A 1934 French home reflects a contemporary sensibility while staying true to its distinctive architectural identity, graceful and poised from the inside out.
For designer Meridy King, this home in the heart of Atlanta’s Buckhead community piqued a personal passion. Having grown up down the street from it, she says, she loves to see the older homes in the area restored to their “original look and shine.” At the start of the process, Meridy recalls telling owners Barbara and Julian Sparkes, “Whoever does this house needs to respect it and bring it back to what it used to be.”
Though the structure was still beautiful outside, the first order of business was to trade the taupe walls and dated furnishings for a lighter, brighter feel throughout. A stunning chandelier in the living room became the catalyst for a nearly exclusive use of antique lighting in the residence.
Most of the rooms are original to the home but are updated with pieces to support an aura of timeless elegance. “We made the old lighting and some of the antique furniture feel young and new,” designer Meridy King explains. In addition to staying true to the home’s formal feel, Meridy also had to consider the family’s three children. “I had to take this very fine home and make it livable, childproof, and comfortable,” she says.
The residence was designed by renowned New York architect Aymar Embury II, whose limited Southern work includes Mountain Brook Country Club in Birmingham, Alabama. Meridy says the challenge of her work was “making it true to the spirit of the home, yet true to the homeowners.” A testament to its 1930s origin, the kitchen started with a small galley layout. The homeowners opened it up to include a butler’s pantry and breakfast room but worked to replicate the existing architecture in a fluid way.
Also original to the home is the screened porch, which features homeowner Barbara’s love of color—especially blue. The radiance of the scene outside is also striking. Dramatic elements like the grandiose turret, manicured landscaping, and courtyard with original pavers laid in an elaborate pattern are balanced by softer touches.For the landscaping, Barbara called on David Dempsey of Viridis Garden Designs to help create a picturesque mix of herbs, annuals, and perennials, as well as more than 25 varieties of David Austin English roses. Interspersed with a vibrant variety of blooms and greenery, the components work together to create an idyllic setting for the classic home.
Arching over windows, rambling over the grounds, and espaliered along walls, the colorful flora enhances the French architecture while adding a measure of delightful Southern personality that invites you to stay awhile.
Photography by John O’Hagan Text by Elizabeth Bonner Czapski
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