowner Leslie McCoy decorated the light and airy keeping room with a mix of patterned fabric and an animal skin rug. The rounded gray chairs and kitchen table and chairs are from World Market. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The keeping room opens to the covered patio. Leslie McCoy's decor blends traditional pieces, such as the mirrors and side table, with natural and rustic-looking elements like the framed feathered artwork. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Rope tie-backs are a rustic, natural detail at work. The curtains from At Home help shield sun on the covered patio. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A rounded patio set from Georgia Patio, with blue and green throw pillows, maximizes seating on the covered patio. The outdoor rug is from Lowe's. Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Leslie McCoy, owner of Image Makers Salon Suites in Suwanee, and her husband wanted new construction, but in a ranch style. Their home in Gwinnett County was exactly what they were looking for.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Jim and Claudia Bilotto ordered most of their furniture through Kings Home Furnishings, like this blue Pesaro sectional by Lazar with seating for the family of four. White pillows with orange trim complements the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The 2,890 square-foot home, with four bedrooms and three baths, and was built in 2017 on an infill lot in DeKalb’s Lake Claire neighborhood. The custom modern home by Principle Builders Group was designed by Jordache...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The open stairway, with 24-foot-high ceilings, was designed by Jordache Avery to serve as an atrium. Homeowner Claudia Bilotto said the reclaimed wood accent wall adds warmth and serves as a central element of the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

A white lacquer finish on the Audrina coffee table by Pangea Home anchors the living room with its chic cube style. The table’s removable tray serves as a way to display items, such as books.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Darker wood furniture in the master bedroom contrasts with the white walls. The pulls, instead of flashy hardware, on the Amsterdam standard gray oak dresser from Modloft, gives the piece the minimal style preferred...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

A sleek freestanding white tub and frameless glass shower keep the master bathroom room in step with the house’s minimalistic style. The wall tile is from Porcelanosa.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Claudia Bilotto loved the idea of having a large island as a gathering place, and this one was designed with seating and a waterfall-style edge. It’s centered underneath a reclaimed wood ceiling detail. The cabinets...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Architect Jordache Avery inset reclaimed cypress from Kennesaw-based Atlanta Specialty Woods into the kitchen ceiling. The rough, rustic wood detail offers a stark contrast to a clean-lined modern home, Avery said...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Four sleek Bubbles pendant lights with a chrome finish, by Sonneman, illuminate the reclaimed cypress wood and island. The glass sphere shades fit with the design of the entryway chandelier.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Principle Builders Group suggested that the Bilottos visit Pirch in Buckhead to select appliances. “We wanted appliances that sort of reflect the spirit of that modern kitchen,” Claudia said. The couple chose Thermador...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Cool smoke gray acrylic stools by Coaster line the waterfall-edge island. The Bilottos said they love the mix of textures that come from matching the white quartz countertops and textured cabinets along with the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Jim and Claudia Bilotto weren’t sure if they needed a formal dining room, but now are glad they created the separate space for their family. “It’s nice enough that it can be formal, but it’s been great on a daily...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

An oval Saarinen-style dining table, surrounded by white Lowery contemporary chairs by Coaster, centers the dining room. The modern interiors include Arteriors’ Dallas chandelier.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Claudia and Jim were set on finding the perfect “wow” fixtures for their modern home. The Dallas chandelier in polished nickel by Arteriors, with adjustable arms and clear glass spheres, illuminates the dining room...

Abstract artwork, sourced through Kings Home Furnishings, uses pale watercolors and splashes of deeper colors, such as blue and red. “I love the abstract yet airy feel of the painting given all of the light and...

Blue Madison club chairs and Zebra cubes, both by Bernhardt, provide pops of color and pattern amid the home’s white backdrop. With the help of Holly Witten Designs, the Bilottos choose stylish pieces that also...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The bubble chandelier by Sonneman is a playful fixture that fits the new Atlanta home’s architecture. Jim and Claudia appreciated architect Jordache K. Avery’s use of large windows in their home, built in 2017....Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

White pillows offset the blue of the Soho sofa by Lazar in the upstairs landing of this new modern home in Dekalb’s Lake Claire neighborhood. A wooden table with a tapered, geometric, metal base from HomeGoods echoes...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Light blue and orange decorative pillows complement the Terisa fabric platform bed by Modway in one of the girls’ rooms. The blue (called laguna) of the bed frame, which has tapered legs, and headboard is carried...

