Before Atlanta became a bustling city, it was a distribution hub and known as the location for the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad line. Lemuel P. (L.P.) Grant, a successful engineer and businessman, was one of the great men who helped bring the railroad to Atlanta. He gave the city 100 acres in the newly developed neighborhood where he lived, and that was the beginning of Grant Park. When people talk about Grant Park today, they speak of both the oldest and fourth-largest park in the city, as well as the historic neighborhood that surrounds it.
In the area, homeowners and passersby will find an abundance of historic homes, from Victorian mansions to tidy, 1920s-era bungalows. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Grant Park’s character has been preserved by restrictions that require renovations and new construction to be compatible with the neighborhood’s architecture. When our team at Design2Sell had an amazing opportunity to work with Hollow Bone Designs on the staging of a 1920 Queen Anne Victorian home in historic Grant Park, we couldn’t wait to get started!
Photo courtesy of Hollow Bones Designs
This home, located on Glenwood Avenue between the northernmost edge of Grant Park’s main green space and I-20, contained many of the original design details expected in Victorian architecture. The home had been divided into a duplex and had long been neglected. The exterior color had deteriorated over the years, but magnificent features such as stained-glass windows and a welcoming porch still prevailed. The interior also boasts of original construction with interesting lines and angles throughout the home, such as arched doorways and angled walls. The three-bedroom home features unique elements such as freestanding, room-dividing fireplaces that provide a decorative, vintage touch to both the living room and dining area. The goal for Hollow Bone Designs was to keep the authentic charm and culture of the home and modernize it to fit today’s homebuying standards.
Photo courtesy of Hollow Bones Designs
“Our goal was to return this historic home to its original splendor, saving the stained-glass windows, original fireplace and cast iron clawfoot tub,” stated Rachel Massie, founder of Hollow Bone Designs. “Although the home had been taken to studs, we carefully recreated the details of the original home while incorporating modern day amenities.” The new exterior boasts of a paved driveway that can accommodate three vehicles, in addition to on-street parking. The drab exterior was updated to an appealing teal outlined in bright white, while the landscaping was trimmed back and beautiful bushes and plants were added to increase curb appeal.
Upon entering the home, guests walk into a clean and sophisticated white adjoining entryway and living area. The entire home is open and airy, but each room has distinguishing features that set it apart from the rest. The entryway is simple and uncluttered with large, modern gray and white patterned chairs. The living area is spacious with off-white chairs and a sofa and pops of color coming from decorative pillows and a large plant. A room-dividing fireplace is the only structure separating the living area from the dining room, which is decorated with classy gray and silver and an eye-catching chandelier. There is also a small office space between the dining room and kitchen that blends perfectly in the design. The kitchen itself features a glossy backsplash, white cabinetry and an island, making the space appear roomy with tons of storage.
Photo courtesy of Hollow Bones Designs
The master bedroom boasts of the same color scheme but with a pop of color from a large zebra print rug, while a gorgeous fireplace catty-cornered in the room makes it feel cozy and relaxing. The master bath was remodeled with a walk-in shower and it sports a coordinating gray and white colored tile. A double vanity and luxurious soaking tub make this bathroom a dream! The secondary bathroom features a unique floor design with white and black flowers; this adds a touch of history as this design was popular when the home was first built.
Photo courtesy of Hollow Bones Designs
“Our favorite aspect of renovation design is to see the revitalization of a forgotten or neglected property come back to life,” said Ashley VanCooney, partner at Hollow Bone Designs. “It never gets old seeing the dramatic before and afters of properties, knowing that this will be someone’s home where they will build a lifetime of memories.”
Hollow Bone Designs was founded in 2013 by Rachel Massie when she was asked by a local investor to help choose design finishes for a renovation project. Once it became apparent to Massie that Atlanta needed a designer to ensure that investors’ homes sell quickly, she partnered with Ashley VanCooney to create Hollow Bone Designs. To date, Hollow Bone Designs has completed renovation design of more than $100 million in real estate in the Atlanta market, and continues to set price-per-square-foot records for clients!
Photo courtesy of Hollow Bones Designs
Hollow Bone Designs provides professional construction and renovation design services to investors and builders in the greater Atlanta area. Their focus is to elevate the space of each home, while building upon the pristine original character that it holds. Their renovation designs improve and revive each home, hearkening back to its authentic character. They build upon the integrity of the original architecture, while adding the comforts of modern-day luxuries. “Essentially, our main goal is to turn a house into a buyer’s dream home,” stated Ashley.
Hollow Bone Designs primarily caters to investors in and around the City of Atlanta. However, they have recently expanded their services to work with both investors and homeowners in Alpharetta, Milton and Canton. To contact their amazing team, visit them online or on their Facebook page. If you’re a new client, call 678-895-4643 or email info@hollowbonedesigns.com. “We firmly believe that quality staging makes all the difference in how well a property shows to potential buyers, and results in a quicker sale, often times for more money than if the property was not staged,” said Ashley. “We love working with Design2Sell! They do a magnificent job of enhancing the design of our properties and they perfectly blend styling a home while staying with the current trends, but maintaining a classic look.” For more information on our services at Design2Sell, visit us online at www.homedesign2sell.com.