Project Spotlight: Rich with History in Poncey-Highland

Renovating historic homes is a labor of love requiring passion, precision, and respect for the past. Copper Sky Design + Remodel’s latest project in the vibrant Poncey-Highland neighborhood of Atlanta, GA, exemplifies this ethos. Known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles and rich history, Poncey-Highland is one of Atlanta's historic neighborhoods that captures the essence of the city's heritage. This whole-house renovation project was an exciting challenge. Copper Sky Design + Remodel's transformed a charming Craftsman-style home into a modern living space while preserving its historic integrity. The team aimed to maintain and enhance the characteristic features of Craftsman-style homes, integrating modern amenities and ensuring functional enhancements that cater to contemporary living standards.

Project Background: A Complete Overhaul for a Poncey-Highland Craftsman Gem

Like many historic homes in Atlanta, the original Poncey-Highland home needed updates to meet modern living standards. The client envisioned a home that honored its Craftsman roots while incorporating modern functionality. With its distinctive woodwork, built-in cabinetry, and leaded glass windows, this home presented an exceptional opportunity to demonstrate Copper Sky Design + Remodel's expertise with historic homes. This meant carefully sourcing vintage materials, replicating original features, and finding creative design solutions to integrate new amenities seamlessly.

The home was transformed into a functional space that meets contemporary living standards by integrating modern amenities such as an open-plan living area, efficient storage solutions, and updated kitchen and bathroom facilities. Expanding the footprint with a new addition provided extra space for a larger kitchen, additional bedroom and bath, and an exercise room. 

Detailed Walkthrough of Renovation Areas in Poncey-Highland, Atlanta

Front Façade

The preservation of the front façade was a critical component of this renovation. Retaining the historic charm while enhancing curb appeal required a meticulous approach. The original windows were carefully restored, ensuring the leaded glass and wood frames were pristine. The classic columns on the covered porch were repainted with traditional white, adding a sense of grandeur and elegance. New ceiling fans were also installed to provide comfort to house inhabitants while sitting on the new classic rocking chairs and conversation areas.

Living and Dining Areas

This Craftsman home's living and dining areas were designed to preserve its original elegance while providing more modern, transitional touches. In the living room, a vintage chandelier serves as the focal point, adding a touch of sophistication and historical charm. The bold wall color—a deep blue-green—creates a dramatic backdrop that highlights the rich wood trim around windows, doors, and the intricately detailed fireplace mantel. Stained glass windows introduce an element of period-authentic artistry, while the open layout ensures a seamless flow into the dining room.

In the dining room, the vintage chandelier pairs beautifully with an intricately stenciled ceiling, drawing the eye upward and adding a layer of detail and interest. Rich wood trim frames the room, adding warmth and character, and stained glass windows continue the theme of historical elegance.

Kitchen

The kitchen underwent a transformative renovation to become a modern, functional space while retaining its Craftsman charm. A custom range hood with a dark, industrial-style finish serves as the kitchen's centerpiece, flanked by stained glass windows that tie this home to its roots. White shaker cabinets provide a timeless look, offering significant storage space, and are complemented by a glossy subway tile backsplash that adds texture and a clean aesthetic.

Dark countertops contrast strikingly with the white cabinetry, adding depth and elegance. The large kitchen island, painted in a muted blue hue, serves as a functional workspace and a social hub, complete with leather barstools for casual dining. Pendant lighting, featuring two large teardrop-shaped fixtures, hangs above the island, providing ample task lighting and a decorative element. Integrated high-end appliances, including a wine fridge, blend seamlessly with the cabinetry, maintaining the kitchen's sleek and cohesive look.

Breakfast Nook

Adjacent to the kitchen, the breakfast nook features custom-built banquette seating with paneling painted in the same muted blue-gray as the stately island. Open shelving adjacent to the banquette keeps essentials within reach, enhancing convenience and aesthetic appeal.

Mudroom

The mudroom features custom cabinetry in a rich wood finish to provide ample storage for coats, shoes, and other items, while a built-in bench with a gray finish offers a convenient spot for putting on or taking off shoes. The walls are paneled in a matching gray hue, adding texture and cohesion to the space. Bold black-and-white hexagonal floor tiles introduce a modern touch, and brass coat hooks on the paneled wall add elegance and utility.

Bathrooms

Each bathroom in the home was thoughtfully designed to blend luxury with timeless style.