An oak dresser with a mirror reflects the rest of the room’s design and caters to a young girl’s need for storage. A small colorful canvas offers phrases of encouragement.

In several of the rooms, Jim and Claudia Bilotto chose the ball fan from Design Within Reach, which has a new Atlanta showroom in west Midtown. The fan, designed by Ron Rezek, has a halogen light and blades with...

A five-drawer chest (from the Jessica Collection) and three-drawer desk, both by Coaster, feature sleek handles that continue the modern look into the kids’ bedrooms. Blue and pink hues tie together the bedding...

Textured shower tile from Porcelanosa and a square showerhead and knob from Ferguson add clean lines for more continuity in the guest bathroom. Jim and Claudia moved from a bungalow with two-and-a-half baths and...

When designing the home, Jordache Avery created sliding doors in the back. This allowed for the Bilottos to have a deck off their room. An Amsterdam tallboy gray oak dresser from Modloft provides additional storage...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Jim Bilotto, account manager for LLamasoft, and his wife, Claudia Bilotto, assistant vice president of planning and environment manager at WSP USA, moved in 2017 into their new home in DeKalb’s Lake Claire neighborhood...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Isabel Martinez gestures towards news cameras during her first court appearance Friday, July 7, 2017, in Lawrenceville, Ga. Martinez is charged with killing four of her children and their father. (AP Photo/John...John Bazemore/AP

Isabel Martinez is charged with the stabbing deaths of four of her five children and their father at their Loganville home. A fifth child was hospitalized and is in serious condition. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/AP

Flowers and stuffed toys left on the doorstep of a home where four children and their father were stabbed to death are shown Friday, July 7, 2017, in Loganville. Isabel Martinez, the children's mother, has been...John Bazemore/AP

Martinez displayed bizarre behavior during her court appearance, including smiling for the cameras and giving a thumbs-up gesture. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/AP

At one point, Isabel Martinez made a praying gesture towards the cameras. In her statements to the judge, Martinez made references to her faith and God’s love. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/AP

Judge Michael Thorpe finally warned Isabel Martinez not to make any more gestures to the cameras in the courtroom. “I’m going to caution you to cut off the display for the cameras,” he said. “I can’t physically...John Bazemore/AP

Martinez adamantly declined to obtain an attorney despite the Judge Michael Thorpe’s urging. She made several muddled statements that were difficult to follow. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/AP

In her statement to Judge Michael Thorpe, Isabel Martinez said, “It doesn’t matter here, anything else. I’m here representing the people (that are) humble and hardworking. The people that suffer. The people that...John Bazemore/AP

Judge Michael Thorpe told Isabel Martinez, right, that her next court appearance will be on July 20. “We are concluded with you,” he said. “You probably need to stop talking.” (AP Photo/John Bazemore)John Bazemore/AP

Friends and neighbors grieve over the stabbing deaths of four children and their father in their Loganville home on July 6, 2017. (John Spink / jspink@ajc.com)John Spink

Gwinnett Police are charging Isabelle Martinez with murdering four of her five children and their father. The fifth child is hospitalized in serious condition. (Gwinnett Sheriff's Office)Gwinnett Sheriff's Office

Family Shot: A public GoFundMe site contained this undated picture of the Romero family. The site was set up by a family member and shows Martin Romero and his children. Photo: GoFundMe Romero Family Funeral and...HANDOUT

A public GoFundMe site set up by family member identified the surviving child as Diana. The site says Diana remains in the hospital and is expected to stay there for another two to three weeks to recover from her...HANDOUT

Investigators gather at the home where four children and their father were stabbed to death on July 6, 2017 on Emory Lane in Loganville. A fifth child was hospitalized with serious injuries. (John Spink / jspink@ajc...John Spink

