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Sunday, March 14, 2010

A Tudor Beauty in Atlanta

Every year, Atlanta design aficionados eagerly anticipate the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Kitchen issue, which contains the winners of the annual kitchen design contest. The 2010 kitchen winners were were particularly spectacular; in the words of AH&L’s Kate Abney, “whether your style is traditional, modern or somewhere in between, this year’s kitchen winners prove that, above all, a pared-down approach prevails”. (Click here to see the 2010 winners).
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One kitchen in particular caught my eye (seen above, with photography by Erica George Dines); the colors are serene, the design is beautiful, yet the kitchen also looks exceptionally well thought out and very functional. The article introduced me to a (new to me) Atlanta designer: Jo Rabaut of Rabaut Design Associates. The home's architecture is by William T. Baker and Associates, whose work I have featured numerous times on my blog.

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Another picture of the kitchen – this time with the ‘hidden’ pantry doors open. One of Bill Baker's earlier designs showed the pantry doors on the left, in the area that is now the butler's pantry. Designer Jo Rabaut redesigned the pantry to be accessed from its current location, and the butler's pantry was outfitted with custom cabinetry to house the owners' collection of china and silver.
The new 'hidden' pantry is one of my favorite features of the kitchen; when closed, the doors look like cabinetry. When open, they cleverly mirror the size of the door opening to the butler's pantry, creating a lovely bit of symmetry. Note how the inside of the pantry is styled in this picture, from AH&L, photography by Erica George Dines.

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Note how differently the kitchen is styled for the pictures that are part of Jo Rabaut’s portfolio (I am loving that cake), with photography by Chris Little. The pantry is much more filled in, and the Kitchenaid mixer is out on the counter, with a tea set ready for serving on the right.

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Another view of the kitchen; the countertop on the island is made of soapstone. AH&L noted that the objective of the kitchen was to be understated, with no ‘statement pieces’ such as a prominent hood or dramatic chandelier. The kitchen is elegantly simple and retreating – all of the appliances are concealed behind cabinetry - which is perhaps why I like it so much! (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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One of the most interesting features of the kitchen is the double trough sink – designed so that both sides of the kitchen can have access to a prep sink. I am curious why the faucets are installed on the edge of the island. Perhaps this is so the cook can prep to the right of the space and easily sweep the debris into the sink?
The main cleanup sink is under the window; this is where the dishwashers are located. Note how the island is painted in a similar color to the shade on the window. When House of Turquoise profiled this kitchen in January, she noted that the wall color is Sherwin Williams SW 6211 Rainwashed; this color was selected to coordinate with the color palette of the first floor of the house. (Photo credit: Erica George Dines for AH&L).

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The laundry room, with its vintage style sink, is an airy space and also has the same Sherwin Williams rainwashed paint color on the walls. I love those drying racks! (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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The Rabaut Design Associates had numerous photos of additional rooms in this beautiful house, which is was particularly gratifying as the house has the same peaceful and elegant feel. This is the living room; note the beautiful pointed Tudor arch shape of the door opening, a design element that is seen in the built in cabinetry that flanks the fireplace. The striking painting above the fireplace is by Kenson Pound, an Atlanta based artist who is represented by the Bennett Street Gallery. This room is a perfect case in point for the transformative effect that original art can have in a room. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

A close up shot of the room, this time with an upholstered bench in front of the fireplace. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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I always love a formal dining room that combines my favorite design elements, such as the custom colored DeGournay wallpaper and one of a kind chandelier, contrasted with the slipcovers with dressmaker details that gives the room a youthful touch. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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A bathroom this beautiful, with its spectacular mosaic tile floor, chandelier, and standalone tub, has got to be the master bathroom; this is actually 'her' bathroom, as the master is designed with his and hers bathrooms and closets. I have seen this floor at a local tile store, and the beauty is not only in the design, but also the variety of colors that enable it to coordinate with many different color schemes. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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The master bedroom is seen in this picture, with a small glimpse into 'his' bathroom (designed in richer, more masculine tones than 'her' bathroom, yet all beautifully coordinated with the colors in the master bedroom). (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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The master bedroom has a tranquil seating area with its own fireplace, and built in bookcases. The bookcases have one of my favorite design elements: the back is painted to match the colors of the walls. Note the pointed Tudor arch in the bookcases, a repeated element that is found throughout the house. Neither the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles article or the designer’s website contained an image of the exterior of the home; given the architectural details in the home, I imagined a classic Atlanta Tudor. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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It is rare to get a peek into the master closet, and this one does not disappoint with its statement chandelier and marble surfaced island cabinetry, and glass front closet doors. Just as there are separate his and hers bathrooms, there are also separate his and hers closets. This little jewel box of a room is 'her' closet. (Photo credit: Chris Little)

