More Cleverly Conceived

December 10, 2009 | 13 comments


More pictures, that is, of the Cleverly Conceived house featured in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles' May 2009 issue. Kay Douglass' English Tudor-style home became an instant favorite the moment I laid eyes on it. So you can imagine how satisfied I was when I discovered several more pictures of the home on a lighting manufacturer's website. Apparently the house was commissioned for the company's catalog and promotional materials. What a great backdrop!

The company's lighting products are decidedly less unique than Kay's personal lighting choices sourced from her South of Market stores in Atlanta & Charleston, yet the home's stunning architecture and interior design shows through just as it did in the photographs presented in Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.



One of the prominent architectural features of the home is it's use of steel windows throughout. I'm quite fond of steel doors and windows and reveled in seeing them in the various rooms, especially these off of the kitchen.



Steel windows also make a dramatic statement in the upstairs office overlooking the home's lush landscaping and nearby duck pond. How about that view?!



The all-white stairs certainly stand out. I enjoyed seeing this alternative perspective of them from the one shown in the magazine.



A covered walkway illustrates more of the home's aged-to-perfection exterior.



An alluring new loggia with fireplace was added to the home during its renovation by Kay. That's where I'd spend a great deal of time if I lived in the house. It's perfect for Atlanta's amazing Fall and Spring seasons.

You never know where you're going to find some amazing pictures. I'm sure glad I stumbled upon these.

13 comments:

Things That Inspire said...

Great eagle eye there, James.

I was particularly interested in seeing the office area, which looks like it's counter is higher than a desk height. We are thinking about making a counter in our kitchen office area at more of 36" height instead of desk height, so it can serve dual function (butlers pantry and kitchen computer area).

Anonymous said...

I'm wondering if she approves of the fixtures that were selected for use in her house. If you compare the style of her custom fixtures in her stores and house to the ones in the ads.....they are worlds apart. Also, it appears that images could have been "photoshopped"....or a much more sophisticated software...but altered digitally. The lantern over the front door is clearly a gas fixture in the AH&L article....however in the ad it is clearly electric....which is not an easy switch...and seems a little over complicated for just a photo shoot.....

All that to say....I have always loved her houses and products, and yes it is a beautiful backdrop.

James said...

@Things That Inspire: I didn't notice the higher than usual height of the built-in desk. Good catch. I'm tall so I would appreciate the extra leg room. I'd switch out the translucent chair with an Eames Management Chair and I'd be set.

@Anonymous: Kay must know which fixtures were used as surely she has seen the finished marketing materials. Of course, they aren't nearly as nice as her own personal fixtures and thus I left off the manufacturer's name. I don't want to disparage anyone. I also wondered if the lighting was photoshopped in.

That's the amazing thing about the home. Even with less than stellar lighting, it still shines (no pun intended).

Doug Davis said...

Kay is so, so talented...I always love to see what her next house will be! It's funny to see those very 'spec house' fixtures in her home...but I agree the house looks amazing despite them!

The-Countrypolitan said...

This home has a lot of nice features such as all the brick work... and especially the steel windows.

One thing about the steel windows I have been wondering, and I have not found the answer in my research on them, is whether or not the construction of steel windows has been up-graded to be more energy efficient. James, do you happen to know? Do they offer them now with dual glazing?...

TSL said...

I was wondering the same as The-Countrypolitan regarding the steel windows! Its been years since I lived in a home with steel windows, my hope there have been marvelous upgrades regarding energy efficiency. The home is gorgeous, very charming.

Terry said...

Tina and The-Country... There is some info in the comments on Architect Design's post on steel windows. The short answer is "yes" but you'll need a fat checkbook for even poor efficiency steel windows. Also more info in TTI's steel window post.

Here is one comment: "Previously one of the largest concerns has been the energy efficiency of steel stash windows. Now there are Thermally Broken frames available in steel, stainless, Bronze and Corten with profiles as narrow as some of the old steel sash units. With the ever increasing energy code standards this is becoming the best solution for high end projects requiring minimal sightlines, large expanses of glass and thermal efficiency. This is truly a breakthrough in the steel window industry. You can see some of our projects and products at steelwindowsanddoors.com."

The-Countrypolitan said...

Thanks Terry... I will check out that website.

James said...

@Terry: Thanks for the info. I'm going to do some more research and will follow up later in another post with what I find out.

Angela at Giannetti Home: Design Online said...

I have noticed time and time again lighting companies doing this. Often times the photos do appear they have been altered to incorporate their fixture selection. It must be common practice within the industry. More marketing strategies to intice us! Regardless, this post was great and that house is to die for.

Blayne Macauley said...

I love these photos! It's so unexpected and nice to have a person in an architectural photo. There is a picture in one of the thousands of magazines I have where there is a little kid in floaties running to jump in the pool. I have seen it so many times, and it makes me smile every time!

ArchitectDesign™ said...

so funny -i had torn out that page for my inspiration files as well -love seeing the rest of the house! Thanks!

Kitchen Benchtops said...

I really love the look of the white floors, they just brighten up the rooms so much. thanks for sharing

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