Friends and neighbors watch investigators at the scene of the stabbing deaths of four children and their father in their Loganville home on July 6, 2017. (John Spink / jspink@ajc.com)John Spink

Investigators gather at the home where four children and their father were stabbed to death on July 6, 2017 on Emory Lane in Loganville. A fifth child was hospitalized with serious injuries. (John Spink / jspink@ajc...John Spink

Investigators work at the home where four children and their father were stabbed to death on July 6, 2017 on Emory Lane in Loganville. A fifth child was hospitalized with serious injuries. (John Spink / jspink@ajc...John Spink

A Gwinnett County mother was detained Thursday morning, July 6, 2017 after investigators believe she stabbed and killed her four children and their father. A fifth child was also stabbed and was taken to a hospital...JOHN SPINK / AJC/JOHN SPINK / AJC

The outdoor deck furniture from At Home features a woven pattern that makes it more durable for all weather. The green pillows accentuate the green in the outdoor rug from Overstock. Gabe Dalusky bought his three...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The three-story, 2,243-square-foot townhouse is in Sandy Springs' Prescott Walk neighborhood, a 36-home community built by Ashton Woods in 2017. Dalusky was drawn to its brownstone-style design with modern elements...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

To fill the long living room, Dalusky chose a gray sectional sofa and ottoman from the Cindy Crawford "Palm Springs" collection at Rooms To Go.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Metallic starbursts add flare and complement the silver and gold pillows on the gray sectional. The metallic theme continues with a chrome dimpled lamp on a side table from Overstock.com.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Artwork featuring freeform layers of blue, yellow and black sits on a custom floating shelf in the living room. Large windows allow natural light in the room, bringing the outside into the modern townhome in the...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Custom floating shelves and cabinets provide a modern, sleek look for additional storage. "I'm very minimal when it comes to my design," Dalusky said.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The colors of the diamonds within the artwork coordinate with the plants and flowers on custom shelves.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Light tile surrounding the fireplace offsets the dark wood in the custom floating shelves and cabinets. A gray, geometric-patterned rug from Overstock helps center the room around the fireplace and three-piece sectional...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Open concept homes are a modern design that allows for a seamless flow between rooms and helps a style carry from one room to the next. The stainless steel appliances by Whirlpool boost the modern feel.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Dalusky changed up the lighting in the kitchen with these Kailey Mini Pendant 1 Lights in brushed nickel by Kichler Lighting. The cubic design and organza shade is similar to the chandelier in the dining room. A...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Kitchen cabinets reach all the way to the 10-foot ceiling. The black cabinets contrast with the light Cambria quartz island with a waterfall edge on both ends.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

To recover lost storage space blocked by the waterfall feature, the island was designed to include built-in storage and room for brown leather barstools.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

In the dining room, Dalusky worked with builder Ashton Woods to create an accent wall made from trim molding and painted with Requisite Gray by Sherwin-Williams."I removed the standard wainscoting and chair rail...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The homeowner accentuates his modern style with this Kailey 3 Light Linear Chandelier in brushed nickel by Kichler Lighting. The organza cubic shades soften both the light and overall tone of the piece. The striking...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Dalusky chose the Cullen 5 Light Foyer Pendant in classic pewter by Kichler Lighting, which features adjustable rotating arms that allow you to make your own geometric design.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A geometric mirror breaks up the room while giving it an extra dimension.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Dalusky's home office features a U-shaped desk by Bestar that he found on Amazon. Dalusky chose the desk for the amount of work space and storage it provides. A red desk chair from Corporate Environments and geometric...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Photos are displayed on a console table from Hayneedle, while side chairs from Overstock provide additional fashionable seating. Built-in speakers allow the homeowner to enjoy music throughout the Sandy Springs...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Geometric pieces in natural and metallic hues fill custom shelves in the home.Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The master bedroom is centered around the Tesla Eastern Panel bed Dalusky purchased online from Living Spaces, a West Coast chain of furniture stores. The bed, which has a walnut finish, also incorporates a three-setting...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

A brass geometric ball highlights the modern geometric artwork above the headboard. A blue lamp sits atop a nightstand from Overstock.com and accentuates the navy stripes and varying blue plaid patterns in the bedding...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

