In an Atlanta home, Lathem Gordon and Cate Dunning of GordonDunning Interior Design pair an appreciation for the traditional with up-to-date style in a way that functions for both polished entertaining and family comfort.
The dining and living rooms serve as the primary entertaining spaces but also needed to function well for a family of three. “It can be viewed as a challenge to have kids and pets running around in a house, but for us, that’s what life is,” says designer Lathem.
In the living room, the two found balance through colorful modern artwork by Atlanta-based Jordan Johnson mixed with accents in a traditional blue-and-white palette. Robert Allen pillows continue the contrast with a classic floral against a contemporary animal print.
The homeowners, who moved to the South from New England, tried to reconcile many ideals in their new home—an appreciation for heirlooms, modern art, and an affinity for tasteful entertaining together with a desire for a family-friendly home base. Another challenge was the need to accommodate frequent visits from faraway family, which resulted in a double-duty space the couple’s toddler daughter could grow into.
In the powder room, the design duo created a “lighter, brighter, more traditional space that speaks to the family’s history and style.” A Sister Parish wallpaper, originally given to the wife’s grandparents as a wedding present, sets the tone. Carrara marble mosaic tile and a golden-glazed linen Roman shade highlight the shimmering gold dots on the wallpaper.
The designers tout multiuse spaces as an overarching goal of the entire home’s design. “Versatility with a classic look is a challenge, but that makes it special,” says Lathem.
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