Storied Charm Abounds in This Comfortable Georgia Cottage

Text by Bethany Adams

Striking in its serenity, the palette of this Atlanta, Georgia, cottage was inspired by personal taste. “She loved blues and greens,” says interior designer Virginia Cheek of the homeowner, who brought her on to redesign the space. It was a jumping-off point that led the two women on a path to a beautiful, comfortable cottage—one that would grow with the homeowner through the next stages of life.

In the spirit of Southern hospitality, the homeowner emphasized the need for a formal living room that was conducive to events such as the Bible study she was hosting at the time. “She wanted it to be a comfortable place to host gatherings like that—comfortable, but also feminine,” Virginia says. She creatively incorporated extra seating, such as the stools tucked under the foyer console, to facilitate hosting while keeping the room cozy and intimate for the family’s day-to-day use.

The artwork over the fireplace, a piece by Atlanta artist Renée Bouchon, was one of the first things the homeowner bought. “All the fabric selections were kind of based on that work,” Virginia notes. An Oushak rug layered atop a more neutral base adds a softening element, but the design gains depth from such pieces as the antique caned settee and collected china displayed on the wall.

“She has really beautiful taste,” says Virginia of the homeowner, who she notes was a single woman at the time she moved in. The opportunity to do something fun and feminine was exciting, and that influence still lingers in the sunroom. The chintz sofa—bearing a classic Lee Jofa print—is a romantic focal point, which the Visual Comfort chandelier complements with subtle elegance. “We chose that because it has acrylic arms, and we didn’t want to block the windows or the view of the backyard too much,” Virginia says.

Updates to the kitchen remained largely cosmetic, as the existing finishes lent themselves well to a refresh. New light fixtures, vibrant barstools, and a bordered roman shade above the sink injected the space with personality while incorporating the homeowner’s beloved blue shades. “Her hardware was already an antique brass,” says Virginia, who usually recommends changing details such as cabinet hardware and faucets for a quick but impactful kitchen update. “Adding some details like lighting and a window shade can make a big difference.”

While sky blue shades can be found all around the home, the homeowner’s other favorite hue makes its debut in the primary bedroom. A block-print fabric used to dress the windows was the starting point for the design of the space, atop which Virginia layered various fabrics and patterns in shades of green. “[We] kind of leaned into that mossy green that we upholstered the bed in,” Virginia says. Woven among soothing whites and soft neutrals, the color is both warm and restful, making it the ideal spot for the homeowners to unwind.

With a calming colorway, creative solutions, and plenty of antiques to contribute storied charm, the home became a welcoming, restful space for the homeowners—and everyone they invite inside its walls.