The mirror and dresser, from Living Spaces' Tesla series, has a walnut finish that adds warmth to the master bedroom walls, painted in Requisite Gray by Sherwin-Williams. The wall mirror, framed in a dark finish...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

In the master bath, Dalusky tiled around the shower and bathtub to the ceiling to make the room feel taller. "I love the tile work in this space," Dalusky said. "We combined glass tile with natural stone for a spa-like...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Two backlit mirrors are tucked neatly into niches above the double vanity the master bathroom. Around the vanity, a gray glass tile reaches to the ceiling. "It came out even better than I imagined," Dalusky said...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Gabe Dalusky, vice president and credit card program marketing manager at SunTrust, helped select every item for the kitchen of his new Sandy Springs home. Dalusky's minimalistic and modern style, which incorporates...Christopher Oquendo/www.ophotography.com

Bill and Katherine Trainor renovated their Fulton County mid-century ranch home in 2016 after a tree fell on their home. They kept the 1950 home's original one-story layout, while adding a new master suite on the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

As part of their home's 2016 renovation, the Trainors replaced the concrete wall with terraced boulder walls layered with plants, transforming a concrete canyon into a sunken garden. The look was achieved with the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Personal mementos are on the walls. Bill, a second-generation pilot who flies 737s for Delta, framed his father’s overhead panel charts and handwritten notes from when he was first hired at Alaska Airlines in the...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

In the mudroom, the Trainors used a tufted upholstered bench from Brice Ltd. in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) with an open bottom shelf for storage.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The owners worked with MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers], King Landscaping and decorator Stephanie Bauer Oppenheimer.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The homeowners’ Shih-Tzu, Bob, sits on the Pottery Barn couch. By removing a guest bathroom in their original 1950s floorplan, Katherine and Bill opened the main areas of their home and created an unrestricted flow...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Renovations to the midcentury ranch removed a guest bathroom, opening up a space perfect for the bar cabinet they found at Scott Antique Market. The bar’s mid-century design fits seamlessly with the style of their...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Bill and Katherine added plantation shutters from The ShutterWorks to their windows during the 2016 renovation of their Fulton County home. The living room couch was a find from Pottery Barn.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The open living room, dining room and kitchen forms a large area perfect for entertaining guests, including seating on the Pottery Barn couch. The interiors design is mid-century modern with traditional accents...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

With its stained walnut veneer and antique, brass framing, the Nook Tower from West Elm emits a midcentury feel, blending perfectly with the style of the house.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

A hallway connects the original space with the new addition. The couple uses the space as a combination mudroom and home office. For her work area, Katherine purchased a white Runway Desk from CB2 paired with an...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

When a tree fell on their kitchen in 2016, Bill and Katherine Trainor expanded the kitchen by removing a wall. Modern updates include the marble countertops, custom island and cabinets by BWI Wood Working and bar...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

Aquamarine glass tiles create a shimmery backsplash against cabinets painted Sherwin-Williams Dover White. MOSAIC Group [Architects and Remodelers] redesigned the kitchen.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

A geometric rubbed bronze pendant from Bellacor hangs above the kitchen island, enhancing the space with a touch of modern elegance in the 1950s home.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

Dining walls partially painted Sherwin-Williams’ Dark Night and a dark-stained custom table contrast with the white walls and trim in the dining room. Linen wingback chairs from RH sit at the heads of the table...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

The interiors mix traditional accents, such as the dining room chandelier, with midcentury modern style that fits with the home’s age.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

The French doors lead to the back patio and are one of Katherine’s favorite changes to her Atlanta home. The Trainors also re-stained the hardwood floors and repainted the entire interior during the renovation.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

The tall wingback headboard in the guest bedroom creates a dark focal point and allows the bright white bedding to pop. The walls are painted Sherwin-Williams' Gossamer Veil.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

During the 2016 renovation the Trainors added a modern laundry room. With only 1,600 square feet in their house, Katherine says the extra space to fold and store laundry is a blessing. The countertops are from Top...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