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After a bit of investigation, and a connection made through the architectural designer of the home, Bill Baker (a friend of the blog), the homeowners graciously allowed me to complete the story with a picture of the exterior of this beautiful home. It was designed in the Tudor style that both the architect and the homeowners admire, and was strongly influenced by the golden days of 1920s architecture in Atlanta. The house was built in a neighborhood filled with charming old Atlanta homes, so care was taken to use techniques and craftmanship characteristic of older homes. Of particular note is the Flemish bond pattern in the bricks, which is the most decorative and beautiful of brick patterns, created by alternating the wide side and short side of the brick. Also of note are the lovely leaded windows, created with restoration glass in a pattern characteristic of Tudor style homes. Note how the door surround introduces the Tudor arch design found in doors and architectural elements throughout the home. Finally, the pattern in the limestone in the bay window above the front door was custom designed by Bill Baker based on historical references. (Photo by homeowner)
I hope you enjoyed this tour of another beautiful Atlanta home! It was an interesting way for me to experience a home – first through its kitchen, then its interiors, and finally through seeing the exterior. For more information on the designer, please visit Rabaut Design Associates - http://rabautdesign.com/; for more information on the home’s architectural design firm, please visit William T. Baker - http://www.wtbaker.com/


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64 comments:

  1. So beautiful!! Love the art collection. The work over the first fireplace especially!! very ethereal.

    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  2. Just lovely. I adore those windows. And the colour on those kitchen walls!

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  3. Holly, this house is absolutely stunning. One of my favourite features of the kitchen is the insane amount of cabinets. Must be nice to have a place for everything in the kitchen, all out of sight. And the different colored counter tops of the side counters and the kitchen island creates a subtle focal point. I immediately questioned the direction of the double faucets too.

    The living room is gorgeous, love the pointed arches throughout the house. And the dining room.. swoon! Everything is just beautiful =)

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  4. An alternate post should be done with the same pics. The topic? Photography.

    Chris Little could make a cow patty desirable.

    Garden & Be Well, XO Tara

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  5. Every room is stunning!
    I would not mind doing the laundry if I had a room like that!

    xoxo

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  6. Holly,
    This house is stunning! I adore the secret pantry! My kids would love that!! You are so lucky to be in Atlanta, always the most beautiful homes there!!
    xx-Gina

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  7. Love the idea of a hidden pantry. Also noticed they stacked three drying racks in the laundry - practical and looked great too.

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  8. i guess i will never get the traditionalist out of my system.
    i love everything in this home.

    soap stone for the island?
    isn't that too soft?
    ....who cares really, the look is fabulous.

    xxx

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  9. I have seen quite a few kitchens with soapstone - it is a gorgeous look - maybe the dark color of the island makes it more forgiving.

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  10. I love your home tours, thanks for another great one.

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  11. Everything is just stunning. I could live there in a heartbeat. Hugs, Marty

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  12. Thanks for the tour. Boy do I ever like "SW 6211 Rainwashed." Would the pantry stay open or closed at my house? A niche is one of the great ways to display things.

    I'm over-sinked though. It's a long way from range to clean-up sink. I'm so messy that the island sinks would allow me to spill on the floor in 3 directions. I probably wouldn't be allowed there.

    I'm with "thelennoxx" on the cabinet space. The triple window over the sink lets the room breathe, no cabinet claustrophobia in here. I think that makes me lean toward keeping the pantry open with the light on.

    That Tudor arch is so deep.

    I thought tile on a bedroom floor was against the law. Bravo!

    What a laundry. Where are the washer and dryer?

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  13. Terry, love reading your comments! The sink isn't far from the range - just turn around and it is there. Do you prefer a sink to be on the same plane as a range (i.e., connected by a counter)?

