Mohr Mid-Century

Mid-Century Home Moves Into New Century

Axios was hired to update and transform a Buckhead home designed in 1963 by a well-known Atlanta architect. The new owners wanted to improve the exterior and dramatically open up the flow and connectivity of the interior space, while reusing many of the existing mid-century design finishes/elements, and also maintaining the original room layout of the house.

The exterior required minimal changes to boost curb appeal. Dated white shuttered doors were replaced with modern red doors featuring translucent textured glass. Heavy draperies were removed from windows to let in light and open up views. Muted ivory trim was replaced with dark grey paint on the two exterior columns, around the windows, on the stepped facia, and on the soffit to offer delineation and create a strong contrast to the original ochre brick color.

The primary interior design challenge was in removing a large wood paneled storage area from the center of the space that separated the dining area, living room and foyer. This large and boxy structure looked dated and made the spaces feel cramped.

Axios solved this design problem by offering a unique, functional, and beautifully-executed solution. They completely removed part of the paneled walls and strategically reused the salvaged wood and cabinetry. They lowered the two remaining walls (situated at an L-shape to each other) to counter height to open up views and provide connectivity between the spaces.

On the side between the foyer and dining area, they created a sculpturally crisp white “pylon” and oak/granite serving counter. On the side between the dining room and living room, they added granite to the top of the remaining half wall to function as additional counter/serving space and left lower cabinets in the dining area to serve as buffet storage. With the new open design concept, the living, dining, and foyer remain as three distinct spaces, but flow from one area to another seamlessly.

Also, the existing masonry corners near the fireplace were replaced with mullionless corner glass for the full height. The change created a fluid indoor/outdoor connection between the living area and pool/landscape.

Axios also designed a large custom media center that not only houses the TV and electronics equipment, but also creates a discrete vestibule for the two guestrooms at the far end of the keeping room. For the finishing touches, dated lighting was replaced with modern recessed lighting and bright decorative light fixtures, and the original parquet floors were refinished to their original luster and beauty.

About Axios Architecture, LLC

Axios is an Atlanta-based architectural studio founded by Steve Robinson in 2006. Steve’s focus is on modern design with an equal commitment to beauty, function, technology, and sustainability. Steve’s comprehensive approach integrates architecture, interior design, site planning, and landscape design to create holistic solutions. Client collaboration is the cornerstone of his process. It is all about listening well to client needs and desires, and applying the creative skill to meet (and hopefully exceed) the project objectives. For more information, please visit www.axiosarchitecture.com.