For a traditional look in their master bedroom, Katherine and Bill selected a black headboard from Ballard Designs and a tufted white bench from Brice Ltd. in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). The stained...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

A circular gilded mirror hangs above an antique dresser that once belonged to Katherine’s grandmother. The Trainors refinished the piece in black and installed new hardware before placing it in the master bedroom...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

The new master bathroom incorporates black and white tiles from Moda Floors & Interiors into a marble “floor rug” with modern updates including a frameless shower.Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

The marble master’s sleek, modern look is offset by white shiplap walls above the vanity. The fixtures, from Ferguson in Atlanta, and marble countertops, by Affinity Stoneworks, fashion a timeless design atop custom...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

Katherine Trainor, an attorney at MendenFreiman LLP, and Bill Trainor, a pilot for Delta, bought their mid-century, three-bedroom, two-bath ranch home in Atlanta's Collier Hills neighborhood in 2013, where they...Christopher Oquendo/Christopher Oquendo Photography/

Two red sofas and a red rug pop against the neutral wall colors in the living room. The room opens to the kitchen, providing plenty of gathering space for family and friends. Text by Lori Johnston and Katie Tiller/Fast...Christopher Oquendo Photography

The Craftsman home has four bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Caroline Herring and Joseph Crespino bought in 2015 while it was being built by Lockman Homebuilding Co. Caroline Cooley was an interior design consultant.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Guests are greeted by a traditional Craftsman door. The glass panes, along with a transom window and half-sidelights, allow light to flood the foyer without sacrificing privacy.Christopher Oquendo Photography

A painting titled "Women of the Coffee and the Cane" brings a lively burst of color to the entryway. Herring acquired the artwork, which depicts women harvesting coffee and sugar, while working at a gallery that...Christopher Oquendo Photography

The bench was in Crespino's childhood home. Today, it backs up to a couch in the living room, providing extra seating and another family heirloom in the traditional Craftsman home.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The large chest is actually a Grundig console radio that Herring's aunt bought in Germany in the 1950s.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Built-in cabinetry hides the TV without sacrificing space. The home was built by Patrick Lockman of Lockman Homebuilding Co. in Atlanta.Christopher Oquendo Photography

In 2015, Herring and Crespino bought this Craftsman-style home in Decatur near their former house. Their dining table made the six-block move to their breakfast nook; the new pendant light is from Circa Lighting...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Herring said the Craftsman home is elegant without being too statel She's decorated the dining room with a quatrefoil chandelier from Circa Lighting, deep red Morris & Co. wallpaper and even her upright bass.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The windows in the dining room provide a view of the front porch and yard. Caroline Herring decorated her dining room with red and gold accents, choosing a new quatrefoil chandelier from Circa Lighting to offset...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Just off the kitchen, the butler's pantry offers additional storage and counter space. To create the pantry, the homeowners removed a window and lined the wall with cabinets.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The island in the kitchen has marble countertops.Christopher Oquendo Photography

In the kitchen, Herring displays artwork from her latest album, "Camilla." Each piece, created by Alice Pattullo, represents a song.Christopher Oquendo Photography

A piano, which folk singer/songwriter Caroline Herring purchased from Agnes Scott College, is tucked into the corner of her library/music room. Above the piano hangs a painting by Alice Pattullo.Christopher Oquendo Photography

On a coffee table once owned by Herring's grandmother, Truman Capote's "In Cold Blood" sits next to a book on Mississippi music.Christopher Oquendo Photography

On the screened back porch, Herring and Crespino chose weather-resistant outdoor furniture from AuthenTEAK in west Midtown. The rustic star was a purchase from Target.Christopher Oquendo Photography

In the den, the homeowners asked the builder to create wall-to-wall bookshelves, similar to those Herring and Crespino had in their childhood homes. Herring says the shelves are heavy with books on Southern history...Christopher Oquendo Photography

The guest bathroom is decorated with Morris & Co.'s "Strawberry Thief" wallpaper. The family framed a poster they picked up in 2014 in Germany, when Crespino, an Emory professor, taught for six months at the University...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Four prints from Mississippi artist Walter Anderson's animal series are displayed in Sam's bedroom. Herring selected original art throughout her home, including her kids' rooms.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Seventh-grader Carrie's bedroom is filled with the things she loves. An avid baker, Carrie competed in the Food Network's "Kids Sweets Showdown" in 2016. She displays her apron and a picture of the show participants...Christopher Oquendo Photography