    When we talked about the master bath in the new house, I said 'no' to wood in the bathroom. I like tile.

    Another interesting thing to note about the pantry is that it is designed in the same size and shape as the door to the butler's pantry/dining room. So, when the pantry is open - the doors match; when the pantry is closed, it simply looks like cabinetry. I love it when architects think about details like this!

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  14. Oh, I see what you mean, Terry - about the distance from the range to the clean up sink. I would simply use the trough sink to rinse up any pots.

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  15. I love the pantry in this home, I just showed that image to a nenw client recently. It's interesting to see the exterior, it's a very convincing nod to 20's architecture, I was trying to figure out if it was new or old before reading your caption.

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  16. I think I could actually like doing laundry in that laundry room! That bath floor tile pattern shows their lovely attention to detail!! Beautiful work.

    Best,
    Michelle

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  17. Terry, that is not tile in the bedroom, it is an area rug with a pattern.

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  18. i saw this in the magazine and loved it--thanks for completing the picture! too bad it's not going to be on the kitchen tour--i'd love to see this one in person!

    i love a tudor home--if i were anywhere in atlanta, it would be morningside or druid hills. fabulous!

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  19. So beautiful. Love the styled pantry, wish I could get my pantry to look half as neat and pretty as that one. The center island faucets do look a bit awkward in that image. The mosaic tile in the bathroom is stunning. And, lastly, I have those same laundry room drying racks...they are from Ballard, and since they fold up flat, they work almost anywhere!

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  20. Love all the pictures! And the formal dining room I adore! The picture with the upholstered bench before the fireplace is also one of my favorites! Thank you!!!
    xx
    Greet

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  21. I am so seldom speechless. This traditional home is the perfect type of modern - streamlined, livable, practical. The laundry room has me wanting to rip out a wall adjacent to my own and start over. And we've only lived here since Halloween! Beautiful. Thank you! Marija

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  22. Absolutely beautiful....thank you, smiles.

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  23. I love everything about this home. All these beautiful Atlanta homes have me convinced that it has some of the best design in the country.

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  24. I love this understated home...but the kitchen is my absolute favorite. So perfectly functional, yet elegant. thanks.

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  25. Beautiful post as usual...I share your love for photo 4. The kitchen looks and feels right!

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  26. Loved this post very much. A beautiful house - there is nothing more to be said.
    I also loved what you said about the impact or art!

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  27. I like the exterior. You'll have to let me know where it's located so I can investigate in person. I'm not sure I've seen it before.

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  28. Detective TTI is on the case again! Love how you fill in the blanks for us inquiring minds. Love the colour palette and attention to detail in this beautiful home.

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  29. Beautiful home! Love the mosiac floor of the bathroom!

    www.MaterialGirlsBlog.com/losangeles

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  30. Pure perfection - elegant and gracious, but relatable, scaled beautifully.

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  31. A home with an attitude of calm and welcome! I love the kitchen (foodie,here)! And the colors. Inspirational!
    Yvonne

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  32. I just chose the SW "Rainwashed" for our master bath color at the lake house...how funny is that! Beautiful kitchens!

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  33. I kept looking for the oven in the winning kitchen - scrolling back & forth. Reading your later comments I should have known it was concealed cleverly behind cabinetry! It is a truly fabulous kitchen space. My only query would be as much as I can understand the designer using down lights for task lighting, I would have loved to have seen a stunning central light fitting in the room as well. Just a thought for nightime ambiance.
    Millie ^_^

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  34. Perfection!
    I love every room of this house. Am left with a deep sense of calm when I look at the bedroom - those greys are heavenly!

    Wonderful inspiration - will scroll back again and again.

    xCharlotta

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  35. My kiddos just took a peek at this post and asked if we could live in a castle.

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  36. Lovely home. I like how the rooms have a strong visual relationship, such a calming almost contemporary take on traditional. Kitchen is fab, seems a real 'working' kitche, too. The double faucet idea is actually quite a novel solution for allowing 2 individuals to work on either side of the counter, way to go Jo!

