While walking down the picturesque streets of the Druid Hills neighborhood, you’ll find some of the most spectacular historic homes brimming with charm, elegance, and character. Many of the homes in this neighborhood have stood the test of time, remaining regal, sophisticated, classy, and livable – a testament to their quality craftsmanship. Having worked in the intown neighborhoods for over 20 years, our team has had the pleasure of restoring historic homes like those found in Druid Hills to their former glory.
In this blog, we discuss important tips you should know about restoring your historic Druid Hills home, including the challenges, regulations, and design trends you might encounter.
What Is Druid Hills Known For?
The Druid Hills neighborhood has been a desirable place to own a home since the 19th century when Frederick Law Olmsted created the initial plans for the area, which were drawn up in 1890. The Druid Hills Historic District was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) on April 11, 1979.
Olmsted was the famous architect who designed New York Central Park. He used his impressive skills to merge nature with architecture when designing the Druid Hills neighborhood. His design emphasizes curving streets, scenic parkways, and expansive green spaces. This design has stood the test of time and has helped Druid Hills maintain its historical significance while proudly showcasing its timeless beauty.
Of course, you may already own a home in Druid Hills. If you do, you’re likely already reaping the benefits of the area's top-rated schools, historical charm, beautiful surroundings, and proximity to esteemed establishments like Emory University and the CDC. With this in mind, it's unsurprising that Druid Hills has become a place where professionals, families, and retirees want to live and visit.
What Are A Few Design Trends Surrounding Historic Home Renovation?
As you can likely imagine, historic home renovation in the Druid Hills neighborhood requires a careful and thoughtful touch. This is one of the reasons why selectively choosing custom remodeling services in Atlanta is so important.
Specialization
Historic homes often require specialized services and tools for restoration and renovation, leading to the development of unique design trends. Unlike modern homes, historic homes frequently feature magnificent period-specific materials that are usually soft, flexible, and permeable, like stone, timber, hardwood, and bricks. These materials require a specialized skill set to preserve their integrity.
The architectural details of historic homes, like ornate woodwork, stained glass windows, fireplaces, elaborate doorways and entryways, hand-carved moldings and trim, and detailed plasterwork, require a careful hand during renovations. Skilled artisans can retain these original architectural features by restoring them and only replacing them when necessary to suit contemporary living while staying true to the home's age.
Druid Hills historic home renovation contractors are now working more with clients to hold onto a historic home's character to return it to its former glory while bringing it to modern living standards. After all, historic homes are an integral part of the community's cultural heritage, and renovating mindfully helps to respect this.
Sustainability and Technology
In addition, one key focus among renovators and their clients is sustainability. This means that Druid Hills homes are being restored and renovated with eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient systems, and building practices. For example, Copper Sky Design + Remodel is careful to add smart home features that don't detract from the home's aesthetic but rather blend to reflect the home's time period.
Technology is also playing a more significant role in home remodels and restorations in Druid Hills. Several contractors utilize advanced technologies like 3D scanning and drones to help with preservation and restoration efforts.
Custom Solutions
Older homes in Druid Hills require custom solutions, considering they present unique challenges like outdated electrical systems, aged plumbing, plaster walls, and more. This has led to the trend of homeowners looking for renovators who can diagnose and address the difficulties that come with historic homes while minimizing disruptions to the home's aesthetic, structural integrity, and the homeowners' daily lifestyle.
Copper Sky Design + Remodel can create custom solutions for historic home challenges during renovations and additions. We understand the value of skilled craftsmanship and specialized restoration. We have experience creating tailored solutions for historic residential architectural styles like mid-century modern, Tudor, Spanish revival, Georgian, bungalows, and craftsman homes.
Modernization
It's undeniable that historic homes in Druid Hills are remarkable, but sometimes, they lack the luxuries of modern amenities. A good renovation company will know how to update these historic homes to meet contemporary lifestyle needs, and it's becoming a trend for homeowners to seek out such companies.
More homeowners of historic homes are looking toward design-build firms like Copper Sky Design + Remodel to make subtle but notable changes to their homes to bring them into the modern age. Modernizing a historic home often includes changes to the floor plan to create more open and immersive spaces, luxurious kitchens with high-end appliances, state-of-the-art smart home technology, and custom cabinetry.
Are There Special Regulations and Guidelines to Consider When Restoring Druid Hills Homes?
Homeowners must often – but not always – follow specific regulations and guidelines when restoring homes in Druid Hills, as the neighborhood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Based on these local regulations and guidelines, homeowners must often get approval for exterior changes to facades, roofs, windows, and landscaping modifications. These regulations ensure that renovations maintain the neighborhood's architectural integrity and prevent altering the historic character.
Additionally, Druid Hills is governed by a local civic association committed to historic preservation that reviews restoration plans. We’ve found that homeowners often need to submit detailed proposals and obtain permits before beginning work. This process can extend timelines and increase costs.
Fortunately, Copper Sky Design + Remodel is well-versed in local preservation ordinances. We can also communicate with the local preservation commission to ensure your home renovation meets regulations and guidelines.
How Can Copper Sky Design + Remodel Help You Restore Your Historic Druid Hills Home?
When looking for historic home renovation in Atlanta you should consider contacting us at Copper Sky Design + Remodel. Our firm has been renovating homes intown Atlanta for over 20 years and have a passion for honoring the eras and styles of each home. You can trust that we will maintain your home's architectural integrity while incorporating the modern conveniences you seek.
We guarantee expert craftsmanship, experience, and passion when it comes to restoring and renovating your Druid Hills home. We’ll handle everything from the permitting and potential civic association acceptances to sourcing the period-appropriate materials your home needs. Plus, we’ll consult you every step of the way so that you’re aware of the progress being made during your home's renovation.
Let Copper Sky Design + Remodel Restore Your Historic Druid Hills Home
With a proven track record in Atlanta historic district home renovations, Copper Sky Design + Remodel can help you preserve your Druid Hills home's original beauty while updating it to meet modern needs.
If you’re ready to restore your Druid Hills home to its former glory, why not trust Copper Sky Design + Remodel to bring your vision to life? Contact us here and we will help you easily navigate the complexities of historic restoration, ensuring a seamless process from start to finish.