A bluish-gray hue creates a relaxing feel in the master bedroom. The homeowners furnished the room with a tufted headboard from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, a chaise from Finders Keepers Consignments in Avondale...Christopher Oquendo Photography

In the master bathroom, artwork by friend and Southern artist Carlyle Wolfe hangs above the oval standalone tub next to a frameless glass shower.Herring says she likes to decorate her home with art made by friends...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Herring, a folk singer and musician, and Crespino, an author and history professor at Emory University, purchased their Decatur Craftsman in 2015 after they spotted it under construction while living just six blocks...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Located in Atlanta’s historic West End neighborhood, Barbara English’s 130-year-old renovated Victorian will be featured on the June 24 Historic West End Tour of Homes. The four-bedroom home was carefully renovated...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

English recently acquired a 1947 Westwood Tahoe camper, which she plans to use as a guest quarters when she and her neighbors open a bed and breakfast venture later this year. The interior of the camper has been...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

On her backyard storage shed, English installed a gutter garden. She planted sweet potato vine in the gutters, which hang down over the sides, camouflaging the shed so that it becomes part of the garden. “It becomes...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Barbara English’s backyard includes a variety of plants, such as rosebuds and dogwoods. She also has a storage shed, something she deems a necessity when living in an historic home without an attic or basement,...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

“My yard is blooming all year,” said English, whose back garden contains hydrangeas, hostas, vincas and magnolias.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Homeowner Barbara English enjoys sitting on her porch with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and reading or chatting with neighbors. She chose her porch furniture years ago because she loved it and has kept it ever...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Barbara English was drawn to the renovated 1887 Victorian home she purchased in 2007 in part for its large spaces and high, 14-foot ceilings. “The massive furniture in the house I've had for years, and one of the...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Crystal decanters on display in the family room were gifts from members of her family. Many of the items English has used to decorate her historic West End home have come from family or, like the Cambodian pipe...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Christopher Oquendo/DailyMail.co

English said she painted her family room red because it represents happiness and good luck. The lively wall color is echoed in the Indian blankets that cover her custom sofa.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

A delicately arched 11-foot church window in the kitchen attracts attention and is a focal point in the home.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

A teak-topped island continues the eclectic feel of the home into her kitchen. By hanging pots, a stylish storage solution, she keeps everything that she needs in her kitchen visible and ready at hand.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Book towers from Design Within Reach and The Container Store frame the beautiful arched doors that separate the kitchen from the family room. The previous homeowners installed the glass arch above the original doors...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

“The purple in the foyer represents regal presentation and passion,” English said. She filled her Atlanta home with rich colors by Benjamin Moore from Southwest Paint & Decorating in West End. The ornate chair in...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

A 200-year-old family heirloom, this brass Russian samovar came from Russia by way of Germany when English’s grandparents immigrated to the United States in 1925. The polished brass container, traditionally used...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

English chose her dining room hue -- a Benjamin Moore paint she found at Southwest Paint and Decorating in West End -- to symbolize the earth and harvest. In her dining room is one of the home’s five fireplaces...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

English decided to shake things up a bit in her historic West End home by hiring Kass Wilson to paint a paisley pattern on her dining room ceiling. “That particular ceiling has two air registers and three recessed...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

The armoire in the sunny dining room was imported from Malaysia. Like much of her furniture, English has owned it for quite some time and acquired the piece directly from the dealer. “I buy classic pieces that I...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Much of the decor is custom, like the living room sofa and ottoman, which were made to fit the space. The bright, eclectic look gives the historic home whimsy.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Every piece of art on the walls of the family room has a story behind it. “My art is almost all original and purchased mostly directly from the artists themselves or collected through travels all over the world...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Rare books, intricate bookends, a chipmunk figurine and a pair of gloves make up the mantle decor in the guest room. The display adds warmth to the space while allowing English to showcase books that she has inherited...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

