Homes

When Cathy Groome was asked to describe the style of house she wanted, “Southern-European” was the best she could come up with. But architects Craig Dixon and Todd Pritchett got it right away. The house is tucked into a wooded enclave of cottage-style homes in Vinings that Chip developed on a 2.5-acre piece of property, all with a European sensibility.

In a good way, Nikie Barfield views the world in black and white. The Atlanta interior designer likes to contrast these two basic colors, subtly accenting them with companion hues. Her philosophy: Let architectural details, texture, and the interplay of materials steal the show, not bright colors or patterns.

If any couple needs a place to nest, it’s Alexandra Breckenridge and her husband, Casey Hooper. In the current family scenario, the foursome is happily ensconced in a quiet community just outside Atlanta in a two-story house they’ve made their own.

Star designer Elizabeth Ingram, known for creating stylish restaurant interiors, helped chef and Food Network personality Alton Brown design his Marietta loft. Then she married him and moved in.

Marietta may be hundreds of miles from any beach, but a coastal vibe washes over every room at Jamie Krywicki Wilson’s house, about a mile from the historic square.

In 2008, architect Frank Neely’s clients called him with bad news. They’d decided not to go ahead with the renovation he’d drafted of the 1940s-era Buckhead home where they’d lived for more than 15 years. But three years later, the couple came calling again: They wanted him to create a completely new house—a grand English Tudor.

Homeowners gave this Atlanta architect and designer, Ili Hidalgo-Nilsson, a challenge: Design a spacious house for a family of five that still “reads” as a cottage and fits all the requirements of a historic Decatur neighborhood. This popular modern farmhouse style fit the bill.

It’s no secret that midcentury-modern furniture is back in vogue. But now, the era’s ranch-style and split-level homes are selling better than ever, according to Vanessa Reilly of Atlanta boutique real estate firm DOMO Realty. Although midcentury modern homes can be found throughout Atlanta, she notes that the majority are close to I-285, with the highest concentrations in the neighborhoods of Amberwood, Collier Heights, Northcrest, and Northwoods.

James Farmer says it made his day when the cable TV technician asked, “Has this house been in your family for years?” The abode in question was actually brand new but carefully designed to look vintage.

Three families, three locations, and three beautiful lakeside summer homes. Take a tour inside.