Guest Bathroom

The guest bathroom features deep teal walls and shower tiles, creating a dramatic and sophisticated backdrop. A vintage-inspired wooden vanity, resembling an antique apothecary cabinet, adds rustic charm and is topped with a sleek marble countertop. Matte black fixtures and hardware, including faucets, drawer pulls, and towel rings, provide a cohesive and modern look. Industrial lighting fixtures like wall-mounted sconces with clear glass shades add a chic, industrial vibe. Classic white subway tiles and hexagonal floor tiles continue the vintage aesthetic.

Powder Room

A striking, custom-made marble sink, rich wood paneling, and antique brass fixtures highlight the powder room. Ornate lighting and a beveled mirror add elegance, while deep, moody wall colors create a sophisticated atmosphere. Crystal sconces, which are family heirlooms passed down from the homeowners' grandmother, highlight the vintage essence of the space. Black-and-white hexagonal floor tiles provide a modern twist to the traditional design.

Primary Bathroom

The primary bathroom features chandeliers and pendant lights, adding glamor and sophistication. A freestanding clawfoot tub serves as a stunning focal point. The custom vanity, with a soft gray finish and marble countertops, offers ample storage and detailed craftsmanship. The bathroom also includes white mosaic tile flooring with black accents, large windows with shutters, and rich wooden cabinetry. A neutral color palette ties the room together, and high-quality fixtures ensure durability and a sleek look.

Screened Porch

The screened porch is a cozy and stylish extension of the indoor living space. A stone fireplace with a TV mounted above serves as the centerpiece, adding functionality and rustic charm. The ceiling features exposed wooden beams and tongue-and-groove paneling, enhancing the warm, natural aesthetic. Large, bi-fold wood doors connect the porch to the indoor living area, creating a seamless transition. Wooden privacy screens provide seclusion while adding a decorative element, making the porch a perfect space for relaxation and entertaining.

Project Challenges and Solutions in Fully Renovating this Historic Atlanta House

Copper Sky Design + Remodel implemented several strategic solutions to meet the challenges this historic home revealed.

Restoration and Custom Design

The team focused on restoring existing elements and designing new ones to look as though they were original to the home. For example, original lighting fixtures and fireplace surrounds were carefully restored to their former glory. Custom cabinetry was designed to mimic the built-in details typical of Craftsman homes while providing modern storage solutions. In the kitchen, custom leaded glass windows were also made to match the original windows at the front of the house, maintaining a cohesive look.

Sourcing Materials

Copper Sky Design + Remodel sourced heart pine flooring and trim, custom-mixing various stains to achieve a match with the original weathered stain. This attention to detail ensured that new elements blended seamlessly with the old, preserving the home’s historic charm.

Balancing Aesthetics and Modern Needs

The color palette and finishes were selected to stay within Craftsman charm while appealing to a modern aesthetic. Copper Sky carefully selected geometric lines and finishes to complement the home's traditional style. The original layout of the front rooms was maintained to preserve historical integrity, while the back of the house was reconfigured to create an open-plan living area adjacent to the kitchen. This design allowed for modern living without compromising the home’s character.

Creative Integration

Copper Sky thoughtfully integrated modern amenities. The new addition included a large primary suite on the second floor, enhancing the home’s functionality. An accordion door connects the family room to a new screened porch, promoting indoor-outdoor living. This feature, along with the grilling patio, added contemporary convenience while enhancing the home’s appeal.

Keeping Construction Projects on Track

Importance of Planning

Thorough planning is essential to avoid costly mistakes. Changes to design decisions during construction can lead to increased expenses and delays. Utilizing 3D computer imaging and digital renderings helps visualize the project and make informed decisions before construction begins. This approach saves time and money, ensuring the final design aligns with the client's vision and budget.

Value of Quality Craftsmanship

Investing in quality craftsmanship and high-end materials is crucial for the longevity and integrity of the renovation. While the initial costs may be higher, the long-term benefits include a more durable and aesthetically pleasing home that retains its value. Copper Sky Design + Remodel believes that the quality and expertise they bring to each project are worth the investment, delivering exceptional results that meet and exceed client expectations.

Copper Sky Design + Remodel 

This project’s splendor resulted from the team's close collaboration with the homeowners. Understanding their vision and needs allowed Copper Sky Design + Remodel to deliver a space that exceeded their expectations. If you are inspired by this whole-home renovation and are considering undertaking a renovation project, especially in one of Atlanta's historic neighborhoods like Poncey-Highland, the team would love to help bring client visions to life. Contact them today to schedule a consultation and start the journey toward transforming a historic home into a modern masterpiece.