The guest room in this historic home is a tribute to English’s mother, who loved flowers and elegant design. In the corner is a painting by famed Georgia bird artist Athos Menaboni, which Menaboni created as a gift...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Serenity is the theme in Barbara English’s master bedroom, which she kept light and airy to promote a sense of calm. Her hand-carved bed and colorful art reflect her character and translate the eclectic, warm style...Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

English uses her sunroom for intimate dinners and parties. The table and chairs were passed down from her family.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

English added a veranda onto the back to provide shade and protect the church window in the kitchen from the sun.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

In 2007, Barbara English bought her West End home, where she now lives with her dogs, Squeaky, Angel and Lucy. Built in 1887, the house has four bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths.Christopher Oquendo Photography/Fast Copy News Service

Benjamin and Vivian Lee hired architect Steve Robinson of Axios Architecture to bring the couple's modern dream to life in Midtown. "I love how the exterior is very clean and minimalistic, yet bold at the same time...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Cement fiber panels mix with a wood composite to create the modern exterior. Benjamin Lee found the recycled wood siding online, and builder HR Construction installed it. Calling architect Steve Robinson "an artist...Christopher Oquendo Photography

The mullions of the glass front door (by Pella Windows and Doors) are reminscent of the works of Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. "The idea of horizontal/vertical and long/short is also used in some of the window compositions...Christopher Oquendo Photography

The design of the glass front door and single sidelight is modern, with subtle prairie influences.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Just off the living room, a large, partially covered deck creates an easy transition from indoors to out.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Having half an acre in Midtown feels luxurious after years of condo living, Vivian Lee said. The Lees enjoy their yard, and daughter Siena and dog Bodie have ample room to play.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The Lees have decorated their home with traditional and modern furnishings. Deep-set windows allow in light and, combined with the monumental fireplace wall, define the two-story living room.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The homeowners wanted a stable, calm and timeless house. Not fans of knick-knacks or grandiose furniture, the sparse decor has made it easy to accommodate baby Siena's toddler table and colorful chairs in the living...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Vivian Lee said she loves the sheetrock details on the ceilings and walls.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Architect Steve Robinson "borrowed" views of the neighbors' trees when he designed the home. "If you're careful how you frame vistas, you can borrow some of that tree canopy into your view," he said.Christopher Oquendo Photography

A triple cantilever creates the upstairs "perch" and highlights the two-story living room. The cantilever, according to the MA! Architecture Tour in Atlanta website, is a "structural feat executed solely with wood...Christopher Oquendo Photography

At the top of the stairs, a bright blue chair sits in a nook that provides the family with a cozy perch looking over the downstairs and out into their Midtown neighborhood.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Behind the kitchen island, built-in shelves and cabinets provides plenty of storage to minimize clutter.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Architect Steve Robinson said the two sliding "barn" doors between the kitchen and the dining room are a unique touch in the home. When both are closed, they form a wall separating the spaces.Christopher Oquendo Photography

An extra-long island in the kitchen creates plenty of room for working, eating, playing and cooking.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Traditional subway tile backsplash meets modern cabinetry and top-notch stainless appliances the kitchen. The built-in pantry provides plenty of storage and convenience.Christopher Oquendo Photography

A bar in the dining room backs up to one of two sliding modern barn doors, which can be closed to create a separate space from the kitchen.Christopher Oquendo Photography

The main level is open, but details like the dining room chandelier create subtle distinctions between each "room."Christopher Oquendo Photography

Glass panels provide a view of the structure underneath the stairs, adding interest and a sense of openness in the small space.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Dark stained wood forms the headboard for a simple platform bed in the master bedroom.Christopher Oquendo Photography

A wall of windows allows light to flood into the master bedroom, where the Lees have kept decor to a minimum. The modern-design enthusiasts furnished their retreat with only a simply dressed platform bed and a single...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Glass encloses the master bath's wet area, which includes a modern tub, separate shower and niches built into the floor-to-ceiling tile. In the dry area, the aesthetic continues with modern fixtures, clean lines...Christopher Oquendo Photography