    Jo likely did placed the prep sink all the way to the edge of the island that so that the underworkings of her sink did not interfere with drawer space/placement under the island. Moreover about the soapstone being soft, while soapstone is a 'relatively' soft counter surface, the quality allows for sanding its infrequent nicks. The surface actually wears quite well (I have been researching it for use in a kitchen where the owner fears the staining involved with Cararra).

    Well, I can't wait for this tour, now Holly! Thanks for the tease ;-) As always, your detail is amazing!

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  37. Thanks so much for this post Holly, it has helped me make a decision on my kitchen sink finally!! I adore the vintage farmsink in the laundry!!

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  38. This is one of the nicest homes I have seen on a blog. I love each photo. I think what it captures is the epitome of updated traditional. The Sherwin-William's Rainwashed is the perfect shade to move from room to room. I love how the Tudor arches echo throughout the house, starting with the Front Entrance.

    Thank you for sharing! Love it!
    Joanne

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  39. Another beautiful home by WTBaker. I love the work and the home.

    Given the design and execution, I wonder if Monsieur Baker can design with a more modest budget? (said out of envy, mind you) but it is a sincere question. This home, no doubt, was built in the 'past' economy.

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  40. Good gosh that is the best pantry I've seen! It's huge. I love how cohesive the entire house is. Our 20s atlanta home is a little less...hmm...'inspired'. I wonder if Baker wants to take on a project :)

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  41. I love the Dining Room and especially the Chandelier. That closet in the Master is every girl's dream!

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  42. Can I please just have that closet? Everything is just beautiful. I hope you're designing yourself a fab closet! Hope you all had a great trip and are back safe and sound.

    xoxo
    G

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  43. I love the mosaic tile floor in the beautiful bath! My other favorite thing is the gorgeous laundry room, a true work of art! As a fellow Atlantan, I too love this issue and look forward to the new kitchen designs. Thanks for sharing.

    The Designer Insider

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  44. The wall colour, the pantry, the master closet, the artwork, the sheer beauty. This is one beautifully executed design, no wonder it won. Drooling here.

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  45. Oh this was so good...all of it!!! I could move right in...totally my style. I even saw a few things here that I have in my own far less grand home! The pantry location/set-up is just such a wonderful surprise...wish I had that and the closet!!!

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  46. *Swoon*

    I have serious house envy with this one. It's gorgeous!

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  47. These are beautiful interiors. The whole house ties together nicely. I particularly like the color and simplicity of the Laundry Room.

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  48. You had me at hello... this home is gorgeous. I have blogged about the kitchen, but hadn't seen the other rooms. I am drooling over the laundry room (what busy mom wouldn't?), "her" bath (that mosaic tile is perection) and "her" closet (swoon). Simply amazing.

    Happy St. Patty's Day!

    xo,
    cristin

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  49. I dont think I would step outside for weeks if I could lose myself in all that loveliness! ;)

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  50. So well researched, Holly. I love the double trough sinks. I have never seen that before. I also love the blue throughout the home... its nice to see color. Love Kenson's work, of course. Did you know I took a class with her recently? She's amazing. Have a great weekend.

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  51. From the peek of this home so far, it is what I would call 'my dream home'. From what you have shown, the only thing I think I would change is the exterior brick as for me it is a bit too busy....but.... it is still a beauty. :)
    -Brenda-

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  52. Wow, what a stunner. The hidden pantry in the kitchen is just about perfect!

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  53. Is the SW color in the kitchen the same in the living room? Love how the color looks.

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  54. What an incredible kitchen! Could definitely have some fun in there!

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  55. Do you think that the SW color is in the living room too?

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  56. I love the mosaic tile in the "her" masterbath. Can anyone tell me where to find it??

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  57. EEKS!! how beautiful I think I know that neighborhood too! Beautiful! I love the architectural dettails the Wainscoting gave the rooms! A ture tudor style!

    Wainscot solutions makes handmade traditionallu milled panels to match any house modern or antique.

    They are in Connecticut but ship ready to install panels (not KITS!!!) all over the country.

    www.wainscotsolutions.com

    they also have a cool blog.

    http://blog.wainscotsolutions.net

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  58. Thanks for the kind words about this home. It was a treat to design!

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  59. The exterior is less than inspiring. Under-detailed neo Tudor, unlike good neo Georgian, seems kitsch.

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