Atlanta is the capital of Georgia and a US city founded in 1837. Since it has been a place people have called home for hundreds of years, it's unsurprising that there are so many old homes within the city, representing different styles, tastes, and homeownership goals.
Those who have lived here agree that Atlanta's homes are a noticeable representation of the city's history and impressive architectural landscape. In particular, the city is well known for its charming Victorian, Bungalow, Craftsman, Mid-Century Modern, and Tudor homes, which are found in a few of its older neighborhoods. At Copper Sky Design + Remodel, we, like the homeowners of these spectacular houses, deeply appreciate these historic homes' unique character and timeless beauty.
That's why homeowners should utilize the expertise of a design-build firm like Copper Sky Design + Remodel when renovating an old Atlanta home. With over 20 years of working in the neighborhoods of Atlanta, we know the ins and outs of historic restoration. In this blog, the Copper Sky Design + Remodel team explores different architectural home types in Atlanta and the elements of these homes that can be remodeled without affecting their charm or taking away from their splendor.
The Architectural Styles of Atlanta's Homes
Before considering old home remodeling in Atlanta, it would be worth the time it takes to understand the different architectural home styles found in neighborhoods around the city. When people know more about the different architectural styles in the neighborhoods of Atlanta, they better understand why preserving the city's historic homes is so important to its communities.
Victorian Style Homes
Victorian-style homes, typically built between 1837 and 1901, can be found in some neighborhoods around this city and they are characterized by their steep rooflines, ornate detailing, and asymmetrical facades. A Victorian-style home is often immediately recognizable by its regal features, including decorative trims, turrets, and bay windows.
For most designers, having the opportunity to remodel a Victorian-style home is a dream come true. This is because these homes offer near-endless restoration possibilities and are the easiest historic homes to modernize.
At Copper Sky Design + Remodel, we have been involved in more than one historic home remodel, and our success has made us Atlanta historic home restoration experts. So, those with a Victorian-style home that they want to renovate can trust Copper Sky Design + Remodel to modernize it while staying true to its architectural roots.
Bungalow Style Homes
Copper Sky Design + Remodel has undertaken numerous remodeling projects involving bungalow-style homes in Atlanta. These homes are more modest than Victorian-style homes but are equally as charming architecturally.
Bungalow-style homes, popular between 1905 and 1930, are characterized by their one-and-a-half-story structure with a low-pitched roof and overhanging eaves. These homes also often feature a front porch designed to be cozy and welcoming to visitors and homeowners who love to sit out on their porches while enjoying a morning coffee or catching up with friends and family.
Bungalow-style homes are also typically simply designed and functional, which makes them perfect for historic home restoration and modernization. Copper Sky Design + Remodel enjoys working with bungalow-style homes because they allow for creative solutions to maximize space and incorporate modern amenities while retaining the home's cozy charm.
Craftsman Style Homes
Some of the most impressive Atlanta historic home makeovers are done on Craftsman-style homes. Typically built between 1900 and 1929, this style of home is one of the most beloved in Atlanta and is known for its exposed rafters that add character, low-pitched roofs that create a cozy indoor atmosphere, and wide eaves.
These functional and comfortable homes often feature handcrafted woodwork or stonework and built-in furniture. They emphasize natural materials throughout, with large wooden front porches. Between Victorian and Bungalow homes, Craftsman-style homes have the most innate warmth and snug atmosphere, so they can be challenging to renovate and preserve unless knowledgeable and experienced historic restoration firms, like Copper Sky Design + Remodel, are considered for the remodel.
Mid-Century Modern Style Homes
Mid-century modern architecture, popular in Atlanta neighborhoods from 1945 to 1980, brought a fresh aesthetic to residential design, with a focus on simplicity, clean lines, and an integration with nature. One of its hallmark features is the low-pitched or nearly flat roofs, sometimes designed in striking slant or butterfly forms. These roofs are often paired with wide, exaggerated overhangs and eaves, contributing to the distinctive look of the style. Homes in this style tend to be asymmetrical, with a focus on creating broad, uninterrupted wall surfaces that enhance the simplicity of the architecture. The use of gabled roof windows, exposed roof beams, and low, broad masonry chimneys are also common features that give these homes their unique, timeless appeal.