A collection of framed animal prints hang on the lavender-hued walls in 1-year-old Siena's nursery. The nursery deviates from the neutral white palette found throughout the modern Midtown home.Christopher Oquendo Photography

Vivian and Benjamin Lee bought a derelict 1940s home in 2014 for its half-acre lot and Midtown location. In 2016, the couple built a 3,200-square-foot modern dream home on the lot, where they now live with their...Christopher Oquendo Photography

Concrete, wood, glass, aluminum and cementitious stucco were selected for the exterior because of their low-maintenance qualities and connection to nature. The 8,500-square-foot home, designed by Erik Lewitt of...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

A traditional goldfish tank wouldn’t fit with the modern look of the DeKalb County home. Instead, the homeowners selected a jellyfish tank and then surrounded it with a wall of wood next to the dining table from...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Look closely, and you’ll see jellyfish in the tank and the special attention paid to the wood wall surrounding the tank. The pieces of wood are cut at different angles and lengths. “It would have been so simple...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Playful spaces in the home include the living room, with red swivel leather chairs from Cantoni and a sliding wood door to the office. The layout and design were inspired by things Amir Nejad liked, and didn’t like...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Cambria quartz countertops continues as a waterfall edge on the island, which is the focal point of the new home’s kitchen. In the kitchen, Nejad included reclaimed wood, including on the island and pantry door...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The handle-less cabinetry, made by Nejad’s company, are a sleek element in the contemporary kitchen. The pendants, from Masterpiece Lighting, don’t block the views of the white cabinets or the reclaimed wood accent...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The Cambria quartz backsplash and countertops have a seamless effect amid the cabinets, which have sensors that enable them to open and softly close. The appliances are by Miele.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Long bands of windows beckon natural light and emphasize the setting around the home. The hue of the Cantoni sectional and fireplace warm the white family room. Nejad designed the table and built it from the same...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Throughout the new home, which is on the June 10-11 MA! Architecture Tour in Atlanta, the angles and cut-outs in the walls bring interest and a way to display accessories, and even a fireplace.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The use of glass, wood and walls with no trim or molding continue the minimalist flow upstairs. “Everything had to be perfect,” Nejad said.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The bedrooms also have angled walls and a monochromatic palette. The bedroom, one of six in the home, has furniture from Cantoni, like elsewhere in the residence.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Nejad intentionally used wood accents and millwork in select areas of his contemporary DeKalb County home. The rustic wood helps soften modern spaces, said Nejad, owner of Royal Custom Cabinets.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Most of the bathroom decisions, including the freestanding tub, frameless glass shower, plumbing fixtures and tile, were made at Pirch in Buckhead. The toilet is by Toto. The bands of windows in several sizes offer...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

A tub from Pirch rests on tile floors, which resemble the wood used on the balcony. The finish is Monocoat, an eco-friendly, water-based product. It’s one way that homeowner Amir Nejad wanted to make a connection...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Expansive glass and bands of windows offer views of the pool and patio area, as well as the use of concrete, wood, glass and cementitious stucco on the exterior. “We wanted the house to look very natural, and at...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The rear of the half-acre property is adjacent to a nature reserve, which offers privacy for the resort-like pool area, complete with an outdoor kitchen, stunning waterfall and furniture from RH.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The modern, angled design continues outside with an impressive waterfall that cascades from the top of the outdoor kitchen area.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Panels of glass replace the traditional banisters on the staircase in the DeKalb County home.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

The basement has large windows and exterior views, but when Amir Nejad is at his golf simulator, the focus is on the virtual course in front of him.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Nejad gets into the swing of things in the basement. The golf simulator is from Full Swing Golf, with furniture from Cantoni outfitting the finished space.Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Instead of a traditional door, the entrance to the home office is covered with a sliding door with textured design. “It’s a plywood door, but when you look at it, it looks like a drop of rain on the water,” said...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

Amir Nejad and Bogna Kabat and their daughters, Mersedeh and Victoria Nejad, moved into their modern home in Atlanta in 2016. Nejad, who owns Royal Custom Cabinets, oversaw the interior design and created the cabinets...Christopher Oquendo/Fast Copy News Service

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