Mid-century modern homes in Atlanta often showcase a range of design elements that set them apart. Recessed or hidden entryways create a sense of mystery and privacy, while decorative grilles, breeze blocks, and glass blocks add a touch of artistry to the exterior. Carports, rather than garages, are a frequent feature, contributing to the open and airy feel of these homes. Additionally, wood screening elements and masonry screens provide both privacy and an architectural focal point, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings.
Tudor Style Homes
Tudor architecture, a common sight in Atlanta neighborhoods from 1890 to 1940, brings a distinctive, old-world charm that draws inspiration from medieval English design. One of the most notable features of these homes is the massive chimneys, often topped with chimney pots, that add a sense of grandeur and presence. These chimneys are frequently positioned on the front or end facades but can also be found internally. The asymmetrical front facades, dominated by steeply pitched gables, give these homes an instantly recognizable silhouette, adding to their fairy-tale-like appeal. This dramatic roofline is often complemented by intricate decorative timbering or half-timbering, which contrasts with the patterned brickwork, creating texture and visual interest.
The entrances of Tudor homes are equally captivating, often featuring rounded or Tudor-arched doorways that enhance their historical character. Tall, narrow windows arranged in groups, with multi-pane glazing, are another signature element. These windows, commonly adorned with diamond-patterned glass, allow natural light to filter through in a way that enhances the home’s cozy yet elegant atmosphere. The combination of these architectural details, from steep gables to ornate brick patterns and distinctive windows, makes Tudor homes a beloved part of Atlanta’s historic neighborhoods.
How To Modernize Historic Homes While Preserving Their Charm
Historic homes in Atlanta, GA, can be challenging to preserve while modernizing, but vintage home restoration is not impossible. With the right restoration company, it is possible to modernize a historic Atlanta home while preserving its unique architectural features and characteristics. Below are a few of the ways a historic home can be modernized while staying true to its architectural roots:
Bathrooms and Kitchens
These areas of a home are one of the first areas homeowners look to update. Usually, these spaces can be modernized with updates to their layouts and with modern appliances and fixtures. Not only will this elevate the appearance of kitchens and bathrooms, but it will also significantly improve functionality.
However, it is crucial to integrate modernization updates seamlessly with a home's original design. For example, modern appliances can be installed when updating a kitchen in a Victorian-style home, but the new cabinetry and finishes should reflect the period style.
Windows and Doors
Older windows and doors are nowhere near as energy efficient as newer designs, so replacing them is another common update considered by Atlanta homeowners. Unfortunately, updating windows and doors to match a home's traditional historic style can be challenging.
Fortunately, at Copper Sky Design + Remodel, we take care to ensure that the new windows and doors match the original design as closely as possible. This might involve custom millwork or choosing materials that mimic the appearance of the original features.
HVAC Systems
Modern comfort requires updates to HVAC systems in older homes in Atlanta. Since this can be an in-depth process that is time-consuming and potentially damaging, it's important to choose a remodeling company that has experience with older homes.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel specializes in installing these systems to minimize the impact on the home's architecture, such as using low-profile ductwork or placing units in less conspicuous locations.
Electrical and Plumbing
It might not come as a surprise that many historic homes have outdated electrical and plumbing systems that must be brought up to code in Atlanta. It is important that historic homes meet code requirements to limit health and safety hazards to homeowners, their families, and the surrounding community.
At Copper Sky Design + Remodel, our remodeling team ensures these upgrades respect the home's original design, such as using period-appropriate switch plates or routing plumbing without disrupting the home's structure.
Flooring and Finishes
While many homeowners want to retain the original flooring and finishes, sometimes these elements are too worn to be preserved. In such cases, Copper Sky Design + Remodel works with their clients to choose new materials that are in keeping with the home's original style. This might involve sourcing reclaimed wood for flooring or selecting paint colors matching historical palettes to ensure a home is modernized but preserved.
Bring Historical Charm into the Modern Era with Copper Sky Design + Remodel
Atlanta's historic neighborhood renovations are one of Copper Sky Design + Remodel's specialties. At Copper Sky Design + Remodel, we believe that the key to a successful renovation is to honor the past while embracing the future.
Our expert team is passionate about preserving the historic charm of Atlanta's old homes while ensuring they meet the needs of modern living. Copper Sky Design + Remodel invites homeowners looking to preserve but bring their historic home into the 21st century to explore our portfolio of work. The portfolio shows firsthand how our design-build firm has transformed historic homes into beautiful, functional spaces that are ready for modern living.
